Okay, We Need To Talk About Ted Cruz's Beard

By Joe Cunningham | 9:40 AM on November 30, 2018

The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of RedState.com.

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, poses for a portrait following an interview with the Associated Press in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015. Cruz outlined an approach to foreign policy inspired by Ronald Reagan, saying he would restore the American leadership missing from the world under President Barack Obama. But pressed on how he would address specific hotspots of today, Cruz places limits on American action, including refusing to back ground troops to combat the Islamic State. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Ted Cruz is still respected by many in the conservative movement, and the fight he brought to the table when he first entered the Senate was refreshing. Before he got there, we did not much beyond lip service from many Republicans.

Through Cruz, Mike Lee, Marco Rubio, and other, younger faces, we saw a radical change in tone. And it was good.

However, a close Senate race appears to have broken the man.

Ted Cruz was spotted on multiple occasions sporting a three-day beard and people were concerned.

https://twitter.com/JoePerticone/status/1067190089120391168

Ted Cruz with a beard looks like a Best Buy General Manager going to a funeral. pic.twitter.com/lrmoPUepmQ

— Sean O'Connor (@seanoconnz) November 26, 2018

Ted Cruz is already growing a Shutdown Beard pic.twitter.com/cuBZpVt1Hn

— ryan teague beckwith (@ryanbeckwith) November 27, 2018

As RedState has a good relationship with Ted Cruz, and has long-supported his efforts to advance conservatism in the Senate, I feel it is my duty to offer a slight pushback, as well as advice to the Texas senator.

Let’s be fair here, this beard is still young. It’s different, and in Washington D.C., different is not acceptable. We must give the man credit, as the beard does look better in the third tweet because it isn’t blurry. It is at least passable. The candid photo of the first two tweets is simply not flattering.

However, it’s clear that Ted Cruz is no Paul Ryan.

BEARDS:

Since @pkcapitol asked @SpeakerRyan about his beard just now via @postlive #postlive (answer: it's deer season) — here's @PRyan beards seen on C-SPAN over the years … pic.twitter.com/Kem8dSSQeP

— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) November 29, 2018

So, there is definitely room for improvement. Cruz may simply need more time, or maybe he needs an advisor for facial hair (I am available, Senator).

At the very least, we should accept that Cruz identifies as someone who can grow a beard and not judge him, as those are the rules now according to social media.

I am not a fan of the current look as it looks as though a tight re-election campaign forced Cruz to leave the public and go on an epic bender. However, Cruz’s beard has potential. This is simply a case of waiting and seeing what happens.

However, we cannot allow Mike Lee to grow a beard. It would ruin him.