Lessons for other smokers in Obama's efforts to quit

Anti-smoking activists would love to see Obama use his bully pulpit to inspire others to join him in trying to kick the habit, but he has not yet taken up their cause.

The last president to smoke more than occasionally was Gerald Ford, who was quite fond of his pipes. Jimmy Carter and both Presidents George Bush were reportedly abstainers, but Bill Clinton liked cigars from time to time - though he may have chewed more than he smoked.

Obama's heaviest smoking was seven or eight cigarettes a day, but three was more typical, according to an interview published in the November issue of Men's Health magazine. In a letter given to reporters before the election, Obama's doctor described his smoking history as"intermittent," and said he had quit several times and was using Nicorette gum, a form of nicotine replacement,"with success." Obama was often seen chewing gum during the campaign.

His pattern matches that of millions of other people who have resolved but stumbled in their efforts to give up cigarettes. Today, 21 percent of Americans smoke, down from 28 percent in 1988.