Obama’s gum chewing apparently stems from his long-time battle to quit smoking. Nicorette gum helped him ease the pressure to have a cig, according to a Washington Post investigation.
The president’s actions in formal situations are scrutinized by his Republican critics, who pick up on the slightest faux pas. At various times he has been blasted for calling Nazi Germany’s death camps in Poland “Polish” during a visit, giving military guards a “latte salute”, and even not looking tough enough during a gym workout session.