(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
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Without a doubt, better with the beard!!
Barack has nothing to talk about. This is called inexperience. Even while answering reporter's questions, he fumbles. Training in action.
To LA-LA Land @ 3:17 – Home address?
The beard was a plus – it made him look like a MAVRICK
He looks like a homeless person with the beard, oh thats right I am one paycheck away from being homeless.
Personally, I think the beard should sue.
Very fond of Gov. Richard. He probably should get healthier by shooting some baskets with the PE Obama.
The beard is good, It makes him look younger. Bring back the beard!
How is this news??????
Better to grow a beard than a nose.
Oh PLEASE, now we will have even many more "12 year olds" trying to grow a BEARD. What SITE POLUTION !!! All this d–n facial hair to prove your masculinity – you'd think it, hair, was equal to a pen–. Geez guys, get a grip !!
Grow the beard back. It made Richardson dashing!
I am so proud of us as a people. After electing an incompetent individual two times in a row, to see the American people elect someone who is so eloquent, smart and loving of his country and family as we know it, I am really proud of us as a people.
Obama's cabinet is the best of the best in America. No party lines, just competent, able, people. I hear some republicans trying to still stick to their divisive language and behavior like Sen. Chamblis, and it is truly shameful. Eight years of republican administration has proven a disaster for us as a people.....We are one people. I pray all goes well for President Obama who is being left with a real mess to deal with.
I'm with Obama....the beard was the winning look
Bill Richardson for President 2016!
Enquiring Minds Want to Know CNN!
And you ask what is wrong with the country,,,, 81 comments on the auto industry bailout,,, and almost 300 comments about a beard.
Silly children,,,,,
It's like Brett Farve growing all the facial hair to make him look younger and more like a 25 year old. In his case he is 39 years old – shaved 50 years old with facial hair and OLD, 65. Give it up !!
I think Obama should let his beard grow and see how it looks.
I'm going to say I dig the beard. He looks almost good looking with the facial hair. Without the hair, he looks like a turkey, ew!
Far right wingers stink. They're traitors.
He didn't lose a beard, he gained a chin (or two).
Lose the triple chins first......
We got all these comments on a friggin' beard?
He should keep the beard, it hides his triple chin so much better.