[wildbill]

Does everyone know what the meaning of "a beard" is in this situation?

A "beard" is a trusted aide who ostensibly is dating the woman in questions while the boss goes along as a third person. In case of any questions, the boss is just along for the ride, not a date.

[BossLady]

See, now that's what I have been thinking...the beard angle......she 'dated' the finance guy but 'diddled' Kerry. This is not unusual in politics or Hollywood....

[sine_nomine]

When Mayor Koch "dated" Bess Myerson, a Republican political expert called them the Smith Brothers. Someone asked, "The Smith Brothers?"

He said, "Yes. Two beards."