The personal play hobbies of our politicians continue to break new ground.
First, in Barack Obama we have a Democratic nominee whose basketball skills are quite impressive indeed. Now, we may have a former fitness guru as a congressman!
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Who? Richard Simmons, that’s who. Before he testified before the House Education and Labor Committee on Thursday, we twice overheard the former aerobics video master saying, “I may run for public office.”
It wouldn’t be a total surprise. The L.A. resident has been a frequent visitor to Capitol Hill over the years, lobbying on behalf of physical fitness in America’s schools and the fight against juvenile obesity.
| Gene Young |
Naturally, we had to wonder whether a Rep. Simmons would lead morning “Sweating to the Oldies” workouts with his political colleagues, but he didn’t take the bait. “I am just here to get P.E. back in our schools in a big way.” Dodging questions already, Richard? You’ll fit right in here in Washington.
In fact, Simmons proved that he’s got the Politician Hat Trick down pat.
First: Identify the problem (in this case: out-of-shape kids). “What have we done? What have we done to the kids of the United States of America?”
Next: Pontificate wildly and with emotion. With arms a-flailing and emotions high, Simmons shouted into the microphone, “Everyone is not a jock! Everyone cannot play sports! Everyone cannot run, but everyone can be fit! … It is not important that you are a jock, it is important that you have your health and our children right now do not have it.”
Finally: Point to the solution. “We all need cardio. We all need strength training and we all need stretching. … I will dedicate the rest of my life until this is a problem no more. I just may run for office to help kids really get through and not have one kid feel wrong about [himself] because he can’t throw a ball.”
And, for good measure, make aridiculous statement that you most likely will not make good on: “I will devote my life to this until the day I die.”
