Barack Obama smokes! This and similar headings could be found on the political blogs around the country when photos of Barack Obama smoking were circulated. The wary amongst the politicos did not want to believe that Obama smokes but instead thought that there may be a good chance that these pictures were simply doctored up to provide political fodder for blogs, newspapers, and discussion groups alike. Yet Obama himself dispelled this notion by admitting that he was indeed a smoker in the past, yet because of his wife’s insistence he had quit the habit before beginning his run for the White House.

Obama is of course the main competition for Senator Hillary Clinton in a grab for the nomination of the Democratic Party. Some consider him a sure win while others believe that he will have to come up with an 11th hour tactic for surpassing the Senator whose name recognition surpasses New York and other locales. Pictures of Obama smoking – by some – are thought to do just that. Showing that this candidate is a man of the people, like the people, and in the grip of the same addictions, albeit overcoming them! To this end, the fact that Obama made his effort to quit smoking so public has been cited.

On the other side of the coin are those who believe that Obama is simply conducting some damage control. While there is nobody who will come right out and say that the Obama smoking picture might hurt his chances, the politically climate that eschews all things tobacco and nicotine in today’s society would also demand the same of a presidential candidate. Failure to adhere to this notion could cost Obama the public support he needs to raise the funds necessary to surpass Clinton in a bid for the Oval Office.

When it comes right down to it, whether or not Obama smokes has precious little to do with his ability to run the country. Furthermore, if Obama - smoker or not – can rally the Democratic Party behind him and move the country on a new course, he will be welcomed by many, regardless whether the answer to “does Obama smoke cigarettes” is a resounding yes or no. In the meantime, however, the bloggers will continue to speculate and the rabid anti-smokers and pro-smokers will duke it out online, hopefully leaving the rest of the voting public to contend with the more pressing issues, such as the war in Iraq, numerous failing educational systems, and of course healthcare, illegal immigration, and social security.