What’s in a name?
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There’s been lots of flak given to anyone who references Sen. Barack Obama’s middle name — Hussein — when referring to the Illinois senator.
For instance, when former Sen. Bob Kerrey, who is supporting Sen. Hillary Clinton’s White House bid, said in December that “I like the fact that his name is Barack Hussein Obama,” the Nebraskan came under fire from those who thought the inclusion of “Hussein” was a subtle, and even anti-Muslim, way of reminding voters that Obama’s father was a Muslim. Republicans have had a field day with Obama’s middle name, including Republican strategist Ed Rogers who once told “Hardball”‘s Chris Matthews, “Count me down as somebody who underestimatesBarack Hussein Obama,” while carefully enunciating the “Hussein” part.
Obama, himself, hasn’t run away from the Hussein part of his name, but he hasn’t promoted it either. But, were he to be elected president, he’d better get used to the sound of “Barack Hussein Obama.” According to “Protocol: The Complete Handbook of Diplomatic, Official and Social Usage,” Obama’s full name would be all over the place during his presidential inauguration. Using “Protocol” as a guide, here’s where you might see Obama’s full name:
On the envelope: “The Honorable Barack Hussein Obama” (official); “The Honorable Barack Hussein Obama (and Mrs. Obama)” (social) During introductions: “The Honorable Barack Hussein Obama, President-elect (and Mrs. Obama)” While taking the oath of office: “I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear…”
