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Hillary Clinton

BainsBane

(53,032 posts)

15. I refer to her as Secretary Clinton

Reply to CTyankee (Original post)

Sun Nov 10, 2013, 03:53 PM

Nov 2013

I have noticed that retired officials are typically referred to and addressed by their highest position. So while I'm no Emily Post, I would say "Secretary Clinton" or "Madam Secretary."
I don't like how she is often referred to as Hillary because that is something more often done for women than men. I know when she ran her campaign she used that, but I would never address her by her first name since I'm not a friend.

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Can someone tell me what is the correct way to address Hillary Clinton? [View all] CTyankee Nov 2013 OP

I would go with Madame Secretary, for now. JNelson6563 Nov 2013 #1

I like the sound of it, I must say. CTyankee Nov 2013 #2

Mrs Clinton. dipsydoodle Nov 2013 #3

I thought of that but it strikes me as a little too old fashioned. CTyankee Nov 2013 #4

Some notes here dipsydoodle Nov 2013 #7

ahhh, I see the point made... CTyankee Nov 2013 #8

"Ms." isn't just for unmarried women. Ilsa Nov 2013 #14

I have been told that "Madame Secretary", her last and Ilsa Nov 2013 #5

Thanks!!! Exaatly what I was looking for! "last and highest title" sounds right... CTyankee Nov 2013 #6

That would mean Kissenger still being addressed as such too dipsydoodle Nov 2013 #9

point taken. back to ms. clinton... CTyankee Nov 2013 #10

I agree with the other poster who said it is the last and highest title. LeftofObama Nov 2013 #11

yes, use of "former" in writing and in third party reference, but if I were speaking to her CTyankee Nov 2013 #12

Several years ago, I read a book on titular protocol... MANative Nov 2013 #13

I refer to her as Secretary Clinton BainsBane Nov 2013 #15

I think calling her Hillary is presumptuous also. CTyankee Nov 2013 #16

Oops. I think you're right BainsBane Nov 2013 #17

Also I think even the French consider Madame not just for married women... CTyankee Nov 2013 #18

Madame Secretary will work. It's an acknowledgement of her status as a MADem Nov 2013 #19