While answering questions on health care during a press conference on Tuesday, one reporter asked President Obama, " How many cigarettes do you smoke alone or in the presence of others?" Likely expecting such a question after the signing of Monday's bill that cracks down on Big Tobacco's influence on kids, the President responded: “First of all, the new law is not about me. It’s about the next generation of kids coming up.” The President went on: “You just think it’s neat to ask me about my smoking,” rather than focus on the new law.

But Mr. Obama soon gave up the goods: "Have I fallen off the wagon sometimes? Yes.” Is it a daily vice? "No," adding,  “I don’t do it in front of my kids. I don’t do it in front of my family." Mr. President tickled the press corps when he said, “I’m 95 percent cured. There are times where I mess up.”

The President earlier mentioned his own struggles with smoking on Monday while he was signing a bill that aims to crack down on Big Tobacco's efforts to lure kids to spark one up. "Almost 90 percent of all smokers began at or before their 18th birthday. I know I was one of these teenagers, and so I know how difficult it can be to break this habit when it's been with you for a long time," said Mr. Obama.

The President stopped smoking three years ago at the urging of First Lady Michelle Obama, but admits he sneaks a cigarette every now and then. Reports show nearly 20 percent of Americans are smokers. In the U.S., the use of tobacco products kills about 440,000 people a year.—ZH