January 15, 2010

• Title Trauma

  After George Washington was inaugurated in 1789, the US Senate convened in New York’s Federal Hall to take up an important issue: The title of the President of the United States.  Vice President John Adams was the forerunner in wanting a fancy presidential name.  He wanted a more dignified name.  George Washington favored, “His High Mightiness.”   The Senate Committee came back with, “His Highness the President of the United States of America and Protector of the Rights of the Same.”  The House refused to even consider the matter.  The name, “Mr. President” was adopted.

  Tongue firmly planted in his cheek, Ben Franklin put forward a suggested title for the vice president: “His Superfluous Excellency.” 

  • 8:15 am
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