GOP conventioneers might have been transfixed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's hard-hitting speech last night, but there was something else they couldn't help noticing: He seemed larger than ever. The portly politician has said in the past he needs to do something about his weight, but he's apparently losing the battle. It's not only a health problem for the governor. Fat can also be a career-ender for politicians because the public doesn't tend to favor overweight leaders. Even several Newser readers attacked the 50-year-old governor by focusing on his weight following his speech last night.
Christie is far bigger than any other major politician in recent years, and, if he were ever elected president as supporters would like, he'd be the heaviest commander-in-chief in 100 years, reports the Los Angeles Times. The Times speculates that the public may be in the mood for a change, and finally willing to swap (in Christie's words) a "big, fat rear end" for the endless parade of tanned, toned politicians we've grown used to. But the 5-foot-11 governor has packed on even more weight in recent months, raising even more concerns about his health and longevity, an important consideration for a national leader. Last year Christie had to be rushed to an emergency room for treatment of his asthma, a condition often exacerbated by weight. (More Republican National Convention stories.)
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