Hill: Christie Too Fat To Be President

Columbia professor Dr. Marc Lamont Hill says New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will faces real weighty issues if he runs for president.

On NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday, Christie ruled out a 2012 run for president or vice president. But he left room for a run four years later for higher office.

Christie told NBC he was "going to need a job" after 2013. He added, "So maybe it will be that. Who knows?"

Hill is a political analyst and he thinks Christie will need to make some lifestyle changes if he really wants to be president.

“The first thing people do before they run is say, ‘I’m not going to run,” Hill said. “Obama did the same exact thing.”

Hill says Christie will have a long road to get to the White House, and part of Christie’s issue is his body weight.

“He can’t win, let’s be honest,” Hill said. “I’m going to say this and don’t get mad – he’s fat.”

“He’s fat for a politician. He doesn’t have the body type to win. There are other issues – look at that,” Hill said as he looked at an image of Christie.

Hill says people still vote on appearance.

“Look at Sarah Palin,” Hill said.

Hill said he expected some people to outraged by his comments.

“Chris Christie has the perfect profile to be a presidential nominee. Politically, he has the right profile and agenda.”

Hill said that despite the physical issues, Christie will be on a short list of candidates and could get a vice presidential nomination in 2012.

“He’s playing the circuit perfectly. Now, if he could just run the circuit a little bit and trim some of that off, he’ll be just fine.”

In 2009, a polling group asked New Jersey voters if though Christie’s weight was an issue in the governor’s race.

Only 11 percent of respondents though Christie’s weight was a relevant issue.