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The content below was selected by the WebMD Editorial staff and is solely under WebMD's editorial control.

Candid Candidate

Barack Obama (D)

Occupation: U.S. senator from Illinois

Birth Date: Aug. 4, 1961

Spouse: Michelle Robinson Obama

Children: Malia Ann, Sasha

WebMD asked all the presidential candidates eight questions about how health affects them, from guilty pleasures to defining moments. While Barack Obama has not yet responded to those questions, here are some health issues he or his family has faced.

Feeling pressure from his wife, Obama resolved to quit smoking during the winter 2006 holidays. He told the Chicago Tribune that he had been "chewing Nicorette strenuously" in an effort to kick the habit.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Find out where Barack Obama stands on the key health issues.
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Obama revealed in his 1995 memoir Dreams From My Father that he tried cocaine and smoked marijuana as a teenager.

He enjoys playing basketball.

His mother Ann Dunham died of ovarian cancer at age 53.

Obama's wife, Michelle, was, until recently, the vice president of community and external affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

The content contained in WebMD's "Health Matters in the 2008 Election" section is for informational purposes only. WebMD does not endorse any specific political party, candidate, committee, idea or belief.

The Candidates

Read the candidates' health platforms plus find out how health affects them personally.

Clinton (D) Platform | Personal
Gravel (L) Platform | Personal
McCain (R) Platform | Personal
Nader (I) Platform | Personal
Obama (D) Platform | Personal

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