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  3. NYTimes, AP drops 'Rodham' when referring to Hillary Clinton

NYTimes, AP drops ‘Rodham’ when referring to Hillary Clinton

This book cover image released by Quirk Books shows "Hillary Rodham Clinton Presidential Playset." Illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald, you can choose a facial expression and pantsuit from among the presidential candidate's greatest hits, or pose Bill Clinton in his bathrobe with his lawnmower on a foldout White House front lawn. This gift includes 10 paper dolls of the Clintons, bodyguards, favorite supporters Bono and Oprah and three sets in all. (Quirk Books via AP)
This book cover image released by Quirk Books shows "Hillary Rodham Clinton Presidential Playset." Illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald, you can choose a facial expression and pantsuit from among the presidential candidate's greatest hits, or pose Bill Clinton in his bathrobe with his lawnmower on a foldout White House front lawn. This gift includes 10 paper dolls of the Clintons, bodyguards, favorite supporters Bono and Oprah and three sets in all. (Quirk Books via AP)

The New York Times and The Associated Press on Monday both announced they would drop "Rodham" when referring to Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential front-runner. The news outlets had referred to the former secretary of State as Hillary Rodham Clinton on first reference before her campaign confirmed Monday that she prefers Hillary Clinton. After keeping her maiden name during the initial years of her marriage, Hillary Rodham went by Hillary Rodham Clinton after Bill Clinton lost the race for Arkansas governor in 1980. Clinton has dropped "Rodham" or used some combination over the years as first lady and New York senator, and "HRC" became common shorthand for her name among staffers and Democrats/The Hill. More here.

Question: Why do you suppose Hillary Clinton dropped middle-name reference to her maiden name?

D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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