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Candid Candidate
* Chris Dodd pulled out of the presidential race on Jan. 3, 2008 *
Chris Dodd (D)
Occupation: U.S. senator from Connecticut
Birth Date: May 27, 1944
Spouse: Jackie
Children: Grace and Christina
Health is more than just a policy matter; it's also very personal. That's why we asked the presidential candidates to answer a few questions about how health affects them, from guilty pleasures to defining moments.
What do you do to stay healthy?
- I have two young daughters, so chasing them around the house keeps me on my toes! I also try to schedule time to exercise while out on the road and try to eat as well as possible on the campaign trail.
What is your biggest obstacle to staying healthy?
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Find out where Chris Dodd stands on the key health issues.
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- The campaign trail makes it difficult to eat right because you are always on the go, but when we're in the car traveling from stop to stop, my staff have nuts, granola bars, water, etc. to snack on.
How do you handle the stress of the campaign?
- My wife, Jackie, and my two daughters help me relax after a long day. And I find meeting with voters and hearing their thoughts on our country invigorating.
What health challenges have you or your family faced?
- My oldest daughter, Grace, has a severe nut allergy, so it makes us more aware of what we're eating in order to keep her healthy.
Who's the health enforcer in your family? ("No, you're not smoking that cigarette"..."Sorry, no stops at Burger King today")
- My wife, Jackie makes sure that the girls and I stay healthy even as we travel across the country.
Who makes the health/doctor appointments in your family?
- Jackie and I both make doctors' appointments -- we want to make sure that we put our family's health first.
What is your favorite "guilty pleasure" food?
- I really enjoyed the fried twinkies at the Iowa State Fair!
Is there one experience that shaped your view of health?
- My daughter Grace's severe allergy has made me much more aware of the dangers that certain foods pose to her health.
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.
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The Candidates
Read the candidates' health platforms plus find out how health affects them personally.
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