1. i wonder what they did with obama 8 years ago
2. i wonder if “president” versus “mr.” is optional according to the ap style book (i am away from my bookshelf at the moment and can’t check)
That was actually started in W. Bush’s presidency...perhaps before. I seem to remember references to Mr. Clinton, too.
Years ago, I continually heard CNN refer to President Bush as ‘Mr. Bush’ and in the same sentence say ‘former President Clinton’.
“wonder if “president” versus “mr.” is optional according to the ap style book”
We had this same arguement eight years ago. Some (blacks, mostly) were incensed any time Barry was referred to as Mr. Obama. I recall that for a time it was ‘racist’ to not say ‘President Obama’ every time.
When referring to the president, the initial use would be Mr. President, or President Trump. Subsequent uses can be Mr. Trump.