« Home | How many cars are in the world? » | How does the human brain measure up to a computer? » | Do wild animals ever get overweight or obese? » | Who came up with the idea of putting paper umbrell... » | How and when did Harry Houdini die? » | Are dogs' mouths really cleaner than humans? » | Is it true you should change your shampoo every 6 ... » | Why do we say "pair of pants" when referring to on... » | What is the difference between white sugar and bro... » | Who invented basketball? » 

Tuesday, October 24, 2006 Bookmark Now! | Email to a friend  

If Hillary Clinton is elected president what would we call Bill Clinton?

The United States has never had a female president, so I had never grappled with this bit of etiquette. Or, to put it another way, there's no precedent for that president.

That said, our first female president will be referred to as "Madam President." This is how female heads of state are referred to in other countries. I can only assume the same rules will apply here. Addressing the president's husband (if she's married) is a bit trickier.

If Hillary Clinton were elected president, we'd most likely still refer to Bill Clinton as either "Mr. President" or "former President Clinton." Even after they're out of office, past commanders in chief retain the title. Call it a perk of the job.

Of course, not every potential presidential candidate is married to a previous ruler of the free world. For example, if Britney Spears were elected to the office (God help us), we'd all address Kevin Federline as "First Gentleman." This is how Dan Mulhern, the spouse of the governor of Michigan, is referred to. Same thing with Jose Miguel Tuason Arroyo, husband of Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Add to: Oneview Add to: Folkd Add to: Yigg Add to: Linkarena Add to: Digg Add to: Del.icio.us Add to: Reddit Add to: Simpy Add to: StumbleUpon Add to: Slashdot Add to: Netscape Add to: Furl Add to: Yahoo Add to: Spurl Add to: Google Add to: Blinklist Add to: Blogmarks Add to: Technorati Add to: Newsvine Add to: Blinkbits Add to: Ma.Gnolia



Share on Facebook Read the whole Blog

Receive post updates by Email

Bookmarks