(CNN) – Gov. Bill Richardson showed up to his press conference with President-elect Barack Obama Wednesday morning without the beard he has been sporting since dropping out of the presidential race in January, sparking his new boss to tell reporters he is "deeply disappointed with the loss of the beard."
"I'm going to answer this question about the beard," said Obama, when Richardson was asked where the facial hair went. "I think it was a mistake for him to get rid of it. I thought that whole Western, rugged look was really working for him.
"For some reason, maybe because it was scratchy when he kissed his wife, he was forced to get rid of it.," Obama continued as his nominee for commerce secretary smiled broadly. "But we're deeply disappointed with the loss of the beard."
Obama didn't let Richardson answer the question, but the New Mexico governor told Esquire Magazine in an interview posted online Wednesday that "After the campaign, I grew a beard as a rebellion against those consultants who told me I had to comb my hair, shave, lose weight. I said, You know, I’m gonna do what I want now. That was a good feeling."
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
I giggled like a total dork when Obama answered this question–mostly because he was voicing my own disappointment at the loss of the Bill-beard. I thought the Governor looked impossibly more cuddly and adorable with it and was devestated when he shaved it!
I love that we're going to have a President who can be so goofy and funny without being a smirky frat boy. So refreshing.
Even though I wanted him for State, I'm excited by the Commerce appointment. It sounds like he's going to be very active and influential in the new administration.
I rather like the beard!
Interesting. And what about the 2010 social security crisis? You know, the one with $30 TRILLION in unfunded liablities?
Richardson needs to push himself away from the table so that he may live longer and serve the nation. He has two or three chins going on there. lol. He should have kept his beard to hide them, but being the gentleman he is, he came out clean shaven for the moment.
I have to confess... I LOVED his beard and am also very disappointed he shaved it off. I agree with Anne E.... He'll make a great commerce secretary, beard or not, but a far sexier commerce secretary WITH it. I don't believe that was one of the elements President Elect Obama was looking for though...LOL.
That is irrelevant to his ability to deliver. He should be able to decide for himself how he want to look afterall he is not the president who is contitutionaly required to shave.
I am unhappy he did not get the Secretary of State.
as long as the brain doesn't grow hairs, bill is fine with or without.
I'm disappointed that Gov. Richardson got rid of his beard but hey Gov. Crist is getting a new beard Dec 12.
I thought the beard looked sloppy so I'm glad to see it go... I do agree that he needs to watch those extra pounds, though!
Judas just got paid !!!!
I regretted also that Richardson didn't make it to the Secretary of State position, as against. But then, beard or no beard, he'll make a good team player. Good job.
I think he will be a wonderful commerce secretary.
Also, he definitely looks better with the beard.
Are they serious? Reporting about a beard (or lack thereof...)?? This is strange.
You tell them Richie!!!!
I think that he should have kept the beard for "change" sake. It would have shown that facial hair is not taboo, in America.
What does Sarah Palin think about this ?
I Love this guy, he is so darn refreshing, He his going to be great for our country. As a guy who has a few extra pounds myself, I am glad to see Bill out there.
I'm glad we have a President elect with a sense of humor.... it's refreshing....
A man who can laugh at himself and display a delightful sense of humor over little things.... simply does not take himself so seriously as to feel like he is the know all, end all of reason. It is to my mind the mark of true intelligence.
Contrast this to the snickering humor of Bush. I will never forget the "I am the decider speech." So many times I spit up in my mouth over the pure ignorance of the man! And now they talk about little brother Bush getting back into politics.... Pardon me... I just spit up in my mouth again. My gag reflex is pretty weak after eight years of Bush and Cheney!
I don't like beards – they look nasty.
I think he looked better with the beard....
I think he was told to shave his beard. Well someone had to to the dirty job.The beard was just horrible.
Richardson still looks like a Snake to me!
Look up what his main job for Bill was and you will consider him a Snake as well!
I hope Obama doesn't use him the same way Bill did!
Sleaze all the way !
too bad the better person did not get the Secretary of State position, I would ahve been proud to see Richardson, with or without beard, there
but on second thought a few months after the liar hillary is actually in the position of sos and has proven her incompetence they just may move Richardson over there to fix what she will have, undoubtable, screwed up
Good for you, Governor Richardson and Congradulations on the cabinet post of Secretary of Commerce. I think it is a good fit for your expertise.
Grow the beard back, it adds to your appearance
The beard was hot.