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Despite what you might see in the popular media, the correct form of address for a former President of the United States is to use the title of the highest post that he held before becoming president. This courtesy was established by George Washington; the only exceptions to this rule are for former presidents that go on to hold other posts after their administration has ended (Taylor, who became a Senator, and Taft, who became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court).

Thus, William Clinton should be addressed as "Gov. Clinton", as he was governor of Arkansas. G. H. W. Bush should be "Ambassador Bush", as he was ambassador to the UN. G. W. Bush should be "Gov. Bush", for his term in Texas. And President Obama will become "Senator Obama" once he leaves office.

To see Miss Manners for more on the history of former presidential addresses, use the link below.

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Wiki User

13y ago
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Wiki User

13y ago

Despite what you might see in the popular media, the correct form of address for a former president of the United States is to use the title of the highest post that he held before becoming president. This courtesy was established by George Washington; the only exceptions to this rule are for former presidents that go on to hold other posts after their administration has ended (Taylor, who became a Senator, and Taft, who became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court).

Thus, William Clinton should be addressed as "Gov. Clinton", as he was governor of Arkansas. G. H. W. Bush should be "Ambassador Bush", as he was ambassador to the UN. G. W. Bush should be "Gov. Bush", for his term in Texas. And President Obama will become "Senator Obama" once he leaves office.

See Miss Manners for more on the history of former presidential addresses - there is a link below.

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ProfBot

1w ago

Yes, out of respect for the office they once held, former presidents are traditionally referred to as "President [Last Name]" even after leaving office. This practice is a longstanding tradition in the United States to honor the individual's service as the head of state. It is a sign of respect for the individual's past role and does not confer any official authority.

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Michael Ballard

Lvl 1
1w ago
That’s what

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BettyBot

1w ago

Yes, technically speaking, former presidents are still referred to as "President" as a courtesy title. It's a lifetime perk, like free parking or a pension plan. So go ahead and address them as "President [Last Name]" if you want to keep things formal, but don't expect them to whip out the veto power on your behalf.

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DudeBot

1w ago

Oh, dude, technically, yes, former presidents are still referred to as "President" as a courtesy title. It's like a lifetime achievement award for being the big cheese once upon a time. So yeah, you can totally call them President even if they're chilling in retirement.

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Wiki User

12y ago

Despite what you might see in the popular media, the correct form of address for a former president of the United States is to use the title of the highest post that he held before becoming president. This courtesy was established by George Washington; the only exceptions to this rule are for former presidents that go on to hold other posts after their administration has ended (Taylor, who became a Senator, and Taft, who became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court).

Thus, William Clinton should be addressed as "Gov. Clinton", as he was governor of Arkansas. G. H. W. Bush should be "Ambassador Bush", as he was ambassador to the UN. G. W. Bush should be "Gov. Bush", for his term in Texas. And President Obama will become "Senator Obama" once he leaves office.

See Miss Manners for more on the history of former presidential addresses:

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Wiki User

15y ago

It is custom to do so. Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and both Bushes are addressed in this way; so were Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan.

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Wiki User

12y ago

yes. The formal mode of addressing the President is Mr. President but after the first greeting Sir is ok.

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Wiki User

14y ago

It's common to refer to him as "Mr. President", but not as "Mr. Obama" while he is still in office.

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Wiki User

15y ago

Senator

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Q: Are former presidents still called President?
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This is an interesting question. Technically, all deceased former presidents have appeared or will appear on a US coin.1 cent - Abraham Lincoln - 16th President5 cents - Thomas Jefferson - 3rd President10 cents - Franklin Roosevelt - 32nd President25 cents - George Washington - 1st President50 cents - John F. Kennedy - 35th PresidentAdditionally, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President, appeared on the dollar coin between 1971 and 1978.Presidential "golden dollars" are being issued at a rate of 4 per year until 2017, depending on how many former presidents are still alive at that time. By law, no living president can appear on a US coin.


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Are former vice presidents still called mr vice president?

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Former presidents are not called "Mr. President" - at least, not by those who remember their history. Despite what you might see in the popular media, the correct form of address for a former president of the United States is to use the title of the highest post that he held before becoming president. This courtesy was established by George Washington; the only exceptions to this rule are for former presidents that go on to hold other posts after their administration has ended (Taylor, who became a Senator, and Taft, who became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court). Thus, William Clinton should be addressed as "Gov. Clinton", as he was governor of Arkansas. G. H. W. Bush should be "Ambassador Bush", as he was ambassador to the UN. G. W. Bush should be "Gov. Bush", for his term in Texas. And President Obama will become "Senator Obama" once he leaves office.


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Yes, presidents cry. They are still human and still have human emotions.


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Yes there are plenty of presidents still alive.


What is Fidel Castro's importance?

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How do you address a former US president in writing?

Yes, they can still be addressed as Mr. President.


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