Justin Trudeau’s appearance continues to create the biggest buzz in Canadian politics.

On Sunday, during the first debate among candidates vying to lead the Liberal Party of Canada, the politician’s shorter, less-shaggy hairdo generated as much online reaction as any of the more substantive issues.

“I thought the Liberal leadership debate was great, I really liked Justin Trudeau’s hair- I mean the proposed policies,” @BariLeia posted on Twitter.

@heyimafishy wrote: “Anyone know how Justin Trudeau’s hair did in the debate?”

From @domcoballe: “Judging by the politico fans on my stream, Justin Trudeau’s hair won the debate.”

And @DeanOpperman posted : “Justin Trudeau’s hair holds the key to our national salvation!”

Whether he’s growing Movember facial hair worthy of a supervillain from a 1970s movie or growing out his thick locks for the boxing ring before pummeling a rival politician, Trudeau’s appearance always seems to be competing with his ideas.

Is this fair? Of course not. But since it’s usually female politicians who are subjected to superficial scrutiny — nobody ever asked Sir John A. Macdonald about his chronic bed-head — Trudeau would be wise to leverage this reality as the leadership race unfolds.

Let the other candidates grapple with Canada’s future or the party’s existential crisis. Trudeau could “win” the next debate in Winnipeg by simply showing up in a mullet.

In fact, if he could keep changing his hair until April, when the Liberals begin voting for their new leader, he’d win in a landslide. Have you ever taken a really good look at the hair belonging to Marc Garneau, David Bertschi or George Takach?

There’s no way they can compete.

Of course, if Deborah Coyne or Karen McCrimmon decide to do something dramatic to their hair — à la Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss or Jennifer Aniston circa Friends– then all bets are off.

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