Shirtless Obama and others: The naked truth about political leaders

Shirtless seems to be the new dress-up. At least outside of winter climes.

All the online excitement generated yesterday by a shirtless photo of President-elect Barack Obama got us thinking and looking.

And, you know, these male displays of pectorals are not all that new for politicians or political activists.

As a public service heading into the holidays, The Ticket has assembled a motley collection of shirtless shots here, everyone from French President Nikolas Sarkozy to the Russian leader Vladimir Putin and even our very own California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

If you don't recognize them with their clothes off, pass your cursor over the photo for caption material. Maybe do that anyway.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Keep your shirt on and register here for cellphone alerts on each new Ticket item. RSS feeds are also available here. And we're on Amazon's Kindle as well, in case you get one for Christmas instead of a new shirt.

See more half-naked political people on the jump!

Photo credits: People (Obama); Associated Press (Clintons, Reagans, Gore, Schwarzenegger, Kennedy, Burger Boy); ABC (Putin); MGM (Baldwin); AFP (Sarkozy); ChuckNorris.com; Michael Thompson / GQ (Anniston).

Comments

[GEAH]

Ted and Arnold: FAIL!

[Shirtless Santa]

Ted Kennedy wins the rolly poly award and needs to join
biggest loosers.Imagine having to change the diaper on
such a specimen Most liberal goes with most obese.
Cant wait to hear Howie Carr comment on this Photo.

[Mat]

My name id Matthew Marceus. I am only 17 years old. I know I am gay. I liked seeing Mario Lopez nude. He looks very sexy. I'm a surprised he is not thin.