Nov 11, 2008 7:04 pm US/Central
Obama's Barber: Will He Move To The White House?
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Zariff says he hasn't officially been asked by the president-elect, but he hopes Obama ask him to move to the White House.
CBS
President-elect Obama is forming his Washington team right now and he has a lot of positions left to fill. As CBS 2's Mai Martinez reports Obama's Hyde Park barber is hoping he's on the list.
Ed Brown loves getting his hair cut at Hyde Park Hair Salon, but he realizes today's cut could be his last from his favorite barber Zariff.
That's because Zariff also cuts Barack Obama's hair. He been doing it for 15 years now and he has no plans to stop - even if it means relocating to Washington D.C.
"When he announced that he was running for president, I started packing my bags then," Zariff said.
Zariff says he hasn't officially been asked by the president-elect, but he hopes Obama will recall a conversation they had early on in his run for the White House.
"I said 'I'm going with you,'" Zariff said. "He say, 'Absolutely, I'm not changing barbers man.' That's his exact words."
Other clients at the salon say it would be wise for Obama to stick with the barber who's gotten him this far.
"He's definitely bringing a sense of cool and style to the White House," said salon client Kenneth Coats.
"A man feels more confident when his hair is good, and he's ready to take on the world," said salon client Levonce Chavis.
Obama may be Hyde Park Hair Salon's highest profile client, but he still pays for every haircut just like everyone else. And in case you're wondering, it's $21. Zariff says Obama always throws in a nice tip.
Zariff says Obama normally comes in to get his hair cut, but on election night, Zariff made an exception.
"Did the haircut onsite this time, because I wanted him to look his absolute best," Zariff said.
Those who watched Obama that night say Zariff accomplished his mission. Now they're hoping he'll win his bid to be "first barber," too.
Zariff says if the president-elect doesn't want him to move to Washington, he is willing to commute.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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