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 4 of 8)
46. $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
47. Hell...my wife will cut it for nothing.....
Dick at 1:36PM on Apr 18th 2007
48. 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
49. BULLSHIT
bev at 1:46PM on Apr 18th 2007
50. 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
51. 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
52. Give me a break I pay 160.00 in the middle of now place Ga. to get my hair cut. My Dad was a stylist for 40 plus years he got over a 100.00 for a cut when he retired in the 80's. It goes back to you get what you pay for a 9.98 Supercut looks just like that a 9.98 haircut. Givin who the stylist is 400.00 seems about right.
Anita at 2:37PM on Apr 18th 2007
53. I WOULD NOT VOTE FOR EDWARDS OR ANY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE THAT PAYS $400 BUCKS FOR A STYLING HAIR CUT. THIS IS A STUPID VIEW OF OUR COUNTRIES FUTURE LEADERS.
ALLEN BURTON at 2:07PM on Apr 18th 2007
54. 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
55. The only thing more discusting than Edwards paying $400 for a haircut is Torrenueva charging $400, and getting it.
Al Gardena at 2:03PM on Apr 18th 2007
56. I guess if it's okay for Hillary to spend $400 a week at a hair-stylist it's okay for Edwards to do it once a year.
Deep Throat at 2:14PM on Apr 18th 2007
57. Who cares!
I'm sure that Oprah probably spends as much on her hair. That does not change the fact that she gives millions of dollars to charities and is a philanthropist.
If he can afford it....more power to him!
Mara at 2:13PM on Apr 18th 2007
58. Whether or not we like them, they have the bucks and we (average Joe's) don't. A spark of jealousy perhaps? I'm glad they can exercise their American Capitalistic perogative and get rich. I didn't, but I'm happp anyway. No headaches or stress
bruce at 2:06PM on Apr 18th 2007
59. So much for our 'for the working class' wanna-be President. How disappointing.
m'lis at 2:08PM on Apr 18th 2007
60. I commented earlier this morning about John Edwards $400 haircut and a friend who saw my name on my comments took me to task about Al Sharpton and his vain attempts to look good. I told her where to get off in no uncertain terms and we probably won't be speaking ever again. That is fine by me. I think remarks in the press about such excesses by Edwards should be taken into consideration. I know Edwards is counting heavily on the black vote in South Carolina. I have worked 40 years in voter registration and for certain candidates, usually Democrats. A ward heeler came looking for me several weeks ago to help out in Edward's behalf and I gave him the bums rush out my door. He was shocked at my attitude, and I reminded him that Edwards was not going to make one iota of difference for blacks in the South. If he had been so hot to get attention he should have been at James Brown's funeral along with Al, Jesse and Michael.
Sister Essie Blasingame -Doctor of Divinity at 2:08PM on Apr 18th 2007