Paul Ryan Aide Unhappy With Photo Spread of Congressman Pumping Iron

Magazine pictures show the VP candidate lifting weights and posing for the camera

An aide to Paul Ryan is criticizing "Time" magazine for posting a number of photos of the GOP vice presidential nominee lifting weights and posing.

The aide told CNN that "Time" used “poor judgment” in publishing workout photos of the Wisconsin congressman on Thursday, the day of the vice presidential debate.

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The photos show Ryan in gym clothes, lifting weights in front of a workout bench and posing for the camera. The photos have caused quite a stir online.

A description accompanying the photographs details why "Time" chose to use the setting.

"It was Ryan’s fitness regime — and Herculean strength on all things fiscal — that inspired this workout-themed sitting for Person of the Year," the website said. Ryan was in the running to be named the magazine's "Person of the Year."

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The aide, who was not named, said he disagreed with the timing of the release. He said the Ryan camp was told that the photos would never be released.

“To release these photos on the same day when important issues are to be discussed is, in my view, poor judgment,” the aide said.

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