Last week, as I ran to and from a program delivery, I managed to sneak in a few glimpses of the health care summit that took place at Blair House in Washington D.C. In the days that followed, I heard several political analysts comment on the meeting. More than a handful remarked on the forms of address that attendees used.

 

In replays of the meeting, I’ve paid particular attention to this detail. Throughout the joint meeting, members of the legislative branch consistently referred to the head of the Executive Branch as “Mr. President.” Yet, when he addressed Members of Congress, President Obama frequently used their first names. Similarly, he addressed the Vice President as “Joe.”

 

I don’t believe for a minute that President Obama intended to communicate any disrespect to his fellow summiteers. However, had he addressed Members of Congress by their titles, including “Senator,” and “Congressman” or “Congresswoman,” the President would have placed himself above reproach. 

 

Members of the media could use a quick refresher course on the appropriate use of titles, too. Media representatives are more likely to be viewed as fair and non-partisan when they consistently use titles, no matter what the elected official’s party affiliation, race, or gender.        

 

Politicians and the media should take note that it appears ordinary Americans may seek a return to respectful political debates. Recently formed CoffeeParty USA has positioned itself as a counterweight to last year’s rambunctious Tea Party movement. 

 

Founder Annabel Park reports that she can barely keep up with requests from people who wish to start their own CoffeeParty chapter. In a recent New York Times article, Ms. Park is quoted as saying, “[W]e’ve got to send a message to people in Washington that you have to learn how to work together, you have to learn how to talk about these issues without acting like you’re in an ultimate fighting session.”

 

Could a return to good manners be far behind?