JD Vance with his (winner) beard.Image: AP
JD Vance could potentially become vice president if Donald Trump wins the election. However, one detail is causing some controversy behind the scenes: the Ohio senator’s beard.
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This aesthetic detail holds significance, even if the individual doesn’t realize it immediately: his beard.
Trump has also weighed in on the issue, expressing doubts about the beard of his potential running mate should he be elected in November. The Republican leader has always presented a clean-shaven face and is generally not fond of facial hair. In the past, he even instructed his son to shave for the sake of appearance and was particular enough to ask his staff members to do the same. In short: The Republican figurehead has an aversion to bearded men.
Donald Trump Jr. reportedly resembles JD Vance. A friend of the Ohio senator mentioned in the Washington Post that he “looked like Donald Trump Jr.”Keystone
In Vance’s case, if he chooses to shave, the situation changes. According to a Trump adviser, without his beard:
“He looks like he’s 12 years old.”
He has a round, chubby face that gives him the appearance of a naïve schoolboy. This transformation signifies a journey of maturity paralleling his swift political ascent, which has even led his political (and spiritual) mentor to reconsider his stance. The former president has notably softened his position, stating on Fox News Radio that his running mate looks good with a beard – “like a young Abraham Lincoln.”
JD Vance in 2017.Image: dr
Interestingly, it was Abraham Lincoln who pioneered the trend of beards in politics. Following him, nine of the next eleven presidents sported some form of facial hair, a trend that lasted until William Howard Taft, who served from 1909 to 1913, as noted by the Washington Post.
As for the vice-presidential role, the last person with even a hint of facial hair was the mustachioed Charles Curtis in 1932, under Herbert Hoover. Thus, for nearly a century, beards have been out of style. Until now.
Full beards have long been disfavored on the right. The face-off between Nixon and Kennedy perfectly exemplifies the unpopularity of facial hair. Joel K. Goldstein, an author and expert on the vice presidency, emphasized to the Washington Post the importance of a politician’s appearance.
“People who watched the debates thought Kennedy won, and people who listened to them on the radio thought Nixon won. And that’s a function of Kennedy’s appearance.”
Joel K. Goldstein, Vice Presidential Specialist.
Times change might be an apt saying. JD Vance is emerging as Donald Trump’s right-hand man while maintaining his beard. This is also true for another elected official, Hayden Padgett, who represents the future of the Grand Old Party and has decided to grow facial hair as well.
Hayden Padgett.Image: AP
The fear of appearing disheveled seems to be a thing of the past; body hair is now seen as a sign of masculinity, even synonymous with freedom of expression. Smooth faces are becoming less fashionable, and beards are experiencing a resurgence among conservatives.
Over the past fifteen years, this trend has gained traction among a new generation. It may have started with young professionals before influencing the politicians who align with them.
For JD Vance, this beard, which might seem insignificant to the public, represents a character evolution, a transformation since the release of his bestseller Hillbilly Elegy. Public opinion and social media suggest it’s a way of asserting oneself. Since his literary triumph, Vance has matured, moved through Silicon Valley, and amassed a significant fortune under the mentorship of Peter Thiel. The bearded look is now becoming synonymous with entrepreneurial identity.
Political strategy is often intertwined with such aesthetic changes, aligning with and embodying Donald Trump’s conservative agenda.
The beard can also signify a political mourning
However, facial hair can also mark the conclusion of a political chapter. For instance, Al Gore emerged in public sporting a full beard after losing the 2000 presidential election, which was subsequently referred to as an “exile beard,” symbolizing a relinquishment of political ambitions. It marked the end of a notable political career for one of the most significant vice presidents in American history.
This stands in stark contrast to JD Vance, who is on an upward trajectory. Despite his increasing popularity, recent controversies may cause him some concern. Knighted by the Republican Party, the bearded senator from Ohio is now facing scrutiny from his allies due to various comments he has made, including remarks about women and his “cat lady” comment directed at Kamala Harris.
Trump supporters have a unique way of showing their allegiance
Video: watson
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JD Vance’s Beard: A Symbol of Transformation in American Politics
JD Vance with his (winner) beard.
Image: AP
JD Vance, the Ohio senator and potential vice-presidential candidate for Donald Trump, has sparked discussions across the United States not just for his political stance but also for his distinct beard. This seemingly aesthetic detail carries deeper implications in the political realm.
Facial Hair: An Aesthetic With Political Weight
Trump himself has expressed reservations about Vance’s beard, revealing his longstanding preference for clean-shaven candidates. Historically, Trump’s aesthetic inclinations have often led him to encourage his close associates to maintain a polished appearance, often disapproving of facial hair.
Donald Trump Jr. reportedly looks a lot like JD Vance.
Keystone
Interestingly, some Trump advisors have remarked that without his beard, Vance projects a youthful appearance reminiscent of a twenty-something schoolboy. This transformation, symbolized by facial hair, suggests personal growth and political maturation, aligning with the rapid ascent he’s experienced within the Republican Party.
The Historical Context of Beards in Politics
The trend of beards in American politics can be traced back to iconic figures like Abraham Lincoln. Throughout history, many presidents showcased beards and mustaches— a style that waned significantly after Taft’s presidency. The absence of beards in recent political history continues to reinforce traditional views on appropriate male grooming in the political arena.
Table: Historical Presence of Facial Hair Among U.S. Presidents
| President | Facial Hair | Term In Office |
|---|---|---|
| Abraham Lincoln | Full Beard | 1861-1865 |
| Ulysses S. Grant | Full Beard | 1869-1877 |
| William Howard Taft | Mustache | 1909-1913 |
| Herbert Hoover | No Facial Hair | 1929-1933 |
In contemporary politics, the last notable vice president to sport facial hair was Charles Curtis in 1932. Thus, the political landscape has predominantly favored clean-shaven appearances, particularly among Republican candidates.
Political Implications of Facial Hair in Today’s GOP
The revival of beards among conservative figures may signify a broader acceptance of individuality within political appearance. The culture surrounding masculinity and grooming has evolved, with beards now representing strength and modernity rather than sloppiness.
“People who watched the debates thought Kennedy won, and people who listened to them on the radio thought Nixon won. And that’s a function of Kennedy’s appearance.”
This significant shift in political perception mirrors the changes seen in social and corporate cultures, further blurring the lines between traditional political decorum and modern expressions of identity.
Beards as a Representation of Transformation
For JD Vance, his beard serves as more than just personal style; it symbolizes a narrative of growth and transformation since his rise to fame with his bestselling book, Hillbilly Elegy. Discussions around his beard reveal how political figures use personal branding to communicate their evolving identities.
Benefits of Embracing Facial Hair in Politics
- Individuality: Beards can represent personal freedom and help politicians connect with a younger audience.
- Relatability: A bearded appearance can enhance a politician’s relatability, evoking modern masculinity and authenticity.
- Historical Resonance: Political leaders with beards can evoke a sense of nostalgia for past glories and a connection to historical figures.
The increasing acceptance of beards among conservative politicians challenges the past norms of GOP grooming standards, potentially realigning public perception and voter appeal.
Conclusion: The Era of Bearded Candidates and the Future of Republican Appearance
JD Vance’s beard is more than just a fashion statement; it encapsulates a cultural shift within the Republican Party. As younger figures like Hayden Padgett embrace their facial hair, this trend may signify a new era in conservative politics, blending modernity with tradition.
