Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, has chosen JD Vance who is a senator from Ohio as his running mate for the forthcoming presidential election. The New York Post reported that it would be amazing if Vance clinched the seat since he could become the first vice president in almost a century to have facial hair.
The last mustachioed Vice President was Charles Curtis in 1933 while last one with an equally substantial beard as Vance’s was Charles Fairbanks who served under Teddy Roosevelt between 1905 and 1909.
Vance is also notable for being part of a major party’s ticket at such young age and has emerged as one of Trump’s most vigorous supporters on trade, foreign policy, and immigration issues. After publishing Hillbilly Elegy in 2016 and winning a Senate seat four years later, Vance became nationally known.
However, earlier this month when they were picking running mates many thought that Vance’s beard cost him the VP nomination but Trump denied all these rumors explaining to Fox News Radio host Brian Kilmeade that his running mate looked trendy with the facial hair.
“He looks good,” Trump said. “Looks like a young Abraham Lincoln.”
Studies reveal that politicians usually try to avoid qualities linked to facial hair including aggression, traditionalism or anti-feminism which people associate with beards especially men politicians.
For example an Oklahoma State University survey found out that men with mustaches or beards are likely to oppose reproductive access and “be more supportive of gun rights, military spending, and the deployment of force” – preferences consistent with those of Vance according to his political position.
