Bill Clinton could be on the verge of winning the role of running the East Wing, but please don’t call him first gentleman, says the Associated Press Stylebook.
Updating their political terms, the AP said that in most references, the highest title attained should be used for politicians. Thus, he is still “former President Bill Clinton” even if he is picking out china for President Hillary Clinton’s state dinner.
Our new elections topical guide includes guidance on a term the U.S. has never had to use: first gentleman. https://t.co/ReFyqpwV6M https://t.co/KqhWgHyJHn
— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) November 2, 2016
From the new guide:
first gentleman
Not an official title, always lowercase. Should the individual hold or have held an official title of high office, that title takes precedence: former President Bill Clinton.
And ditto for a female spouse:
first lady
Not an official title, always lowercase. Should the individual hold or have held an official title of high office, that title takes precedence: former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
