(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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Bill,
Grow that beard now or i will stop supporting the Hispanic community...
Just kidding... i like the beard...
Obama should grow one. This statement is open to interpretation.
Hopefully, that wasn't the only reason Obama offered a cabinet post to Richardson........................
AS HEAD OF ELECTRONICS UNDER CLINTON, BILL RICHARDSON TREATED DISABLED WORKERS POORLY. My disabled son who worked in an unconditioned post office in 116 degree temperature under Bill Richardson said Richardson knew how to make employees miserable AND DID IT.
I think he needed the beard, he needs all he can get to cover that up.
lol....who cares if he has a beard...I'm more concerned about what he can do in his new role to keep jobs, help create new jobs, and how we are going to be self sufficent for energy..including our vehicles.....
Of course, if the beard makes him smarter and or stronger...then heck, grow it back!
Bill, grow the beard back. It adds character and singles you out from the rest of the clones.
God, who really cares????
Bring the beard back. It helps hide the weight gain. Grow it back and try to lose the weight.
Great choice. Big Bill inherited a budget surplus and after 6 years of being gov. he is now leaving us in NM with a projected $300-500 million deficit. Good time to leave town Bill, this time do us a favor and stay gone. I', sure as a member of Obama's economic team, your experiance will help turn this economy around.
Well since this is big news, and since the comments are still open, why not say something...
Ummm, does Bill Richardson look better with or without the beard... ummm... u really wanna know what i think don't u...
do u really care???
Dear "True American",
I sure hope you don't call yourself a "True Christian" as well. Try asking yourself that old question, WWJD?
By the way, I liked the beard!
Who cares about the beard!! Obama should be more concerned about integrity, honesty and loyalty, none of which are adjectives that could be used when describing Richardson.
As one who suffers from the same weird neck thing – I envy the fact that Richardson is a man and can grow a beard to cover it up. As a woman, I on the other hand have to live without a neck in full view. Its not attractive. But oh well, great personality right?
Bad neck genes I guess!
I read the reviews and have 1 question, why people are so evil and say mean things what about the person you are demeaning. You can speak life and death with words.
I agree with the Vegas Barbie...
The beard was hot...bring it back!!
Too bad........I liked the beard also.
Before the beard, he had a 'van Dyke' (mustache and goatee) that didn't work as well for me as the beard but either is superior to the clean shaven look. Grow it back, Bill....take the advice of your soon-to-be boss and grow it back.
I'm glad BR is on board in the cabinet. I would've preferred him in Hillary's slot as SOS but he's too good a resource to leave out. of the new admin.
He looked happier with the beard.
What a slap in the Face!!!!
Obama doesnt give Richardson the job he is qualified for, he gives it to Hillary who isnt qualifed.
Truth Hurts
Bill, please bring the beard back! Please!!
Grow it back quick.
Does your face hurt, cause it's killing me !
Doesn't look like a goiter – just one of the chins the beard's been hiding. Yes, the beard must come back!
I am much disappointed that Richardson isn't our SOS with or without beard.
He's more popular outside New Mexico. LMAO at all these favorable comments!What a (double)chin!
Bring back the beard! It's just the right touch for him.