Chris Christie, the New Jersey governor who has everybody wondering: Is-he-or-isn't-he running-for-President? is flat-out dominating the news and talk show circuits lately. And it's not really because everybody is waiting with bated breath to see whether or not he's going to announce his bid. It's because he's fat. Their words, not mine.
For a while now, Christie has been the butt of David Letterman's jokes. The Late Show funnyman just can't seem to get enough of them. Last night he actually ran a top 10 list entitled, "Ways the World Would Be Different if Chris Christie Were President." Ways included: "There would be a Secretary of Cake" and "The National Anthem would be Chili's classic commercial jingle 'I Want My Baby (Back Ribs).'"
But we expect this behavior from Letterman. It's his shtick. What's more surprising -- and disconcerting -- is that The View actually dedicated an entire segment to discussing whether Chris Christie is "too fat to be president."
During the heated discussion, an irate Elisabeth Hasselbeck said, "Imagine this conversation about an overweight female candidate. We would be beside ourselves." And she's right. The world would be beside themselves, watching women talk about another woman's weight in that manner. Letterman, lovable curmudgeon that he is, seems to have carte blanche when it comes to poking fun at both males and females. (See Michele Bachmann and Sarah Palin.)
It seems like a silly conversation to have when discussing a potential president, especially when coming from women who, let's face it, are so often deemed vapid, unknowledgeable about politics, and obsessed with physical appearance. Also, the answer is: No, it doesn't matter. We've already had overweight presidents. Teddy Roosevelt, John Adams, William Taft, and, um, a little leader named Bill Clinton, who was depicted on Saturday Night Live eating a cheeseburger. (They're not exempt from jokes.) Also, let's not forget the fact that Obama's penchant for another bad habit -- cigarettes -- had no effect on his campaign.
This is a stupid conversation, and it's a shame the ladies of The View actually took time out of their show to discuss it. In case they are as unknowledgeable about politics as this segment made them seem, I'll leave them with this: Typically it's a person's platforms, their policies -- and money -- that determine whether or not they're going to be President. Not how much they weigh.
Check out the video.
What do you think about The View discussing this?
Image via Hoboken Condos/Flickr
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Comments 9
sometimes i wonder who on earth actually watches this drivel. i can't even wrap my brain around having the conversation. of all the things in this world we could talk about, really?!? and shame on these ladies. i'm no elizabeth hasselback fan, but i have to agree: in this world of anti-bullying and "teach tolerance and acceptance" what the hell kind of message are they trying to send? "oh yeah, don't bully people, don't pick on gay people, but hey, let's talk about the fatty having cheeseburgers!"??? whatever. the world is always gonna hate on fat people. it is what it is. what it is not, however, is a determining factor in someone's ability to be president.
To me, being obese is a sign of someone who couldn't handle an entire country. I know, it sounds stupid, but when it comes down to it, the vast majority of fat people are fat because they can't control themselves with food. Part of being a responsible adult is saying "no" to something even if you want it. If he can't take care of himself, why should he be trusted to take care of a country.
By that logic, Lehoffman, Obama shouldn't be in office. He can't sa "no" to cigarettes. I'll bet more than one of our leaders are alcoholics, too. And alcohol, for one, is known to alter your ability to make decisions. Food does not.
The View has been irrelevant for quite some time because its become a gossip segment with no real 'meat' to it. Speaking of meat, I am offended by lehoffman's statement about obesity precluding someone from being leader of the free world. Everyone has their vices and although I would be concerned about his heart health with the stress of the office, overeating (or having a metabolic issue) has nothing to do with commanding respect or balancing a budget.
What's more surprising -- and disconcerting -- is that The View actually dedicated an entire segment to discussing whether Chris Christie is "too fat to be president."
Because The View women usually spend their time discussing, what, important things? With intelligence, integrity and decency? I guess I must be confused about which show you're referencing, because The View I'm familiar with wouldn't be above devoting an entire segment of their show to smearing a conservative politician. In fact, they're not above devoting an entire show to it, let alone a segment.
the comment by @lehoffman (which for the record: yes, it does sound stupid) reminded me of something i'd heard a long time ago about vices and men of power. did you know that there was a world leader who was once a vegetarian? he didn't drink, and he didn't smoke either. his name was Adolf Hitler. so how's that for choosing based on vices?
did you know that there was a world leader who was once a vegetarian? he didn't drink, and he didn't smoke either. his name was Adolf Hitler.
Really? I had no idea. You learn something every day!