The Latest Shhh…It’s a Whisper
February 4, 2008
From US News and World Report this week, my latest magazine whisper:
‘Fines’ for Saying Hillary or Barack
There’s a new rule at the Republican National Committee. Refer to the two leading Democratic presidential candidates simply as “Barack” and “Hillary” and you’ll be fined $10. The reason: Using first names makes the candidates sound more likable but calling them “Senator Obama” and “Senator Clinton” makes them sound more distant and bureaucratic. “I don’t think people are actually being fined,” says one insider. But everyone is being “encouraged” to follow the rule.
