Replies

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