Bill Richardson's Missing Beard: Obama "Deeply Disappointed With The Loss" (VIDEO, POLL)

At the Wednesday morning press conference announcing Bill Richardson's appointment as Secretary of Commerce, the most urgent question came from Wendall Goler of FOX News: "I'm going to ask the governor, what happened to the beard, sir?" Obama chose to answer, stating "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," he continued, "maybe because it was scratchy when he kissed his wife, he was forced to get rid of it. But we're deeply disappointed with the loss of the beard." Do you agree with the administration's stance on this issue? Watch the clip and take the poll below.

**Read about Obama's inability to grow facial hair.**

WATCH:

POLL:

Quick Poll

Do you miss Bill Richardson's beard?

Yes

No

BEFORE (August 28th, 2008)

AFTER (December 3rd, 2008)

Comments

[KingCardigan]

I motion for the male half of the new administration growing healthy beards. I voted for change dammit. We haven't had a bearded executive branch for more nearly a century.

[brijit]

Another vote for the beard. It was hot.

[roshni]

I love Richardson, but he sort of looks like a Pillsbury Doug Boy without the moustache.

[bjammin]

How about a handlebar mustache? - Dominant, Manly and Outlaw!

[roshni]

How about a Fu Manchu - it would increase his global appeal.

[Perry Clease]

Not mention getting him in deeper dodo with the Chinese-Americans

[Rhubarbarian]

He definitely looked better with the beard. It highlighted his killer dimples.

[NoSillyName]

Bring it back, Gov. Richardson!

Congratulations!!

[SanityForOnce]

The beard is better, since it gives definition to his jaw-line that is missing otherwise (needs to drop a few pounds).

[oaklynne]

Beard must return.

[missjabez]

I want the beard back--it made Richardson look jolly, like Falstaff.

[Big0725]

And if the Shrub was put in this position, he would have made some denigrating remark.

[NoMercy]

Beard... back... please!

[TheBrizz]

I'll be nice to have a President we can laugh WITH instead of always having to laugh AT.

[Big0725]

Isn't it though?

[NoMercy]

LOL - thanks for that. I hadn't thought of it that way until now.

[operamartyc]

I so agree with you! He has a great sense of humor as does Richardson! So refreshing!

[Bearangaria]

Bill! PLEASE regrow your barba! It swashes your buckle.

[Dap]

Me too, I like the beard/

[minno]

Obama is a hoot. Love his sense of humor.

Fox News asked that question??? LOL

[roshni]

And he said it with a straight face, just like when he was asked about the dog.