A new Time Magazine photo shoot shows a ripped Rep. Paul Ryan pumping iron. But has the congressman been emphasizing his fitness too much?

Politics is frequently compared to a sport, if not a bloodsport. So it makes sense that candidates would think it advantageous to portray themselves as being in “fighting shape.”

But in vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan’s case, that image is now teetering on the edge of caricature.

We suppose some supporters may find the new Time Magazine photos of Congressman Ryan in full “P90X” workout mode flattering. After all, there’s no disputing the fact that the congressman is pretty ripped. Drudge – an outlet that’s clearly sympathetic to the Romney-Ryan ticket – even chose to prominently display one of the shots of Ryan pumping iron Thursday morning.

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But we suspect that many others will find the Ryan photo shoot – hmmm, how shall we put this – bordering on hilarious.