Researchers at Oklahoma State University tested images of bearded candidates against similar-looking candidates that were clean-shaven, finding in a 2015 study that voters perceived those with beards as more masculine and more competent. But masculinity wasn’t necessarily a positive trait: Candidates with beards were also perceived as less supportive of feminist issues, and got less support from women voters.
Of those surveyed, 52 percent of men and 49 percent of women said they would vote for the candidate with facial hair — a figure that could make a difference in a close election. “Candidates — especially those needing to shore up support from female voters — should shave away all facial hair,” the researchers wrote at the time......

for Vance, who at 40 would become the third-youngest vice president in history if Trump wins, growing a beard is a way to ditch the baby-faced look and pitch himself as a rugged, independent commoner who doesn’t conform to the standards of the elite (a message that might resonate well among MAGA-style conservatives).“I think you can make the case that there’s some populism to it,” said Stutzman, adding that a beard remains “somewhat inherently — if not anti-authority, at least anti-historical conventions.”


Yes, JD Vance’s Beard Matters. Here’s Why. - POLITICO (https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/07/25/jd-vance-beard-00170761)

That tells me they are running out of things to cover . I think they should make an issue of Walz' bug eyes .


‘Very strange’: Media targets JD Vance’s beard - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scXIsJXJzXk)


Tattooed Fetterman sitting in the Senate in a sweat shirt and shorts is the new normal . Men Sam Brinton and Richard (Rachel)Levine dressing like women no biggie . But JD Vance's beard is weird !