Paul Ryan Beefcake Photos Hit The Web Before Vice Presidential Debate

Paul Ryan and Vice President Joe Biden will engage in a battle of wits tonight during the vice presidential debate. The two will discuss topics ranging from health care reform to balancing the budget to foreign policy. And for a finale, hopefully, Paul Ryan will take off his shirt.

A series of “beefcake” photos hit the internet today featuring Paul Ryan pumping iron. Mitt Romney’s running mate frequently brags (and occasionally lies) about his physical accomplishments. Ryan is also an avid user of the P90X system, a workout plan that is also used by Michelle Obama.

Tony Horton, the creator of P90X, said:

“I think Paul Ryan’s been very good for P90X, as much or more so as Michelle Obama… I’ve worked with the First Lady and her Let’s Move campaign; some of the Secret Service came up to me and said, ‘Hey man, we’re really loving the P90X.’ I’m well aware that they’re using it in the White House.”

The beefcake photos were taken by Time Magazine in 2011 when Ryan was being considered for the Person of the Year. Romney’s running mate didn’t win the award and the photos were put away for a later date. Well, it turns out that today is the day.

So before you listen to Ryan and Biden talk about the state of the United States, let’s take a look at these Paul Ryan beefcake photos. (You can see more photos here.)

What do you think of the photos? Are they funny? Inspiring? Do you think Paul Ryan’s physical appearance will earn him points during tonight’s debate?

You can watch the vice presidential debate live here.