Why do you call her governor, when she’s no longer governing.
I’ve never seen the term ever applied to an ex-governor before, so I question the accuracy of the term.
We don’t call Jimmy Carter, George Bush I and II or Clinton president. It’s always former president, so I assume the correct usage would actually be former governor Palin.
Yes, actually all of those former officeholders keep their highest formal titles according to convention. For example, in the NYTimes the usual treatment is to refer to them by that title at first mention, then Mr. or Ms. (or Mrs. or Miss if specifically requested) later in the story. That is the same way they handle the titles of current officeholders.
Personally, I don’t like it. I’d like to keep honorary titles to an absolute minimum in our republic, but Romney would likewise be referred to Gov. Romney. That’s the way we do it.
I was suspicious of your posts prior to this post, now you show yourself as you are.
I guess you never watch debates etc, Romney is addressed as Gov, as was pawlenty, both former govs.
It`s a long standing tradition, and FYI former Presidents are also addressed as Mr President, however there is a move that I am undertaking to change this for Clinton Obama and Carter
Actually, you do. They are always referred to by the former title, just like retired colonels and captains are frequently called by their title, retired doctors are still called ‘doctor’, and ambassadors are still called ‘ambassador.’
This goes way way back. Even at our founding, it was this way.
What?
Every time the press talks to Pawlenty, or Perry or Romney, they always use the term Governor. I hear it all the time, I read it even more frequently. It is perfectly proper to refer to Governor Sarah Palin as Governor, it is a title she earned which is why it is used with anyone who is or was a governor. If there is ever a question of confusion, the term “former” is inserted. This is common practice.
“We don’t call Jimmy Carter, George Bush I and II or Clinton president. It’s always former president, so I assume the correct usage would actually be former governor Palin.”
You would be assuming incorrectly.
As a sign of respect and recognition of the prior office held, people can be addressed as “Govenor”, “President”, et. al. even though they no longer hold the office. Technically they are “the former _______” but in social situations using the person’s formal title is appropriate.
You don’t need to wear a hat...
It is standard protocol for ex-officials to be called by their highest titles. Indeed, Bushes, Clinton, et al are referred to as “Mr. President”.
Mike Huckabee is referred to as “Governor”.
Newt is referred to as “Mr. Speaker”.
Bolton is referred to as “Ambassador”.
Get the drift?
So, Palin indeed can and should be referred to as “Governor”.
Doesn’t happen all the time, but it’s pretty common.
Ever heard of Emily Post? http://www.emilypost.com/forms-of-address/titles/118-addressing-a-former-us-president
Where have you been? Every single on of those people you named get called “president”. Listen to the news. The same with other government officeholders and military officers. Ambassador Bolton, Secretary Powell. In his case one also hears General Powell.
I’m a news reporter, have been since 1975. Hold the flames — I’m sane, unlike 95 percent of my colleagues.
Anyway, during the times I covered local appearances by national candidates, or other major or regional politicians, some customs come to mind
Ronald Reagan. 1979 and 1980. Invariably he was referred to as Governor Reagan when we flung questions at him.
George H.W. Bush. 1980. usually called Ambassador Bush.
Jerry Brown, post 1982 and pre-Oakland Mayor years. Gov. Brown.
I could give other examples. But the custom was to use the highest former title of the politician
I believe that the primary exception is a former president or a former vice president.
There are multiple governors, senators, congress people, mayors, etc.
Since there is only one president, I believe that former presidents are not called Mr. President. typically, one should address either of the Bushes, Clinton, or Carter as Mr. Smith, or sir, etc.
If a military officer, retired, I believe the custom would be the highest achieved rank. Such as Col. West or General Eisenhower (during the appropriate time frame, pre-presidency)
So it is entirely appropriate to refer to a former governor as governor, if that happened to be the highest-level office the individual achieved and the person is not currently holding an elected office or important government appointment.
There is no hard and fast rule, other than one shouldn’t call a former president or vice president Mr. President or Mr. Vice President (and am using male form of courtesy title, since that is all we have had in reality — to this point)
-George