He’s not running for President in 2012, but his many public appearances to convince the GOP of that fact have resulted in countless barbs about his body. Can someone explain why we are so obsessed with Christie’s weight? How are the people who throw out these fat jokes any different from bullies on the school yard (I’m looking at you, David Letterman)?
If you are so inclined, please attack Christie’s politics, values, plans, or policies. He’s a politician – feel free to comment in any fashion about the manner by which he does his job. Even Sarah Palin managed to criticize the manner by which he announced that he was not (no really, NOT) running for president. As disagreeable as I find Palin, at least she had something to whinge about that wasn’t Christie’s pant size.
Weight, when it deviates from our strict standard, is seen as a personal failing. Add media buzz and this “personal failing” soon eclipses all other accomplishments. Comments about his weight create noise and drown out any real debate.
This irritation on my part has nothing to do with his politics. That’s a completely separate matter from his size. We’ve accepted that people of all genders, sexual orientations, and colors can have valid political views, but somehow, being larger prevents that.
I guess girth begets worth.
Ally Bean says
I agree with what you said 100%. It’s his ability to govern that I care about, not that he shops in the Big & Tall department.
Honestly, get a grip people! Focus on what matters.
Helena says
Exactly!
Belle says
I actually wrote a way too long comment, which I’m more than happy to share if you like, but it’s kind of a rant, the jest of which was a candidate’s overall health is an issue and if his weight effects his/her health than it’s a voter’s right to take that into consideration.
Should he be ridiculed for it? No. A candidate’s physical appearance shouldn’t play a part in the voting process. It does, obviously, but it shouldn’t.
Helena says
I agree with you to a point. I feel that his weight has become the sole focus, however; the easy laugh line (like Trump’s hair, Boehner’s skin, and Bachmann’s off-center glare).
Paige Worthy says
I don’t think it’s something to take jabs at him about — to the point of being mean — but I do think that leading by example is important. With our country fighting an obesity epidemic as we are, I think it’s pretty essential to have someone in office who knows how to take care of his body.
I recognize that there are a lot of reasons people become obese, but I don’t believe Christie ever addressed them, and he would have needed to do so if he’d actually declared his candidacy.
He didn’t want to run anyway, so I guess it’s all moot. He had his fifteen minutes of fat fame.
Helena says
I’m absolutely with you on the health thing. My problem was mainly with the constant barbs. Leading by example is definitely important (I cringe whenever I see pictures of Obama smoking).
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