Why is John Edward's campaign paying for his haircuts?

[BluegrassDem]

I know a lot of people here are defending John, but I've yet to see someone come up with an explanation as to why he's not paying for out of his own pocket? First of all, it would still be private cause no one would know about it as he wouldn't have to report it to the FEC. Second of all, I don't think donors to his campaign know they're kicking in subsidies to pay for his expensive haircuts. I don't have a problem with $1,000 haircuts so long as John is paying out of his own pocket.

[PresidentObama]

1. Didn't you attack Edwards after his wife got her cancer back?

And didn't your hit and run thread about Senator Kerry just get closed?

What the hell is your strategy?

Are you sure you're on our side?

[Miss Chybil]

2. I was wondering the same thing. Then I thought maybe it is SOP

for candidates to have everything paid for. I don't know. I'd hate to think the money I gave to support a campaign was going for something like that. I really don't care about how much somebody pays for something until it starts coming out of my money. I didn't send any money to Edwards, so I guess I really don't care. It's just a curiosity thing for me. Is it normal to use campaign funds to pay for these types of things?

[rinsd]

13. I would think it would be SOP for campaigns to pay for nearly everything

And his appearance is campaign related.

Still, its low hanging fruit for oppo research.

[Miss Chybil]

28. That seems logical.

He might be better off just to have a stylist in his entourage, then. Ah... it doesn't matter. It won't make a hill of beans one way or the other in the end, anyway. If somebody uses the cost of a haircut to judge who they are going to vote for, that same person would find some other weird criteria to blame for their decision, if the haircut were cheap.

[rinsd]

31. I would tend to agree but people vote for strange reasons

"If somebody uses the cost of a haircut to judge who they are going to vote for, that same person would find some other weird criteria to blame for their decision, if the haircut were cheap."

As many people(if not manymany more) who might reject Edwards because of an expensive haircut may vote for him for his telegenic qualities.

The problem is the ridicule factor, he gets shit for being Candidate Good Hair as it is. I mean that bit the Daily Show did on him primping himself was hilarious but the image (not the Daily show bit) had to hurt him with the more superficial voter.

[RogueTrooper]

3. Why are you propagating right wing talking points?

[Buzz Clik]

4. I'm not sure why I should give a good God damn.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

5. Why not. Who do you think pays for

Dubya's bowl cuts?

[MonkeyFunk]

20. actually

presidents pay for their own haircuts. S'true!

[Bucky]

33. I thought the secret service was responsible for his Brazilian trim...

...you know, as a matter of national security.

[dae]

38. Yowzaa! No secrets then. :-) eom

[bear425]

6. .

:popcorn:

[Totally Committed]

When Senator Clinton has her hair and make-up professionally done

for a campaign appearance, does it come out of her pocket? Probably not. How are other candidates paying for personal expenditures while campaigning?

There are MUCH bigger fish to fry now. Let's talk ISSUES, not personal grooming. If you think he'd make a lousy President, say WHY. Back it up with FACTS.

TC

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3221513&mesg_id=3221513

[w4rma]

32. Also, Edwards had to pay the stylist for travel expenses and time away from the shop

He basically had to pay the stylist for all the haircuts that the stylist couldn't do while away from the shop *and* the travel expenses, plus Edwards's own haircut.

[Donnachaidh]

7. another poster making a stink over a haircut?

My my! Guns and abortions -- and now the most HEINOUS act of ALL!!!! GASP!

John Edwards had his ears lowered!!!!

GASP AND SWOON!!!! :sarcasm:

[BluegrassDem]

10. It's a legitimate question

John Edwards is filthy rich. He can afford to pay for his own haircuts, period! Obama goes to a small barbershop in the south side of Chicago where he's been going ever since he's been in Chicago. And he looks quite fine. But like I said, if Edwards wants a $1,000 haircut, then it's his prerogative. However, I don't think it's ethical that his campaign pays for it. You got lower income people and students donating money to his campaign. I'm sure many would take issue with him using their dollars to pay for uber-expensive haircuts. I know I would. He's a multi-millionaire. He can pay for it his own self.

[gaspee]

12. Not a fair comparison

Obama probably gets his done with a number two blade on the clippers. He could do it himself, if he really wanted to. Unless Edwards wants to get his head shaved, their hair cuts are not even comparable. And it's a stupid arguement, anyway.

I wonder how much his wife pays to have her hair done. That would be like me saying I get my hair cut for 10 bucks a pop (at supercuts because all you need to cut mine is a pair of scissors and a level because it's long, straight, fine and red/blonde), why does his wife have to spend 200.00 to get he hair done.

And before you jump on the right wing meme of how rich Edwards is, have you looked at Obama or Clinton's net worth lately?

Distract, disarm, dismiss.

[Donnachaidh]

18. no it's NOT. Just another diversion tactic

Let's whinge on about a haircut, rather than look at his platform.

Rush Lumpballs has the same tactic -- listen much? :sarcasm:

[w4rma]

39. Hillary Clinton's $1500 Haircuts, Expensed to the Campaign

HILLARY GATHERS AN ARMY
By IAN BISHOP
Post Correspondent

July 24, 2006 -- WASHINGTON - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign army has increased its ranks to 50 staffers and more than 20 consultants, specialists in everything from fund-raising to speech-writing to hairstyling and makeup.

Clinton, the likely 2008 Democratic White House front-runner, ponied up nearly $3,000 in campaign cash for her blond tresses to get some presidential pampering from acclaimed D.C. stylist Isabelle Goetz.

Recently released federal fund-raising records show Clinton shelled out $1,500 in April for Goetz to carefully craft her coiffure and another $1,000 for a camera-ready clip in May.

She passed off both styling sessions as "media production" expenses.

Clinton was so desperate for Goetz to style her gilded mane, she picked up the scissor siren's $405 travel tab in April and a $38 expenses tab in May.

Goetz, a fixture at the swank Cristophe salon and the favored stylist of John Kerry, has been clipping the former first lady's locks for years - she's credited for updating Clinton's coif from country to chic. To complement the touch-up of her tresses, Clinton invested another $3,000 for makeup maestro Barbara Lacy to brush on some blush.

Lacy is a Tinseltown pro who applied the makeup to actors' mugs in movies including "Minority Report," "Runaway Bride," "National Treasure" and "In the Line of Fire."

She can also take credit for working the West Wing - the NBC version. Clinton paid Lacy an eye-popping $1,600 for some eye-lining in mid-May and another mind-boggling $1,300 for some makeup two weeks later.

Again, Clinton justified the makeovers as a media production expense.
…
http://www.babalublog.com/archives/003657.html
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=698126&mesg_id=698126

Edwards Flattens Coif Controversy
April 18, 2007

ABC News' Raelyn Johnson Reports: You can tell it's political season when people are putting a fine tooth comb to, well hair. A report filed with the Federal Election Commission last weekend revealed that former Sen. John Edwards' D-N.C., presidential campaign twice shelled out $400 for haircuts he received from a Beverly Hills salon.

Just as fast as gossip spreads in the fashion salon, ABC News has learned the money will be returned. "As for the haircuts, the bill was sent to the campaign, it was paid in error, and Edwards will be reimbursing the campaign," says campaign spokesperson Eric Schultz.

The hair cut revelation did little to minimize what some call Edwards' 'Breck Girl' image. Earlier this year, YouTube showcased a video of Edwards fixing his hair before a televised interview, demonstrating the unforgiving power of the site.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/04/edwards_flatten.html
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3224029&mesg_id=3224029

[Old and In the Way]

8. Just wondering....

have you analyzed every campaign expense from every candidate running or do you only react to the ones that the Republican corporate media want you to be outraged about?

I suspect that JE will be reimbursing his campaign soon. I also suspect that he probably leaves his expenses in the hands of his campaign accountants. Who knows? Maybe there's someone on the payroll that's trying to damage the campaign...wouldn't be the first time a candidate's gotten burned by an insider who's true allegiances lie elsewhere.

[gaspee]

9. People who care about this

have a a screw loose or are just trying to make trouble.

Personal appearance is part of campaigning. So, when are you going to complain about W's campaign buying his two thousand dollar suits duing his campaign?

[BluegrassDem]

15. Ok, so answer..

Do you think it's okay for his campaign to pay for his expensive haircuts? And supposed the haircut cost $1,000? Would that be okay too? Is there a limit for you?

[MemphisTiger]

24. Is it wrong to call someone

a troll or is that against the rules?


Either way your argument is flawed, the article said $400 and we don't even know what that includes... now you have it up to $1000 can I hear $2000, going once...

[gaspee]

26. Do you think

Obama needs as many well-appointed campaign offices as he has. Did they relaly need to pay rent that high? Does Clinton really need to spend 250,000 on office supplies? We could play this game all damn day. You don't like Edwards, don't send him your money. But to contribute to the right wing meme is insane. Someone is going to be the dem nominee and if we all attack the "other guy" leading up to the general election, we're doing the republicans job for them. And unless that is your intent, we don't need to do that to each other.

[tularetom]

11. His hair grew while he was campaigning so it is only fair

that his campaign should pay to have it cut.

[Name removed]

14. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[BluegrassDem]

25. Why would you say I'm a redneck, Movonne?

Cause of Kentucky? Just find it curious that you would claim that considering you don't have a clue as to who I am. And if you did, you would retract in a heartbeat what you said.

[movonne]

29. I'm sorry for that comment...I just get a little upset when a haircut

will take over the worth of a candidate...I'm a big Edwards fan and can get a little protective...sorry again...

[movonne]

30. I'm sorry for that comment...I just get a little upset when a haircut

will take over the worth of a candidate...I'm a big Edwards fan and can get a little protective...sorry again...

[BluegrassDem]

35. I never said Edwards isn't worthy

He's a fine guy and would support him strongly if he becomes the Democratic nominee. I just think he needs to work on his PR.

[LaPera]

16. So how much is acceptable to you including tip, 100 bucks?

[w4rma]

17. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, made a ruling today that *will* kill many women. And you are

yapping about haircuts. Poor priorities.

Personally, I am fully supportive of professionals being well paid in their profession (whether they are hair stylists or computer programmers).

[SaveElmer]

19. Who the F*ck cares...what a stupid ass subject...nt

[PresidentObama]

27. I agree. This poster went after Edwards after his wife got the news about her cancer too. n/t

[silverlib]

21. My husband has been personally protesting

haircuts since then topped two bucks, but he is not running for public office. He doesn't care how much Edward's campaign pays for haircuts - he cares about his take on labor issues and the things that matter.

We all wish that personal perception didn't play into politics, but it does and if John Edward's hair makes him more electable and gives him a better change of enacting his programs then my husband is happy to help pay for them.


He's contributed. I'm holding out and have not made a definite decision on who I will support. I can sleep easy though in saying that it's issues only and has nothing to do with haircuts and houses or any right wing take on Democratic candidates. In fact, the more the right ring puts out on a DEM candidate, the more I will be convinced that they fear their platform.

Gee, I've been skipping these posts, - why couldn't I maintain that decision.

[saltpoint]

22. More anti-Democratic posts from you, BluegrassDem.

Kind of a trademark for you these days.

You might consider working for the blue team.

Cuz the blue tem's gonna win.

[melody]

36. That's what they're scared of ... we're going to win ... again :) n/t

[saltpoint]

37. You betcha. Hi, melody. I thik 06 was a pretty darn good election.

And I think 08's gonna be a whole lot better.

[Name removed]

23. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Mass]

34. I do not care. I did not give any money to Edwards and it seems I was right.\nt