We all know it sounded wrong when Gordon Brown blurted out “Barack” in the Oval Office. But this wasn’t just a matter of straying from the West Wing script. Brown was officially in breach of protocol.
The only publication worth consulting on this terribly important matter is the Hand-book of Official and Social Etiquette and Public Ceremonials at Washington, a must-read for visiting dignitaries hoping to build special relationships.
FORMS OF SALUTATION. When addressed in person, the form proper to use upon all occasions is, MR. PRESIDENT, and nothing more. Mrs. Washington, contemporary history informs us, always addressed General Washington as THE PRESIDENT. Sometimes a military title, when entitled to the same, is used when addressed by a friend, but this is in bad taste.
Guido has more on Brown’s love of protocol.
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey
