Today’s “Reliable Source” column wants readers to comment on Bill Richardson’s beard:

Yeah, yeah . . . Bill Richardson endorsed Barack Obama– but who’s listening? Everyone’s talking about his beard, which has taken on a life of its own. On Super Tuesday, Diane Sawyer said it made Richardson look “very Justin Timberlake“; we thought he looked more like Caps owner Ted Leonsis.

Now it’s trimmed to a smart goatee, and getting all sorts of buzz: “Is it just me, or is Bill Richardson kind of hot with that beard?” swooned one blogger. Critics have been less kind, calling it less than would-be-vice-presidential. Even Richardson’s own Governor’s blog weighs in: “His wife hates it . . . but the media love it!”

On “Meet the Press” yesterday, Peggy Noonan compared him to Rod Steiger in “Doctor Zhivago.” (And we hate to bring this up, but what happened to the gray? Only his hairdresser knows for sure.) Love it? Hate it? Tell us at reliablesource@washpost.com

We strongly urge a “love” vote on this question. We love it — simply because Richardson is trying. Even if you don’t actually love Richardson’s beard, it’s important to show solidarity with political and media celebrities who dabble in the fine art of facial hair.

Whether it’s this smooth look …

Or these monstrosities …

Or these glorious gifts bestowed upon us by the Gods of male beauty…