CNN

Can you substitute onion rings for the fries?

OK,. so this story was not particularly newsworthly - in the legit news world - in light of the chaos around the globe (and the NFL playoffs, ok?)

But if this were instead a story about the president-elect having half a cigarette, it would ALSO not be news worthy, yet EVERYONE WHO GRIPED ABOUT THIS STORY CLICKED ON IT. The headline was actually not misleading. This story was about a mudane personal event. Anyone who clicked on it could not possibly be dissappointed, unless you've had a relative die from lung cancer. The headline set you up precisley for the pay-off.

If you wanted a story about foreign policy or the economy, this was obviously not it. So if you clicked and were dissapointed, or felt like it wasted your time, you are the stupid one - not the writer, or the network. Given the headline, this was a human-interest story all the way. And if you clicked on it, then you are responsible for the media running many more stories like it.

Was this a publicity stunt? Maybe. More probably it was a meeting with the mayor of DC, and the newbie wanted to know where the iconic DC eateries were, and the mayor took him to one. That is a personal touch you normally only get to read in biographies years after it takes place. So perhaps it does shed light on the president-elect. Down-to-earth? Yes. In-touch? Yes. At a cost to the taxpayers and local area (security, etc), yes. News-worthy? We will only find out years from now. In the meantime, your clicks are the only things that make it so.

All the idiots that run out to see obuma make me want to throw and just seeing him on the boob tube makes me want to throw up again.

I love this kind of coverage.....it shows a gentler side of all the craziness in this world. And to all of the right wingnut foamers, I didn't hear you complaining about Bush taking a trip on Air Force One at taxpayer expense to see his daddy get his own aircraft carrier.

Sorry, but some of the posts here are just stoooopid.

You're all missing the most important thing: Ben's half-smoke is one of the best food items in the country. The man is informed!

Please before you people keep fainting over him why don't you wait and see if he is capable of doing something besides walking into a restaurant?
This tabloid press the Obamas are getting is making me sick.
I think he is very intelligent and a great speaker but let's see what he can do to fix this mess that our country is in.
When none of you have a job and you're standing in the bread lines we'll see if you only want to talk about where Obama is eating or what Michelle is wearing.

Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 11:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

I'm so looking forward to the era of Obama. After 8 long hard years of Bush and his corrupt cronies, will this be a breath of fresh air!!! Thanks America and Godspeed Obama/Biden.

Ronnie Patrick January 10th, 2009 9:41 pm ET
This beautiful man is just like Jesus hanging with common people.

Oh, pleeease. You're making me sick with this idol worship.

girltexas:

What you wish on others, shall you have for yourself. Becareful what you wish for!!

Isn't this a typical liberal parasite interfering with the everyday lives of Americans. Look at how much he disrupted everyone not already in the eatery. Why can't he use the federal employees food court and stay off the streets. The man is a parasite.

What a stupid, mis-leading headline. Can't you professional journalists come up with something better than that? Just because it "seems like a good idea at the time" doesn't mean that you shouldn't rethink it after writing it.

Gordon, Payson, Az January 10th, 2009 6:29 pm ET

Here come the Libtards in 3….2…1….

(is my comment witty or insightful or both?)
___________________________________________________
Neither it just shows how stupid you are. Idiot

Mark- As an ex smoker of 30 years who finally quit after my fifth attempt, trust me , when Obama says he has made an "effort" to quit smoking,but has on occasion" fallen off the wagon", he is still smoking. I am not criticizing his smoking, I am just saying do not idolize another unfounded myth about the man.

Just another photo op for the ultimate phoney in D. C. Proven Fact!

I am glad the man likes to eat good food, and I will support him as POTUS, but people he isn't the mesiah, just a regular man. Relax.

What a great Guy, what a great Predident he wil be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why is "half-smoke" in quotation marks? This blogger's never heard of a half-smoke?

A REAL PERSON as President- It will be a welcomed CHANGE!

He's so down to earth....i love mr. Prez!!!

It is a shame that you sorry clowns would use that headline.

man, i should have been there. i go to the chili bowl every other day or so and (go figure) i missed it the day obama shows up. they added the obamas to the "eats free" list (now consisting of bill cosby and the obama family) back in november...it was only a matter of time before he swung in. he ordered it right too–half-smoke w/ chili. the best food in the world.

I just can't believe people are so stupid as to rush around like a bunch of helots (Meet John Doe) to see obama. In fact they act the same way over any rock star. Goes to show this country is celebrity crazy.

"JUST A EVERYDAY MAN " says some Obama sheep.

If the everyday man is a rich, connected, lawyer, from a preppy background. Which we are NOT.

Did you really but in the everyday man myth? Dude – take a few more brains cells to think about it a minute.

He's a winner through and through !!!!!!!

a man of the people for the people.. he is not so far removed from the average man that he does not know what it is to be like the average man.... or woman... I think he is letting us know that he does not mean to get out of touch with HIS base! Go Obama!

i like to touch little boys and i am really just a stupid democrat that knows nothings, well guess ill leave you all with that

Well, even this is Clintonesque-stops at fast food joints already?

I was kind of wondering who has the dirty job of cleaning up the "wet" spot on the chairs of MSM "reporters" who write these fluff stories about the Messiah. Knowing the liberal mentality, I'm sure they only get minimum wage. HEIL OBAMA!

Obama half smoking? what kind of crap is that cnn ? the man was eating and yall call it half smoking?

This beautiful man is just like Jesus hanging with common people. I knew when I worked in his campaign for twenty one months, gave of my money and lots and lots of prayers, chased by dogs, walking in dog mess, being cursed out, doors closed in my face. Having my WHITE REPUBLICAN husband who by the way voted for Mccain working daily in the field with me. Still married to me and still just as loving as he was before Obama came in the picture (smile). Never changing the channel on my TV from CNN, MSNBC and NBC, I was doing the right thing. God is with you Obama all the way. You will be the best President this Country have ever had. While that you are not perfect you are perfect for us. You might not see me on the 20th but I will be there with my WHITE REPUBLICAN husband. By the way I would rather Obama smoke a cig once in a while than cheating on his wife and country. Get over it he will be delivered.

who gives a crap

I just love him.

you guys are hilarious, guy eats a hot dog and its like he pated the Red Sea.

Blossum it may give him gas.But how presidential it will be is another question. in most cases. methane gas smells really bad in other words stinks like hell.and you know this guy isn't supposed to stink.

I applaud PEBO for keeping it real! I will pray that you continue to be yourself. Be who you are, do you!

The title was very misleading and inappropiate.

Aside from this, it is great to see our president-elect, continuing to fellowship and reach out to the people he will serve. I love the way the new administration and cabinet is looking. A great sampling of America's finest from all four corners.

Let us continue to stay involved in our government and serve for the greater good of all Americans in our respective professions.

Way to go Obama!

That One !!!! January 10th, 2009 9:19 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
@Mike, Syracuse NY Please find TCM and you guys take your Racist
A_S to H_LL
****************************************************************************
@Eve and Mark ….half-smokes” –- sausages smothered in spicy homemade chili sauce, mustard, and onions.Saturday’s half-smoke sausage may be just about all the smoking Obama is doing of late. The president-elect has made an effort to quit smoking, although he admitted in recent interviews that he has, on occasion, "fallen off the wagon."

Smoker here.
What is up with smoker phobia. I am sick of it.....the way people go on and on about it....it so bad alot of smokers take it to the closet....they should just make it illegal if they don't want us addictied....I don't get it. We cant smoke indoors anymore here in Oregon and frankly I never smoke indoors anyways, I think Tobacco education has created a bunch of non-tolerant bigets....for god sakes leave the fien alone!!!! This article is sweet but its twisted headlines are spun to draw the condemer. If you knew what kind of energy it took in your own life to be president you would realize Obama has every right to manage his stress how he wants. STFU

So Obama has sausages and people are praising him for it? Jesus Christ. I supported Obama and donated to his campaign, and *I'm* sick of the Obama worship. Support him, people, don't worship him.

Mark: Gee, so you figured out CNN's angle on making the title eye-catching. Very astute.

I can only hope Ben's Chili Bowl opens a resturant here in Las Vegas.

Their food sounds great.. Not only that, it sounds healthier than Mc D's extra greasy crud. I'm sure Obama's security detail enjoyed this place as well!!

Well, we have a Hooters here so that will do just fine.

Ben's chili bowl is a DC staple. It is the same half smoke served in National's park. You're not a 'DC' rsident if you have never dined there.. this is important b/c even though he is new to town he is embracing the community of where he lives. He has met with our mayor Fenty at least twice that I know of. And his daughters are enrolled in school here. G. Bush – I'm sure has never even heard of Ben's chili bowl – hated DC – and was completely out of touch.

Obama You are a good man.

I swear that man has a cast-iron stomach...

This is news HOW?? Come on people.

Lol, This is our president? Whats next, bailout for mcdonalds?

Please look at the spelling errors of the Obama supporters in this article. If this is his "base" we are in serious (or seeryus) trouble.

Wow, he eats food...with his mouth. The Democrats are right;.

He's a GOD!

The title of this article is misleading.

Oh man I went to Ben's late Friday night, I wish I had went today for lunch instead, I just missed him! And I noticed the addition of the Obama family to the "People who eat free at Ben's" sign. I'm glad he went! Welcome to DC!

lol @ people coming to this thinking it was something about Obama smoking.

Hi Haters!!!!

Folks, you do not know just how lucky you are
in having BARACK as your PRESIDENT!

BUT WAIT, I FORGOT, YOU FOLKS ACTUALLY
VOTED FOR HIM!

WELL GUESS WHAT? AMERICANS HAVE
MADE HISTORY!

WE CANADIANS LOVE BARACK. we have
even said on our BLOGS, that if you do not
appreciate Barack, we would love to have him
and his family move to Canada...........darn...
you decided. (rightly so) that YOU WANT TO
KEEP BARACK AND HIS FAMILY, SO WHAT
CAN I SAY? WE ARE OUT OF LUCK!

BARACK IS A MAN FOR THE PEOPLE, SO
PLEASE, WATCH OUT FOR HIM, THERE ARE
MANY WHO WOULD LIKE TO SEE BARACK
COME TO HARM! AMERICA AND THE REST
OF THE WORLD IS IN CHAOS, AND
BARACK AND HIS ADMINISTRATION
ARE FACING A MONUMENTAL TASK!

GOOD LUCK FOLKS!

Pity there is no Sauce On the "Barbi" Cue for such Comedy???? Just another Plastic Doll???.

Obama is the man. I would love to just hang out with him for a day.

Amy-wake up and realize that Obama is yet another elite...the way you think of him is a joke. He wouldn't give you the time of day if you could not advance his political career someway.

Enough! I'm cringing as I'm (trying) to read the last few comments. Get off of your computer and go back to school so you can learn how to write a coherent sentence!

Glad we're focusing on the important stuff.

All show and loking for the Cheese to kiss up to people before ruining our livelyhood with tax increases. First one will be the GAS TAX.

Obama is just natural like like many of us.I hope the media give him some time .They are everywhere with him.I just wish I can meet obama.But I like what he says to the people all the time."ONE PRESIDENT AT A TIME"

He is so cool! Just a regular guy! And Ben's is the best! They're gonna be packed though b/c of this article so don't even bet on getting in there next weekend.

DANG .... Bens Chilli Bowl is less than 500 miles from my house. If only I had driven up there for a bowl of chilli today. This PE Obama is one of the people of this country. He is as we are. Normal everyday people.

I agree with Mark...poor title choice for this article.

I agree with Amy; I just wish I could meet Obama 1 time. That would make my day!

Mark,
Get over it !
the dude had a lunch.
My god man

I will continue to pray for President Obama, Michelle and our first little girls.Obama please always remember to HANG TUFF and PRAY MUCH!!

He did the same thing in my town, just showed up at a restaurant for food. That's way cool.

Dude, your headline was MISLEADING!!!

Who's responsible for this?!?

He or she should be skinned and half-smoked themselves!

What can I say other than I luv the man. America's future is bright despite we appear to be in the dumps right now.

You know, I love CNN. I think they are as unbiased as they can be. But seriously, this title deluded even me. I expected some comment about Obama falling off the wagon. While I love a play on words, Sarah Palin (unfortunate, but true) comes to mind about the media's ability to distort the truth. Obama hadn't had a cigarette, but clearly the headline was hoping most would read it that way. I don't want the media to appeal to the lowest common denominator, but perhaps, a little more thought and discretion should be used in these headlines.....

Another example of the socialist, Muslim, super liberal, policies of the President Elect.

Give us more Palin stories!

Palin/Cheney 2012!!!

God save the president Obama. The furure of all natins depend on him.

wow,, sounds like jesus is in the house,, obvious,, they dont close streets and all for jesus,,, but , my god its obama,,, never mind posting this,, its all obama on cnn,,, god forbid ,, you say anything bad,,, well . rule our world ,, and why even post anything bad . about your god,, it will never be seen ,, HEIL HITLER

Ben's Chili Bowl is a famous African-American institution from back when this part of DC was called "Black Broadway"- and it is totally awesome.

Hey Mark at 7:41 p.m.: My understanding is he has failed to kick the smoking hoping. Besides: If they're called "half smokes," light up! ... I mean LIGHTEN up.

Ya, no kidding. That was stupid on CCN's part. The title should easily say "Half Smokey" they did it on purpose to get people to read it. Typical false statements for better viewer turn out.

I'm happy to see our President enjoying his weekend as our nation is worn to a frazzle from worry about the economy, jobs, and the daily grind so must he. With 10 days remaining, he better enjoy this time before entering the forbidden zone where time stands still and he will forever be scrutinized by a desparate nation. God bless our new President and his family.

WHO CARES

Ben's Chili Bowl is awesome! If you are coming for the Inauguration, you should go there for lunch! Kudos to Obama for knowing the best place in DC.

What a great, down to earth guy. GOBAMA

I just love him.

Missed it.... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

what a horrible misleading title, shame on you CNN

Nick,
You're entry was a grammar nightmare. What exactly are you trying to say? Are you trying to insult Obama? I can’t tell.

The cult of personality is the reality of the USA.

Ben's is overrated

and what does this have to do with accomplishing anything. if i am correct, each of your presidents have done many of these events.

While the title of this article may be cute, it's rather misleading. I thought perhaps the press was writing about Obama falling off the wagon and smoking. (Which I hope and pray he doesn't do!) Yesterday on CNN there was a subtitle which said "Cloak and Dagger" talking about Obama's choices for CIA. It gave the impression that there was something very secretive going on in his administration. Imaginary scenarios are being thrown out already that Hillary may be jealous of Joe Biden. Then there is the constant dribble about Sarah Palin. Really, who cares? Blah blah. This is what happens when you have to manufacture news. How about showing us more about what is going on in the Middle East or something with substance. The BBC in America and Link t.v. (available on Dish) are two great sources if you want something
that offers a little more balance to the news. Less hype for ratings.

I'll bet his gas smells like freshly baked cookies and sounds like kittens purring. I can't wait for the coronation!

CNN, Your moderator appears to be vary biased today,if you do not worship Obama and slander Bush you will be censored and not posted,I thought you would like to know,if you even get to read this.

good point, powwow. a Secretary of Common Sense. would be a good Cabinet position

Too bad he didn't choke on it.

I would have ordered the same exact meal that Obama ordered.

Whatever is good enough for the man of change is good enough for me!

Awesome!

My next stop to DC..lol..reading this makes me want to drive to DC right now....sounds tasty

We have a great human as President. GOTTA LOVE IT!!!

I don't think you should have put anything about Obama smoking in your headline. Everyone knows he has battled cigarette smoking, so your title implies that he has failed to stop smoking.

Darn it man I just want to meet him 1 time! Love how he is keeping in touch with the people and actually listening. Keep it up!

Love you Obama!

How nice wish I could have meeted and greeted.

I agree with Pat from Omaha. Obama knows how small gestures go a long way. We have missed that in this country. He's just a guy who wanted a hot dog, but he's aware that many of the people are awestruck and personally happy for him and the country. Great that he hasn't let victory change him - Not that I expected it would.

However, I would go nuts if I were with the secret service. He's gonna have to show more restraint or he's gonna burn those poor folks out.

There's always a critic- I mean honestly, are you really criticizing Obama for being a real person, eating a local place??? Give me a break! People like you should stay at home cooking and let people like me enjoy reading about our soon to be president going about his day just like everyone else.
We love Obama!!!

Jesus is with you Abama .You are admired all over the world. GOD will help you to avoid smoking. Love you Abama

NO! "Referencing" is what a scholar does with footnotes. The restaurant owner "referred to" her outfit or, better yet, was "pointing to" it.

It's a fantastic place to go for some great food!

I'm glad Barack knows where the good food's at.

Jesus is with you Abama .You are admired all over the world. GOD will help you to avoid smoking.

He is so down to earth! Love this man! Make us Proud Obama!

That food will give him presidential gas!

Is he holding a cigarette in his fingers? That certainly was my first thought, particularly with the "half smokes" headline.

This just made me hungry!

What yellow journalism this is! "President spends day half-smoking" and in the picture it looks like he's holding a cigarette. But it turns out he isn't smoking at all.

I never could understand why anyone would want to drink a beer with Bush. He has always seemed like an arrogant, insecure, idiot to me. I couldn't imagine a bigger waste of 15 minutes than spending it with a guy like him.

wow, misleading title supported by a misleading photo making Obama look like he has a cigarette in his hand.

Love him, love him!

To Nick, many people that are already in school need to STAY in school. Kids are worried about affording to go to college when they do not even want to finish high school. The drop out rate is awful.

Another planned photo op to eat a chili dog. Anything to keep feeding the kool-aid drinkers thirst.........and to make sure their minds are ful of these images instead if realizing he has no clue how to run this country.

What does awaiting moderation mean????? I seem to get this a lot on my comments, I do not think I am too well liked!!!!!!!!!!So sorry. Betty

I am a 23 year USMC combat vet (Ret ,2003) . Respect and voted for McCain, but this new young man is providing me with something that my 26 year old daughther saw, and I called her crazy.
President Obama, I wish you the best Sir!
On a different note, take the 50 million and do the blackberry endorsment, put that money in to the DC area for education.
I live in Califiornia, but DC can use it more.
Great Danes are wonderful family pets.
Keep you promises and God Bless you and yours.

Love him, your's was the first of what will likley be many ignorant comments. Back in your hole, fool.

Obama is like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.

I hate the title of this article. I guess it does get more people to click on it, but Obama does have a history of smoking, and it despicably plays on that.

oops! I did it again, I submitted a comment that did not squeeze by the bias on CNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!too bad, so sad. Betty

I love Obama, I can't wait til he pays my mortgage!!!

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT MR. PRESIDENT OBAMA BECAUSE YOU ARE WHAT AMERICA REPRESENTS, REAL PEOPLE. OBAMA DOESN'T LOOK DOWN HIS NOSE AT ANYBODY.

Hooray – He likes hot dogs, Hooray!!!!

I'm sure it was cool to be in the restaurant though! Seriously – He's such a vast improvement over the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. I particularly enjoy the complete sentences – it's very refreshing!

I fully agree with love him....good ridance to 'W' which now stands for worthless. Go Obama....I know you have a tough agenda, but I have total faith that you will lead us in the right direction....

I love my new President! Go Obama

This man is bursting with intellect and he's still not to elitist to stop for a Chili dog with the common man how cool is that.

Thanks for including the audio so we can "Hear the crowd react and the owner reflect on the visit." Is this a joke? We already had to be barraged with Malia and Sasha's school lunch menu for 2 days, and hear about a doll that was pinned to one of the children's backpacks.

Are there not more important things to discuss, write about, cover, you know, BE A JOURNALIST, REPORT NEWS on.

Seriously, this is getting ridiculous.

We're having left over home-made chili with tons of cheddar cheese on top tonight here at home in Texas.

God bless the Obama family

President Obama and Vice-President Biden are both terrific in that they are down to earth and approachable, and combine those qualities with intelligence, common sense, and a well-rounded knowledge of U.S. and international affairs. I am SO thankful they won the election. Here's to a good 4 years America!

Ben's Chili Bowl is the best! They should be coming up on their 50th anniversary.

you still have not answered my question. who is going to be the Secretary of Common Sense and Honest Policy Quality Control ?

In answer to commenter "Love him": I agree. Isn't it odd how the argument has often been made that you have either a president who is intelligent or one you can have beer with – when in fact I'd think that most people would appreciate to have beer with someone who is ALSO intelligent?

We were all so right about him. Everything I read and hear about his approach to legislators, people on the street, his family etc...just confirms how right we were to send him the Washington. I understand and expect that he will do things that I disagree with. But it is this open and engaging approach that will enable us to work together to fix this country.

Yes...we can!

Welcome to Washington Mr. President....and God bless and keep you and the First Family...and may God bless America.

Sorry that I'm not all that excited about this news. Of all the crisis going on right now. Seems a little silly, a story about Obama eating at restaurant named Ben's Chili Bowl. Good for Ben though.

Our new prez loves the people. He's going to be a challenge for the security details. ha ha ha

Maybe someone in DC will finally earn their money (if they keep him safe).

9-1/2 days

Ben January 10th, 2009 5:43 pm ET
Now you would see people who don't read or don't want to read writing what it isn't………

It isn't news!

I wish President-Elect encourage everyone home-cooked food instead of fast-food full of grease. One can have steak at home for the price of a hamburger – a profound statement every one to read into it.

Enjoy our spur-of-the-moment trips to restaurants, etc.! I hope you can continue doing this since it endears you to us all! But you are probably a real nightmare for the security people!!!
Thanks for being a real person...one who cares about all of us!
Good luck! Don't let DC change you! Hopefully Michelle will help keep you real!!

Taking a good natured event your happy about and using it as an opportunity to insult americans is just lousy.Our great country is not ruined and never will be.Love it or leave it Love him.Go obama!

I hope he chokes on it

Rats! Ben's Chili Bowl is less than a mile from my house... if only I'd headed down there for a chili dog.

I like my new President!

bens chili bowl RULES

just live up to it, man. just please live up to it.

It doesn't take much to be a great president in our country,you just need to eat at Ben's.

Nice to have him in the neighborhood! A shame we are denied full American citizenship despite having one of the highest tax rates in the nation. We need representation in the U. S. Senate and House of Representatives like other Americans. Taxation without representation.

HE WILL BE A PEOPLE'S PRESIDENT. WE ALL LOVE YOU PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.

Love him...." Security barricaded the U Street block, and hundreds rushed out of restaurants and apartment buildings to catch a glimpse of the incoming president. " ...how many of those people do you think got to drink a beer with Obama?

I voted for Bush twice and he delivered; no more US attacks; Al Queda hiding in mountain holes and an independent Iraq democracy over the insurgency. Obama hasn't done squat yet except offer to "save" or create jobs for $200,000 a pop. That's a joke, but I'm not laughing. The Democratic Congress may actually borrow money from our children to buy into it.

What is the deal with the title of this story? You take a mundane story and insight the idea that Obama is smoking cigarettes with the title...I feel dumber now that I've read it.

Obama is way too shady to be president. I mean, come on, it's ridiculous.

The caption should have read: Guess who's coming to dinner?

I am so proud to know that we have a president that is for the people. I Love president obama and his family.

We are in store for great things under President Obama administration.

well for a guy that promotes preventative health programs ...wow talk about truth and honesty??????

Here come the Libtards in 3....2...1....

(is my comment witty or insightful or both?)

actually Bush is very approachable...he was in Greensburg, KS to the community that lost their town to a tornado...he was in Arizona...he was in New York...yeah...he's pretty much one of the most approachable presidents ever...

and he even ate healthy food...as opposed to "half-smokes"

Here come the Rethuglicans in 3....2...1....

(is my comment witty or insightful or both?)

Hey Freddie, betcha wish u were at Ben's at that time, huh?!

Am I missing something? What is with the misleading title?

He figured it would fit in with all those cigarettes he is slowly giving himself lung cancer and other various life threatening illnesses with. And we were all worried about a little treatable skin cancer on McCain! My family and I did vote for Obama, but after recent events and if Burris is seated...we will not make the same mistake of voting for Obama again in 4 years!

As for The Chosen One - who cares what he eats, and where. If he wants to smoke, who cares. This over-gushing public adoration of Obama is sickening. This is not the American Idol. (.... cnn won't post this, of course).

Obama is mimicing Bill Clinton in so many ways. Obama is not an original – he just like to let people think he is.

All this Obama adoration reminds me of the movie Life of Brian by Monty Python. You people seriously need to stop watching TV and the movies and find out facts about what's going on the world and stop relying on the liberal news media who feed you garbage like this. There are serious issues going on this world and believe it or not...George Bush is not the anti-Christ. What is with this Bush bashing syndrome? It's an illness. What on earth are you people going to do when you can't blame him for everything under the sun? You will go through withdrawal. It's not healthy and it's wrong.

I feel sorry for Obama. You have put the expectations so high on the post there is absolutely no way he can meet them. It's sad.

Nick, I agree. People need to go to school.
Perhaps you should repeat your spelling courses.............

Hey Nick....you spell it "ridiculous."

Aw, what a nice feel good story. Finally CNN! I think that is neat that he can spend time with powerful leaders and traditional working Americans. I know he gets a lot of flack for smoking hence the smoking parallel in the ticker title, but I think it's a personal choice and many people fight nicotine addiction...I bet half of the people who judge him are smokers. I am NOT a smoker and I still don't judge him.

Let's see....Russia has cut gas supplies to Europe in the middle of winter. Israel is fighting for its life (and everybody hates this apparently...as evidenced by protests against them trying to defend themselves)...But the liberal news media is fainting in adoration because Obama went into a fast-food place and ...get this...ATE FOOD. Ohhh...can you BELIEVE it???? It ATE FOOD. Please...

Nice story about Obama, the down-to-earth President.

Not sure why it needed to be given a somewhat sensationalist headline, using a play on words to imply that Obama was seen smoking cigarettes. The article even acknowledged that this was the intent, by explaining at the end that he has quit smoking.

Once again, for the thousandth time, I know why I voted for this man. He is of the people and is not hesitant to be amongst them. Just the thrill and memory of being in a restaurant, a regular place, where the President-elect comes in for an order of chili and sweet tea. This is something that all who are present can tell over and over again to their family and friends and the story will travel through generations. He is having community balls for the regular people of this country in Washington on that grand day. Hearing that he has done this lets me know that he will look out for the regular American. He may rub shoulders with the leaders of this country and the world, yet he has that common touch which will benefit all of us. Alexander Hamilton, Teddy Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman all possessed that quality that made them mindful of the common folk who truly stand for what this country is about. It may have seemed like a small thing but in the bigger picturewe know that President Obama will always have us on his mind when he seats behind the desk in that Oval Office. All I can say is Thank You, President-elect Obama for not only satisfying your appetite for that chili and sweet tea but for also reminding us that we have made an excellent selection in electing you the 44th President of this great country. May God continue to bless you.

Like Princess Diana was the people's Princess, so will Obama be the people's President. He is so approachable.

Oh my goodness, the annointed one ate!

As soon as he gets elected he will no longer be approachable. You will also never have a beverage with him. He just needed your vote.

I am tired of every referring to him as the president. Last I checked, it wasn't Jan 20th yet. He will be the president but has not offically been sworn it and should be referred to with the proper terminology.

THIS STORY IS A OUTRAGE.. WHO REALLY CARES ABOUT HIS SO CALLED 'SMOKING" THIS STORY JUST SHOWS HIS DISREGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ,THERE ARE PROTESTS OF THOUSANDS OF FOLKS GOING ON TODAY ,WHILE INNOCENT LIVES AND CHILDREN ARE BEING BLOWN AWAY , THIS IS JOURNALISM AT ITS VERY WORST... UPSET GRANFORCHANGE IN MADISON WISCONSIN

Love him,
E-mail me in in two years and tell me how great it is.

isn't it amazing how you americans love some one who has done nothing so far, just like you loved bush eight years ago. will history repeat itself

He needs to stop smoking. It is not healthy for him and those close to him.

To the owner of the establishment: If he is merely a "man among men," why are you drooling? He is not deserving of his "rock star" status amongst so many uninformed Americans.

This headline is very sensational and misleading; when coupled with the misleading picture (making it look like president elect Obama is holding a cigarette) this is a sleazy ploy. CNN Show some journalistic integrity and avoid tabloid trash.

Hes definitely more of a every day man than previous presidents, unless you happen to be from the south and voted for Bush twice; Then hes your personal nightmare

Love him @ 5:31, I hear ya.

I think that the only drink I could have with Bush would be four back-to-back whiskey shots followed by a Drano chaser.

I don't think there's anyone in the world I'd rather sit down for a Mai Tai with than the president elect, however.

When he is unscripted and talking about non-governmental issues, he seems like the most down-to-earth person you could hope to meet.

I hope they let him keep his Blackberry so he can stay in contact with and connected to the real world. It would be a shame to lose that.

This place is great. I eat there all the time when I am in DC.

What a breath of fresh air Obama is....I love that man. Boy oh boy are we lucky this time.......God bless America

Well I'm sure glad that he's trying to quit actually smoking... wouldn't that be great. A man smoking among the people. Doesn't CNN have an article on that?

"President Obama is so approachable. Now he's someone that I'd want to have a beverage with. "

And you say this because you know him personally by watching him on TV.

Sure you do.

Can't wait until the Obama circus is out of town.

Obama was half smoking? Too bad. I wish he was completely on fire.

Good man eats good food.

Ben's Chili Bowl is Bill Cosby's favorite place in D.C. His wife went to school here.

Cool, Pres-Elect! Just cool! Nice to have someone who likes to be with the "people"...even though I don't share your love of the White Sox!

I think he's going to be a good president!!

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think it's wonderful!

Obama posed with diners and staff in all three rooms of the restaurant, before returning to the counter to collect his order: a chili half-smoke and sweet tea. Fenty had cheese fries and water.

Phew!

Obama is demonstrating that he will be a president of the people. It is good politics when the president-elect is able to stop into a joint like Ben's chilli bowl for lunch. That is the kind of president we want in the White House

We need to improve our schools because many people need to go to school.

I am waiting for rediculus comments contrary to article, 3.2.1........

Now you would see people who don't read or don't want to read writing what it isn't.........

Please people, read and understand
before commenting........

Now make a surprise visit to Gaza and eat the food residents there have left...

I love it that he is so interactive with the common person. I hope he stays that way. I also hope he stays very careful and the secret service keep our man safe.

President Obama is so approachable. Now he's someone that I'd want to have a beverage with. For all the people that helped ruin our country by voting – twice for Bush....was it worth it? Did you drink beer with him yet? Good riddance Bush! Love you Obama!!!!!!

Not news!

Next thing you know he will be making McDonalds runs!

I see two pluses with this 'catchy' headline story...
!. He is supporting private buisness
2.He is letting people know for the upcoming cornation there is a place to go for a reasonable price and something tasty as well.

I'd say it's a WIN WIN for Ben's .

They ain't got no grits there.

Gee I wonder how many local business in Washington did Bush stop into in the past 8 years. Most would have put a closed sign in the window when they say him coming.

JUST A EVERYDAY MAN . . . FANTASTIC!