In the 1960 Nixon-Kennedy debate, Nixon showed up with a poor shave and refused make up. I'm glad

[Czolgosz]

Kennedy showed up to that debate with the 1960s equivalent of a $400 hair cut because it helped the more progressive candidate win a close election.

[Sadie4629]

1. Yes, a person's vote should always be based on

which candidate is the best groomed. :eyes:

[NewYorkerfromMass]

2. Well they certainly won't vote for

a guy who looks like a slob or homeless demented person.
Psychology is an unavoidable tool in elections.

[ljm2002]

3. That is an excellent observation...

...and points out how important it is that politicians project the best possible image, and this goes double for national candidates for president.

[hadrons]

4. I always thought that was right-wing BS ....

that Kennedy only won because he looked better. The wingers always point to a poll stating that those who listened to the debate on the radio thought Nixon had won, but what they always leave out was that the poll only sampled just over 200 people, too small to be a useful measure and since Kennedy spoke with a heavy Boston accent its supposedly possible many listeners held that against Kennedy like many viewers supposedly held Nixon ghastly looks against him on TV.

Kennedy kicked Nixon's ass ... yeah Kennedy used that BS "missile gap" crap, but Nixon flat out lost the debate.

[RaleighNCDUer]

7. My thought too.

Nixon didn't look bad because of 5 o'clock shadow. He looked bad because he was getting his ass kicked.

[Tejanocrat]

10. I never heard anyone say that Nixon lost the debate ONLY because he looked like hell, but I've seen

how both candidates looked during the debate and I don't doubt that this factor weighed in Kennedy's favor:

?mii=1

[JDPriestly]

5. I wish Kucinich could afford a $400 hair stylist.

[LiberalFighter]

9. Would it do any good?

There is only so much one can do with hair.

[frylock]

6. small comfort to the "workin man" that edwards attempts to endear himself towards

[InvisibleTouch]

8. Meaningless personal anecdote:

I remember being about 7 years old and looking through a department store catalog, and commenting to my mother something along the lines of, "If I were male, I'd have an easier time finding a mate once I grow up, because there are more attractive women than attractive men."

It's nice to see a good-looking guy who cares about his appearance. Shallow though that may be, it is an advantage, and he'd be foolish not to use it. It's the "icing" on top of the substance, but every little bit helps. After the uproar dies down and everyone has forgotten this, he'll still have great hair. :)