Now we know why John Edwards likes to fuss with his hair. When you pay $400 for each trim, it had better look good. This is one of those stories that no candidate wants out there. It runs about as counter to the working-class, I'm-one-of-you rhetoric that defines the Iowa primary as you can get. Worse for Edwards, his campaign picked up the bill for two of the $400 Beverly Hills stylings. Hey, you're rich like Edwards (or any other current candidate for president) and you want to blow a bunch of money on a facial or a pedicure, go for it! But what Edwards supporter is going to be happy to learn that the exorbitant tab for the snip-snip came from the campaign coffers?
Referring to a picture of Edwards published Tuesday in the Los Angeles Times, Torrenueva [Edwards' barber] said: "That's my cut." The stylist said he couldn't vouch for the source of Edwards' haircuts in other photos. One reason the cost of the cut was so steep even by Beverly Hills standards is that Torrenueva went to Edwards rather than the candidate coming into the stylist's salon a block off Rodeo Drive.Don't get me wrong, I like John Edwards quite a bit as a candidate, but I have a suggestion on the hair matter. Go to a corner barbershop in Iowa or New Hampshire the next time you need a trim. Talk local politics with the people in the waiting room, make a friend or two, pay the $10 or $12 bill, and leave a nice five dollar tip. Kill two birds -- substance and style -- with one inexpensive stone.
Previously on 'The Stump':
· What Is Edwards' Real Position on the War?
· John Edwards Beats Expectations
Reader Comments ( Page 3 of 8)
31. The issue is that he paid for the haircuts and spa visits using CAMPAIGN FUNDS!! Since he is a millionaire, HIS OWN MONEY should be used for personal and family purposes.
I see no difference between his action and that of someone using city/federal/state funds to pay for their pedicures. Preaching rhetoric about problems burdening working-class citizens while exhibiting such behavior certainly gives one reason to suspect that "the leopard will not change its spots". This may very well be a foreshadowing of events to come should he be elected.
It's a matter of moral ethics, period! After more than 40 years of working with politicians, my conclusion is that the very nature of politics makes it very, very difficult for a person of integrity to remain true to ones ethics in many instances. Those who try to be are not around for long. BIG MONEY gets rid of them!!
Pay close attention to the ones who have the most "paid for by..." publicity, the most signs strewn about, the most mailers and the largest campaign contributors! All of that money does not come FREE!!
Gwen at 1:15PM on Apr 18th 2007
32. Picky Picky Picky...so what if he spends $400 for a hair cut. If he were NOT running for office he would be at home and no one would care. But he is and needs to look good. Ask any woman or man who's fussy about their hair if they would just walk in to a neighborhood beauty parlor and get a cut from somone who doesn;t know their hair. NOT MANY.
Concentrate on the real issues. THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM
Don at 1:17PM on Apr 18th 2007
33. Angela....if that same waitress is running for president, you may have a point.....if not...WTF are you talking about?
Dan at 1:21PM on Apr 18th 2007
34. So fucking what? What does Bush spend on haircuts? Who cares about a haircut when thousands are dying, billions wasted on war and waste, and the environment being shredded? Don't fall for rightwing diversion. If this is all they can dredge up, the Democrats win.
Rise at 1:22PM on Apr 18th 2007
35. It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the cost of his haircut. John Edwards picture adorns the first cover of a brand new Deep South men's fashion magazine. See his picture on the cover of the premiere issue of "TOP GOOBER".
geoff groedner at 1:27PM on Apr 18th 2007
36. $400 for a hair cut. Prime example of a ultra rich politican. He spends $400 like I spend $4.00
If this presidential canidate gets in office he will be spending my money and the other tax payers money extravigantly also. We are sending Nancy home on the weekends in Air Force 2 at one sky high extravagance expense, (16 man crew plus fuel and high carbon emmisions) I don"t care about his hair!
I would be more impressed by a $15.00 hair cut and
and a good tough policy on world policy, terrism and border protection.
Fred.D Reading ,Mi.
frederick at 1:29PM on Apr 18th 2007
37. call me when any of the candidates are trolling dumpsters or living out of the back of a van...now, THAT would be a news story, not this...
songweasel at 1:30PM on Apr 18th 2007
38. Hell...my wife will cut it for nothing.....
Dick at 1:36PM on Apr 18th 2007
39. WHO CARES? dont we have more important things to be concerned about?
gogo at 1:37PM on Apr 18th 2007
40. Its a disgrace to every hard working American and the residents of NC. Practice the words that you preach Mr. Edwards. Your foolishness has lost you one vote for sure.
anna at 1:41PM on Apr 18th 2007
41. Given what this man and his family has endured, he should have better common sense and realize that a large number of potential voters would not appreciate someone being so vain and frivolous to lead the country and set example for the world. In my opinion he is a foolish man. There are more important things that "He" should be concerned with than how much money he can ridiculously spend in his and his wife's lifetime. So he probably is doing what a fool would consider OK by building the closest thing that he will ever get to for the White house.
Regina at 1:44PM on Apr 18th 2007
42. BULLSHIT
bev at 1:46PM on Apr 18th 2007
43. BULLSHIT !!!!!!! IF I CLAIMED A $400 HAIRCUT ON MY TAXES FOR 12 MTHS THATS A GRAND A YEAR, AND IM SELF EMPLOYED DO YOU THINK IRS WOULD LET ME? HELL NO, THIS KIND OF STUFF HAS TO STOP. HES USING IT AS A WRITE OFF AND ITS NOT FAIR TO THE LITTLE GUYS.
bev at 1:53PM on Apr 18th 2007
44. OH ONE OTHER THING, I DONT THINK HILARY SPENDS THAT MUCH AND SHE HAS MORE GOING FOR HER LOL
bev at 1:53PM on Apr 18th 2007
45. after hearing about the 400 dollar haircut,that raises a ? if he spends that much on a haircut,then what would he be doing with my tax dollars,if he were president. he just lost my vote.
wes elmendorf at 1:58PM on Apr 18th 2007