Obama mourns loss of Richardson beard
When Barack Obama unveiled a newly shorn Bill Richardson as his Commerce Secretary pick on Wednesday, Obama praised the man but pointedly criticized his grooming decisions.
“We’re deeply disappointed with the loss of the beard,” the president-elect said.
“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.” Obama said of the New Mexico governor.
Richardson grew the beard when he dropped out of the presidential race in March, recalling another Democrat who ditched his razor when he fell short of the presidency — 2000 candidate Al Gore.
The facial fuzz also had the added benefit of hiding the corpulent governor’s double chin.
“For some reason, maybe because it was scratchy when he kissed his wife, he was forced to get rid of it,” Obama said.
Richardson was not given a chance to explain his decision.
I am living in Arizona and have lived in New Mexico, Our two great Southwestern states will miss their excellent governors who are going to be in the President’s cabinet and stepping down prematurely. They will serve the country well.
Anne