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Abraham Lincoln was the first U.S. President to sport a beard. For the next 50 years,

whiskers were commonplace in the White

House, but then they went out of style. Now, Vice President J.D. Vance is the first executive

branch leader in more than a century with a furry face, and others are following suit. From the Senate

to the campaign trail, more and more men in politics are letting their facial hair grow free. But what does that tell us

about masculinity, power, and how we see each other? We heard from some of you.

Hello, I wear a beard because I have a really weak chin, and my wife said she'll divorce me

if I ever remove my beard. I did it once, she was mad so for now on I have to keep a beard

for my life's sake um I would say that my facial hair definitely has become part of my identity

I feel like I have a baby face and uh having, you know, facial hair, whether it's a mustache or beard,

that has been something that has made me feel more like an adult, even though I feel like a kid inside.

During my mid-20s, my girlfriend implored me not to grow a beard. As a generous partner,

I happily acceded to her wishes. I was quite devastated when that relationship ended,

and to both soothe my pain and claim my independence, I grew a beard. I'm happy to report

that 47 years later, that beard continues to grace my chin.

Thanks for those messages.

After the break, we look to history for some answers.

Why did our politicians remain barefaced for so long?

...