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Stop trying to rationalize this as something other than a petty politcical tool.

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Reminds me of the first time I became aware of someone running for the office of POTUS not referring the the sitting president as President (name).

It was Bill Clinton. He just could not bring himself to refer to G.H.W. Bush as President Bush. It was always Bush. Seemed petty and childish to me.

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Hmm. Let's take a look:

From an October 1, 1992 speech as reported in the Baltimore Sun:

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"The real danger is that in a time of wrenching, sweeping change, under President Bush we will cling to tired, outdated notions that do not work and cannot inspire," [Clinton] said.

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From the 10/2/1992 issue of the Washington Times:

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"President Bush's ambivalence about supporting democracy, his eagerness to befriend potentates and dictators has shown itself time and again. It has been a disservice, not only to our democratic values but also to our national interests," Mr. Clinton said in a speech sponsored by two Milwaukee-based world-affairs institutes.

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From a 9/22/1992 story in the Boston Globe:

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Clinton himself noted he had received an endorsement over the weekend from retired Adm. William Crowe, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "Adm. Crowe has more credibility on truth-telling than President Bush," Clinton said.

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From a 9/16/1992 story in the Washington Times:

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"I do not want to imply there will be no cuts. There will be cuts, but I want a stronger role for the Guard and the reserves than is called for in President Bush's force plan," Mr. Clinton said.

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From a 9/14/1992 story in the Seattle Times:
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"President Bush and his administration would do anything to stay in power but make you better off," Clinton told a cheering crowd at Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square.

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Yep, it sure looks like Clintion "just could not bring himself to refer to G.H.W. Bush as President Bush." Petty and childish, indeed. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]