Anti-smoking groups laud Obama's efforts to kick the butt

Washington, March 2 (ANI): Anti-smoking groups have praised US President Barack Obama for his efforts to quit the habit - though he continues to light the puff.

Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said the US president's cigarette struggles sent out a message to young people about the need to kick the deadly habit.

"The difficulty he has quitting should send a message to our nation's youth just how tough an addiction it can be once you start," csmonitor.com quoted Myers as saying.

John Banzhaf, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and a law professor at George Washington University, also said: "Should the president be able to quit, we and every antitobacco organization will hold him up as a shining example that even with all the stress he is under, it can be done.

But he added: "Right now, he's not a poster boy for showing that people can quit." (ANI)