Why is facial hair so rare among American (male) politicians?

Beards and sideburns are increasingly popular among the general public, but I don't think any of the serious presidential candidates, members of the US Senate, or state governors have facial hair. Why are our politicians so resistant to change in this area? What does it say about American culture?

Two background points here:

--There is one exception to the general rule. Facial hair is much more common among African-American politicians than whites, with Jesse Jackson, former NYC Mayor Dinkins, and former Virginia Governor, e.g., all sporting moustaches at the peaks of their careers. What accounts for this?

--The last US President with facial hair was William Howard Taft (1909-13), and the last major party candidate so endowed was Thomas Dewey in 1948. Both were Republicans, both ended their careers in defeat--although I suspect those facts are irrelevant to the question.

Why is facial hair so rare among American (male) politicians?

Good Observation!! The reason more black politicians have facial hair is that Blacks tend to have some affliction that affects them more than white people, (and I am not making this up or trying to sound racist because I have had a couple of Black friends who have it) that I believe causes the facial hair to turn ingrown and therefore very painful to shave. I am not 100% sure but DO know that it because something they get more than us whites get makes shaving a terrible experience. My white roommate had it years ago and grew a beard whenever his job would allow. I have been involved in Politics for 20+ years and this year worked on the FL Gov race and our new Lt. Gov. is the first White elected official to High office that I can think of. Several white members of Congress have had facial hair. Hey and lets face it, the Brothers got it made if they are good looking like the politicians you listed and they have that salt and pepper hair and mustache and/or beard. The late Ed Bradley of 60 minutes comes to mind. I don't know, something about a Black dude with nicely kept facial hair adds an air of authority, distinguishing,debonair, etc. Most of us Whiteys when we grow it look like Rednecks.

Why is facial hair so rare among American (male) politicians?

Indeed an important issue that we all need to look into more!

Why is facial hair so rare among American (male) politicians?

Because the chin is the window to the soul as Bill Bailey said!

Why is facial hair so rare among American (male) politicians?

I for one do not like facial hair. I think most beards and sideburns are unkempt and look pretty shabby. It just screams out that the person under the hair is lazy. The other thing I hate is the shaved head. How awful is that style. I can't wait for that gross fad to pass. Why a guy would want to look like a convict is beyond any reason I can come up with.

Why is facial hair so rare among American (male) politicians?

The dreaded Hillary Lock-Box!

Why is facial hair so rare among American (male) politicians?

I would have to say that it's less common among white politicians because of the fact that they look so clean and fresh. If you see someone with a beard, it might send the image that they are lazy or they don't care about their appearance. If someone is beardless and clean, it might say that they take time to make themselves look nice in the morning; that they'll go the extra measure to help. It also says youth and spunk, which is what people look for mostly, charisma. And then theres the fact that if they have a handsome face, women will vote for them. An example would be John Edwards in the 2004 elections.

Why is facial hair so rare among American (male) politicians?

They hide it as it grows wild around their butt. Politicians can't even control their short curlies.