Chris Christie , a potential presidential candidate , had weight - loss surgery . Julian Lewis says candidates should n't be judged on appearances . When Bill Clinton ran for the presidency in 1992 , the media covered his tendency to eat junk food on the campaign trail and his weight gains were treated as problematic . But Americans will inevitably take weight and appearance into consideration , he says . Zelizer : Job of presidency is constantly in public view , and extremely demanding .
Chris Christie , a potential presidential candidate , had weight - loss surgery . Julian Lewis says candidates should n't be judged on appearances . But Americans will inevitably take weight and appearance into consideration , he says . Zelizer : Job of presidency is constantly in public view , and extremely demanding .