Mr. vs President

[jedi]

I have noticed something this past week and my wife even made a comment of it. ABC, NBC and even the SPANISH news cable sometimes refer to I6BO as President Obama and at other times as Mr. Obama.

I don't recall the Bush was ever referred to as Mr. Bush? So what gives?
Why the President and then Mr.? I have noticed that it's not just one reported but several if not all. Not sure why the difference or when it is used. Anyone else notice this?

 

[fire1035]

Something was brought up about this on Glenn Beck or some other such program a couple of weeks ago. The accepted way to go about it is to refer to the President as President such and such the first time in the article, news story, whatever. After that is is accepted in the realm of journalism to then refer to him by President, Mr. such and such, or just by such and such.

 

[jedi]

So how come I never heard it with Bush? I don't recall it with Clinton or Bush I either but my memory on those is much more vague.

 

[fire1035]

Can't say for sure as I don't recall either.

 

[ATF Consumer]

I've heard it several times and noticed it with Bush.
I first thought it was a disrespectful thing, not wanting to acknowledge Bush a President, rather as just Mr. Bush.

Do a search for Mr. Bush and you should find several hits.

But, yes it is strange why they switch from one to another

 

[jedi]

I think it should alwaye be President <name>.

 

[shooter521]

The accepted way to go about it is to refer to the President as President such and such the first time in the article, news story, whatever. After that is is accepted in the realm of journalism to then refer to him by President, Mr. such and such, or just by such and such.

This is correct, according to the AP Stylebook.

 

[agentl074]

Or... Mr. President.

 

[T J]

I think it should alwaye be President <name>.

Why? That is no different then Majesty, King, or any other title. The President is the subject of the people, not the other way around.

No man is above another man.

 

[agentl074]

TJ is absolutely correct. The Founding Fathers wanted to make sure that the President would not be made into a king; therefore they made it so the President would be addressed as Mr. President.

 

[haldir]

Thanks of course to the Father of our Country, General Washington. He was the one that settled on Mr. President while many wanted to give him great and illustrious titles.

 

[agentl074]

Thanks of course to the Father of our Country, General Washington. He was the one that settled on Mr. President while many wanted to give him great and illustrious titles.

Yeppers!