Fitness guru Richard Simmons made quite the impression on Capitol Hill today.
Simmons, who famously exercised his way to national fame, is using his political muscle to lobby Congress on behalf of fat children.
"If our kids move better they will learn better," he told Fishwrap.
He wants to push physical education programs as an amendment to the No Child Left Behind Act, and is urging citizens to get involved by signing up on his Web site. He believes if kids do P.E. to "their music" (like Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera, for example) they will live healthier lives and rates of childhood obesity and diabetes will ultimately decline.
Rep. Zach Wamp, Tennessee Republican, led Mr. Simmons on the tour. And no, Mr. Simmons was not wearing his trademark too-short shorts. He was nattily dressed in a suit.
Full disclosure: The fitness guru kissed this Fishwrapper's hand -- twice.