Paul Ryan Gun Show

We've had to put up with years of liberal media types fawning over Michelle Obama and her sculpted arms.

On the night of Obama's inauguration, NBC's Brian Williams made the ridiculous statement that Michelle "looks good in clothes."

So we're all supposed to admire Michelle's arms. Even Michelle fanatics don't focus much on the rest of her figure, but they can't stop talking about her arms.

Now, a Republican's body is getting attention.

Yes, everyone is talking about Paul Ryan's "physical fitness."

The Paul Ryan Gun Show Has Arrived

Perhaps Ryan's handlers were listening when BuzzFeed pointed out that the 42-year-old's wardrobe was a bit too baggy, because the Wisconsin congressman has been rocking a form fitting polo that really promotes his right to bare arms.

After Mitt Romney announced Paul Ryan as his running mate, Ryan's clothes were criticized.

The man from Janesville, Wis., was hoisted onto the love pedestal, a nerd suddenly out of his loafers and into the sex dreams of Republicans, who apparently, unlike Democrats, need this kind of thing. The Web site Politico worked up a complete Ryan hot sheet, noting his “dreamy bedroom eyes” and “buff” body, while TMZ, brandishing a photo of the congressman and his trainer, called him “the hottest vice-presidential candidate ever.”

Savor it, Mr. Ryan. Most V.P.’s are forgotten before the next election.

My editor asked me to write a critique of the two men’s attire on the day of the announcement in Virginia, thinking there might be something in their casual look.

The idea of politicians deliberating over what message their clothing conveys enchants editors. They tend to overestimate the effects of a generic blazer or give too much credit to mysterious back-room handlers. It amounts to an idealization of the image-making process, a hoax. In truth, there are no real differences of style and message in the clothing of the current presidential candidates, which is too bad.

But one thing bugged me about Mr. Ryan’s appearance on the day of the announcement in Virginia, on the symbolic deck of a battleship. He had on a blazer with an open-neck shirt and dark trousers; Mr. Romney was in his familiar shirt sleeves and a tie. Polished but relaxed. Yet if Mr. Ryan was chosen to bring youth and vigor and a kind of Ayn Rand boldness to the G.O.P., as the commentators kept saying, then his jacket was killing it.

So much for his lethal six-pack. He was swimming in his coat, like Tom Hanks in “Big” when he becomes a kid again.

Good grief.

So Ryan's jacket had a straight off-the-rack look rather than being fitted by a tailor. So what?

It's not an uncommon sight in Wisconsin. It doesn't bother me.

I expected Ryan to be criticized for his clothes. I did comment at the time of the announcement that his wardrobe was likely to change after assuming the role of VP nominee. That comes with the gig.

Remember how Sarah Palin was picked apart for her VP shopping spree?

It's all so silly.

Actually, I find the obsession with Ryan's physique very amusing.

He's in great shape. If someone votes for him because of that, I don't mind. If people would rather look at Ryan than Biden for the next four years, that's a good thing.

What matters is not Ryan's guns or abs. His ideas matter.

That's what I admire.

It's very nice that he's wearing more form-fitting polos. I appreciate the cling.

But this is the clinginess that counts: "I am happy to be clinging to my guns and my religion."