"Bill said this, Hillary said that..." Enough!

mike65

Is objective distance dead and gone? Listening to coverage of the tedious US Primaries I'm struck by the casual use of first names by the fourth estate.
While such might indicate political bias (and many of us would suspect the worst in this respect) might it really be sheer "clubbish" laziness? Fabio Capello as the new England boss has a policy of addressing his charges by second names only as it imparts a certain 'distance' any chance the media here could follow that example?

Mike.

flogen

Maybe in the example you cite, first names are used to distinguish between the two (where constantly saying 'Bill Clinton' and 'Hilary Clinton' would be cumbersome)?

mike65

Its a general thing (bias towards Democratic coverage) Though you might have a point insomuch as it really does appear to be the Hill 'n Bill Show (on comes Niall O'Dowd yet again!).

Mike.

flogen

mike65 wrote: »

Its a general thing (bias towards Democratic coverage) Though you might have a point insomuch as it really does appear to be the Hill 'n Bill Show (on comes Niall O'Dowd yet again!).

Mike.

Well in fairness I've not really heard anyone refer to Obama as Barack - and it's not like his name isn't unusual enough for people to know who you're referring to straight away.

And speaking of Clinton loyalists, who was that militant supporter Vincent Browne had on last night along with Richard Delevan?

I've no problem hearing supporters of any persuasion in a debate but it really gets my goat when you have people who simply refuse to accept the very notion of their candidate not doing well, or not saying something they should have etc.

At one point she interrupted Delevan's comments on unreliable polls to point out that New Hampshire was supposed to be Obama's but actually went to Clinton... which was kind of his point in the first place...

Then she took a sly swipe at the media for apparently attacking Clinton constantly and never questioning Obama.

DMC

I agree with flogen that when you are differentiating between the Clintons, you have to go Bill 'n Hillary, both names are well known. Also, when they are famous enough, and their names are unique enough, they only go by their first names. If they have nicknames, all the better.

Also, I wonder is it down to decent common courtesy, no disrespect to women by calling them by their surname?

mike65

Me old school, I like my presenters to address an audience/guests dressed like this

Mike.

flogen

mike65 wrote: »

Me old school, I like my presenters to address an audience/guests dressed like this

Mike.

Including the murderous stare?

DMC

On a side note, I find it hilarious that ARD, the German state broadcaster still present their main evening news without autocue and with complete formal introduction of "Guten abend, meine Damen und Herrn".

Imagine Anne Doyle saying Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Sounds archaic.

Snickers Man

mike65 wrote: »

Me old school, I like my presenters to address an audience/guests dressed like this

Mike.

You've got a point there, Mr 65.