WASHINGTON - In a country where anything to do with the Obamas can set off a partisan firestorm, conservative commentators vented spleen on Monday abo...

During PQ leader Pauline Marois' acceptance speech on Tuesday evening, shots rang out. Marois, undaunted, returned to the stage and made this statement: "This is an example of a woman head of state. Voila." Throughout her campaign, Marois brought up her sex several times, as did Ann Romney and Tammy Duckworth in their respective convention speeches. For women who are politically-minded, it's been one hell of a week.

Only a few years ago, if you'd attacked a politician for his weight, or complained about where she ate her dinner, it would be seen as poor form. Reporters could write about a politician's views on taxes and trade, but the burgers and buns on his dinner plate were off limits. How times have changed.The fight against obesity has mobilized a growing number of public health zealots, who've taken a punitive, selective and judgmental approach to anti-obesity policy.