At the Republic Day parade where Barack Obama is the chief guest, the United States president was spotted chewing gum -- he removed it and popped it back into his mouth.
Obama moved his head to the tunes as he enjoyed India’s colourful parade. But what caught the most attention was that he was chewing gum seated next to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was most likely Nicorette, a nicotine gum.
According to a report in The Washington Post published in November, the president is hooked to the gum to fight his smoking addiction. "For Obama, gum isn't about vanity. His aides described his quest to kick cigarettes as a 'lifelong struggle'," the report said.
Peter Baker, a White House correspondent, tweeted on Sunday morning, “Obama appears to be enjoying parade, shown on Indian television bobbing his head with the music. Seems to be chewing gum, probably Nicorette.”
“That's his 21-gum salute RT @Vamsee9002: Just now saw Prez Obama chewing something @Travel4Life5 @smitabarooah,” tweeted David B Cohen.
Tweets Smita Barooah, addictions counsellor, “Obama is chewing gum! Seriously uncool!”
Sumona Chakravarti, an actor, said on Twitter, “Wats wit Obama chewin a gum while watchin a formal parade...:O”
Author Shobha De said, "Barack bhai working his jaws overtime and chewing gum! At least it isn't gutka. But seriously - gum
during a formal parade?".
"Glad to see @BarackObama is so human. Like most Americans, he chews gum. Anyone know what brand?," was how noted film-maker Shekhar Kapur reacted.
However, this is not the first time that Obama has been spotted chewing gum during an important function. He was slammed by Internet users in China in November for chewing gum at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit held in Beijing.
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