Quote:
Originally posted by Moonchild
I wonder if there are any sociological factors behind whether we use a candidate's first or last name to refer to them. We say Hillary and Bernie, but not Martin. The only first-name candidate in the GOP is Jeb (sometimes Ted), and that's intentional branding.  Do we only use first names to distinguish between politicians with the same surname (Clinton, Bush), or as a mark of affection/closeness (Bernie and maybe Bill/Hillary?)? |
There's some factors that go into that.
For example we are more likely to call women by their first name (Hillary [Clinton], Carly [Fiorina], Kathleen [Sebelius], Michelle [Obama], etc) than men. Men are more likely to get called by their last names conversely unless you reach a certain level of respect.
Not sure exactly why that is the case
edit: maybe it has to do with women marrying more famous men with the same last name. For example if you say "Clinton" you could be talking about either Clinton. Saying "Obama" you may not ever be talking about Michelle
I stan Homosexual Icon Marco Rubio (it even sounds like a gay **** name) but he was my acc fave. 
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