From today's press conference:
And if I also may ask the governor, what happened to the beard, sir? (Laughter.)
PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: I'm going to answer this question about the beard. I think it was a mistake for him to get it -- get rid of it. I thought that whole western, rugged look was really working for him. (Laughter.)
For some reason, maybe because it was scratchy when he kissed his wife, he was forced to get rid of it. But we're deeply disappointed with the loss of the beard. (Laughter.)