Fat Chance of Slimming Down on Campaign Trail

Image-conscious politicians are having to balance their hunger for power with their hunger for food. Modern voters tend to mock or shun fat politicians—but with events like the Clyburn Fish Fry and the Harkin Steak Fry firm fixtures on the pre-primary calendar, candidates are struggling to stick to their diets, reports the New York Times. Voters expect to see enthusiastic participation, but frown on extra pounds.

Republican contender Mike Huckabee has slimmed down massively since he broke chairs as Arkansas governor. "If you're really overweight they just assume you're undisciplined," he said. He sticks to salad these days—although during a tour of a metal factory in Iowa, he gazed hungrily at a metal disc and suggested adding pepperoni and cheese. (More Election 2008 stories.)