The Presidential Name Game

Image from Chronicle Books

Many actors and sometimes politicians change their names if they sound a little weird. John Wayne's name was really Marion, for example. So conventional wisdom might say that a name like "Barack Hussein Obama" might be a liability for a politician. FOX "News" personalities (some of whom who have unlikely names like Brit Hume and Mort Kondracke) have certainly made hay with the "Hussein" part, and the unfortunate rhyme of "Barack" with "Iraq" and "Obama" with "Osama."

So, some liberals have taken to highlighting John McCain's middle name, which is "Sydney." But not so fast, my liberal brethren! Newly nominated Vice Presidential candidate, Joe Biden, has the middle name Robinette, of all things! Of course, he's a Jr., so it's sort of a tradition thing. . .and son Beau who is a III carries the name too. . .and he's kinda hot.

Still, Robinette trumps Sydney. Not to worry though. The rumored Republican VP nominee, Mitt Romney--a name already christened "Mittens" by some--has the first name Willard. Rats, anybody? If it's Mike Huckabee. . .well, he's got a funny last name. Tim Pawlenty too. Piyush "Bobby" Jindal? Even his adopted name is from the freakin' Brady Bunch. Long shot turncoat Joe Lieberman? Middle name: Isadore.

So, can we dispense with the Hussein references now? Thanks much.