[zeveb]

I think it's more appropriate to only refer to someone by his current position, not by his former positions: President Trump, Secretary Tillerson, Senator Warren — but Mr. Obama, Mr. Bush, Mrs. Clinton &c.

America is a republic, not a monarchy or aristocracy: titles are for a limited duration, not for life.

[evgen]

You may think that, but it is not how things work. Politicians are formally addressed according to current office or the highest office they held at any point in the past if not a current office holder. Probably a silly convention, but it is what it is. (ordering is Representative < Senator < (ambassador or cabinet secretary) < SC justice < VP or President)

[zeveb]

Emily Post disagrees: http://emilypost.com/advice/addressing-a-former-president-of...

Robert Hickey also: http://www.formsofaddress.info/FOA_president_US_former.html

Miss Manners too: https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1030916.html

[nxc18]

I personally agree, but that would require a culture shift.

I find it problematic that it is used inconsistently - all presidents other than Obama keep their titles for life.

Maybe only white presidents keep their title for life? I’d rather see that disparity tackled first, whether that means everyone keeps their title or no one.

[matt4077]

See the other comments for the real, benign, explanation.

This also seems to be a good occasion to encourage people to work from an assumption of good faith.

It's especially fitting considering this is the New York Times, a publication that, even if it were racist (which it is not), would probably be smart enough not to let it shine through in the most obvious way possible.

[nxc18]

Thank you for this. Apologies for the bad assumption.

[matt4077]

And thank you for your willingness to consider criticism. Sorry if the tone of slightly on the snarky side–I've become somewhat cynical trying to defend the basic decency of most people working in "the media".