WASHINGTON (AP) -- Barack Obama says he has successfully quit smoking cigarettes despite the pressures of a closely contested and lengthy presidential campaign.

He says he's been chewing on Nicorette which he claims helps.

He made the comments in an interview that aired today on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

Obama's wife, Michelle, had used his smoking as leverage when the two were discussing whether he should run for president. She would agree only if Obama agreed to give up smoking.

Obama says he had been sneaking three or four cigarettes a day for awhile.

The Illinois senator also joked with DeGeneres that dancing on her show -- which she often has guests do -- had helped him win voters.

He says he was in a slump until he was dancing on the show in an appearance last fall.