Enough with the Hillary -- she deserves to be called Sen. Clinton

[struggle4progress]

By SUSAN PAYNTER
P-I COLUMNIST

... Yes, Hillary Rodham Clinton is a mother, former first lady and wife. But, in coverage of the campaign, call her Sen. Clinton or simply Clinton.

Or at least be aware that, when you call her Hillary, your slip is showing ...

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/paynter/303522_paynt14.html

[illinoisprogressive]

1. She bills herself as Hillary and her press statements call her Hillary.

She does not refer to herself as Sen. Clinton. she uses her first name like Cher.

[struggle4progress]

7. The Senator, of course, is entitled to bill herself however she wants --

but perhaps the rest of us, who typically don't refer to officials by first name, might at least consider calling her Senator Clinton.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. Doesn't she call

herself Hillary on her website? I think being known by first name is great for a politician. I am not a Hillary supporter, but this makes her seem more human.

[jonnyblitz]

3. but the campaign signs people hold at her rallies say "Hillary"

:shrug:

[Mind_your_head]

4. The political equivalent of "Beyonce"?

:shrug:

I agree with the OP however, in the "long term" it's not a 'good' thing.

[jakem]

5. yeah. cut it out

senator clinton. change your campaign.

[SharonAnn]

6. Thank you. I agree with "Senator Clinton". Give the woman her due.

[yurbud]

8. No. It is clearer to call her Hillary. I didn't like it when Bush switched from junior to W

it would have been clearer all along to call him junior or baby bush.

Likewise, if you identify Hillary as just Clinton, there might always be a momentary confusion with Bill.

[yurbud]

9. further, all honorifics are bullshit. the president, our senators, and reps haven't descended from

heaven. We elected them to represent us, not lord over us. I'd call someone senator this or ambassador that to get their attention, then call them by whatever their first name and address them as a peer.

[Demeter]

10. Respect Is Earned--and Hillary Is Not Making the Grade

When I hear something that makes me proud to be an American woman, from this American woman Senator, then Hillary will have earned the title.

Anyone can get elected--ask Dumbya! But respect is something else.

[Stuckinthebush]

11. In internet discussions, I call Gore, Al....

Barak Obama, Obama
John McCain, McCain
Nancy Pelosi, Pelosi
Joe Lieberman, Joe
George Bush, Bush or George, or a million other names
Bill Clinton, Bill or Clinton
and
Hillary Clinton, Hillary or HC

How awkward and unnecessary would it be to use their official titles in informal discussions? I would guess that the insistence on calling someone by their official title in such informal discussions betrays a need to assert a politician's noble standing. I hear the same thing from right wing friends who insist that I call Bush "President" or "The President". I don't think it is necessary to call Hillary "Senator Clinton" in such conversations. When I meet her or introduce her to an audience, then I'll use her official title. But here? Nope...not necessary. In coverage of her campaign? Not necessary either since she bills herself and her campaign as "Hillary".