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Commenter Abe raised an entirely legitimate point in the thread after today’s first post: is my habit of referring to former Senator Rick Santorum, the current (according to public opinion polls) front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, as “Ricky” sophomoric?
I can certainly see how people might feel that way. Like Abe, I don’t much like people regularly calling Mitt Romney “Willard.” And beyond that, I generally follow the principle of calling people what they choose to call themselves.
Truth is, I formed the habit of calling Santorum “Ricky” back in 2006 when I was writing about his disastrous re-election campaign. I was a regular reader of the Washington Post sports section back then, and was probably influenced by John Feinstein’s venomous references to a certain college basketball coach as “Little Ricky Pitino.” But more importantly, I developed a really deep personal antagonism towards Santorum, probably because of his distinctive leadership role in both public sanctimony (the Schiavo saga) and private power-mongering (the K Street Project). I enjoyed his 2006 defeat as much as any I can remember.
So it was easy for me to call him “Ricky” again when he reemerged in this presidential cycle, and it soon because a useful monniker to distinguish him from Rick Perry. But now he’s the only Rick in town, and I am perfectly willing to confine my snarky attitudes about the man to his words and deeds, not his name.
If anyone feels strongly about this one way or another, you can say so in the comment thread.
UPDATE: Okay, unless some late West Coast returns make a difference, there’s a pretty clear consensus against my use of the diminutive “Ricky” for the sweater-vested conservative from Pennsylvania, though for the record be it noted a significant minority favored something more insulting. So henceforth he will be known here as “Rick,” though I will not go all New York Times-y on you and refer to him as “Mr. Santorum.” Thanks for the input.
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Gesta on February 14, 2012 9:48 AM:
I appreciate you doing this - "Rick" or "Santorum" seem a little more dignified for you as well as him.
paco on February 14, 2012 9:48 AM:
Someone who chooses to call a fellow human an animal because of their sexual orientation does not deserve any respect. Continue to call him whatever the heck you want.
T2 on February 14, 2012 9:51 AM:
I responded to Abe in the post before this...but "perfectly willing to confine my snarky attitudes about the man to his words and deeds"
yes....Santorum's words and deeds......Crazy, Sophomoric, misogynist, loser, Religious Nut. Any of those fit.
Russell Sadler on February 14, 2012 9:51 AM:
For a politician like Santorum who so casually dismisses anyone who disagree with him, the use of the diminutive is especially appropriate.
c u n d gulag on February 14, 2012 9:51 AM:
I call him Icky Sticky Ricky, so I'm no one to judge on this issue.
And if you think about what's been done to his last name by the great Mr. Savage, I don't think he'd mind in the least being remembered as "Ricky" - after he gets his @$$ kicked between now and November.
Besides, I like the extra syllable when I scream "F*CK YOU, RICKY!!!" every time that moral scold shows his dour puss to the public.
Brenna on February 14, 2012 9:55 AM:
It's a free country, call him whatever you want.
BillFromPA on February 14, 2012 9:55 AM:
I'l refer to a given repug in the way they desire the very day those a$$hole stop referring to my party as the'Democrat Party', until then, eff 'em.
pillsy on February 14, 2012 9:55 AM:
I'll be eternally grateful to Dan Savage for turning Santorum's last name into something far more demeaning than any mere nickname could be.
Mudge on February 14, 2012 9:55 AM:
Is their anyone more deserving of being called Little Ricky than Santorum? I admire your restraint. You're not making reference to or puns about his Google definition. Rightfully take your place above Charlie (did you know Santorum is a dick) Pierce in the hierarchy of the dignified.
And Ricky is benign compared to names used for Obama.
Matt on February 14, 2012 9:56 AM:
Honestly, it is a bit unprofessional to refer to Rick Santorum as Ricky. Personally though, I could care less given his history of what I consider completely offensive views on social matters.
Grumpy on February 14, 2012 9:58 AM:
You don't score any points by name-calling, however mild. What does it prove? I expect that kind of mockery in the comments, but the main posts should have a higher standard.
Greytdog on February 14, 2012 9:59 AM:
Ricky hasn't earned the professional respect to be called Rick or Mr. Santorum.
stevio on February 14, 2012 9:59 AM:
Ricky, schmiky what's the dif? He's an arse.
just bill on February 14, 2012 10:00 AM:
when little ricky stops having such juvenile positions on just about anything, i'll think about giving him some respect. in the meantime, not so much.
Jeff In Ohio on February 14, 2012 10:00 AM:
I'd appreciate if you showed some respect and called him "the douche".
bignose on February 14, 2012 10:02 AM:
I think your use of "Ricky" does distract, and diminishes from you main points.
Less than professional, IMHO.
fostert on February 14, 2012 10:03 AM:
I usually refer to him as "He who must not be Googled."
stormskies on February 14, 2012 10:06 AM:
I am with Brenna and free speech. Blogs such as this serve a good psychological purpose which includes being able to vent our frustrations. So using slurs and the like can be a good thing, plus it's free speech.
Danp on February 14, 2012 10:06 AM:
I'm with Abe. There should be a different standard for those of us who comment, but the main posts should show a certain deference and seriousness. Hit them in their policies, words or actions. It's more powerful than playing with their names.
bk on February 14, 2012 10:07 AM:
Thanks to his persistant "man on dog" stance I prefer to call him Little Pricky.
Bob Wellhoefer on February 14, 2012 10:09 AM:
Who the F*ck cares? Every one of these fools needs to be treated as the non-serious clowns that they are. I'd prefer if you referred to Ricky as Mr. Frothy Mixture, myself.
bob
docdave on February 14, 2012 10:11 AM:
I lean toward JustBill's position, but a mark of adulthood is showing restraint and good mannners even when the situation doesn't demand doing so. So, give him a grownup appellation, like Whilom Senator Santorum, or ExMC, or something like, and let Brothe Santorum's side supply the juvenalia
AndThenThere'sThat on February 14, 2012 10:12 AM:
Ed, in the words of Littl bo....er....George Walker Bush "If it feels good, do it". Now once upon a time "Rick" would have been the correct serious, professional, etc. designation. Of course, once upon a time one political party wasn't descending into madness at terminal velocity. Personally, I prefer calling him Mr. Ass Juice. But again that's just me.
martin on February 14, 2012 10:14 AM:
Inasmuch as I complain about Limbaugh trashing people's names - not to mention his "Democrat" party speech impediment - I'll have to also take issue with you calling Santorum "Ricky".
Damn, sometimes I hate being a liberal;>
Pal2008 on February 14, 2012 10:15 AM:
ZOMG, YOU ARE SOOOOO UNPROFESSIONAL! Rick or Little Ricky makes no difference. IMHO, you can't heap too much disdain, scorn, derision or contempt on that creepy weirdo.
Roddy M on February 14, 2012 10:16 AM:
I'm thinking anyone whose view of the world is as simplistic and childish as Santorum's merits being referred to as "Ricky." I'm thinking anyone who would propose to foist such a view on the rest of us merits being called worse.
JoeW on February 14, 2012 10:16 AM:
As a Pa resident, all I can say is that you can call him anything you want - except President
June on February 14, 2012 10:16 AM:
I had noticed this, too and tend to agree with the "call him Rick, his 'sins' speak for themselves" camp - however, BillFromPA also makes a compelling point:
I'l refer to a given repug in the way they desire the very day those a$$hole stop referring to my party as the'Democrat Party', until then, eff 'em.
That said, whenever I read "conservative" commentary that refers to the Prez as "Barry," I stop reading right there. And I have to admit, I think it's incredibly childish of the GOP candidates and other pols to use words like "Obamacare" and "the Democrat Party."
So where do I end up? I'm in the camp where I think the full brunt of commentary should focus on the latest insane/greedy/stupid/heartless/sexist/bigoted thing Santorum is doing, rather than taking the focus away from that by calling him "Ricky." After all, his last name has for years been a WorldWideWeb joke - all you need to do is say "Santorum" to get people to burst into laughter.
DAY on February 14, 2012 10:17 AM:
I long for the day when we can call him "GONE".
Mike on February 14, 2012 10:19 AM:
As Monty Python once said about Belgians, let's not call him anything, let's just ignore him.
P.S. I have nothing against Belgians.
CJ on February 14, 2012 10:19 AM:
In one episode of the estimable "The West Wing," President Bartlett showed admiration for his new assistant, played by Lily Tomlin, because referred to him as "President Bartlett" in the local paper when she was railing against his policies. He liked that she respected the office, even if she didn't always respect the man. Santorum is a former U.S. Senator, and as usual, "The West Wing" speaks to me on this issue.
The other thing is that I hate when the right refers to President Obama as Barry, Barak Hussein Obama, or just Obama (they rarely say President Obama). I also complained last weekend about the derogatory foundation of ObamaCare (a direct descendent of focus-group approved HillaryCare). So, to be consistent, I should probably say that "Ricky" would not be my preference.
That said, I want to make it clear that Senator Santorum's 19th century belief system, saturated with ignorance, is entirely loathsome.
Karen on February 14, 2012 10:19 AM:
I'd say to refer to him as Rick simply because it's more professional and makes your comments more likely to be taken seriously.
sleepy_comentator on February 14, 2012 10:24 AM:
Yes, it's sophomoric. Of course its sophomoric. Sophomoric and unprofessional, to boot, for any sort of journo-blogger. Why do you even need to ask? You're calling an ideological opponent by a diminutive version of his first name. That means that every time you say his name, an implicit ad hominem attack is voiced, and the ideological identity of the Political Animal blog is reenforced not on the basis of policy, but rather on the basis of trite in-group signalling that has no place outside of Wasilla — or even highschool, for that matter.
A degree of snark is inevitable, in political blogging. Most especially in the comments. People like to voice their frustrations, and they like to know that other people share them. But snark is just noise. Snark doesn't need or rely on facts. Snark is the choir sharing juicy gossip with the choir, and not singing one damn note.
jeff on February 14, 2012 10:24 AM:
Santorum's statements - on anything from social issues to the cost of drugs and the Occupy movement - cause people to lose respect for him. I don't think we have to alter his name ("Ricky" ... or the even more popular "Sanitarium") to get the ball rolling.
This is similar in a way to calling George W. Bush "Shrub" or "Dumya" ... why resort to 2nd grade name calling when his failures will destroy him for us? Focus on their record of failure, not word play.
This is really no different than the right wing trotting out "Barack Hussein Osama" in juvenile fashion, Ed. Write about the outrageous things that Santorum says daily but keep the focus there, rather than on your personal history of hating the candidate. Btw, divulging that will only allow the people at National Review to have a field day. Obviously a person could loathe Santorum for very legitimate reasons but I'd keep the focus on how wrong his policy prescriptions are (f.e., he essentially supports the full privatization of Medicare even though Medicare Advantage - a testbed for this idea - has been an abject failure, with higher costs and no evidence of improved health outcomes). He's wrong about everything so let's explain how he's wrong, rather than confessing our glee that he lost in 2006. When we make it personal, we distract people from the fact that Santorum has lost each and every argument.
SWENXOF on February 14, 2012 10:26 AM:
BillFromPA on February 14, 2012 9:55 AM:
I'll refer to a given repug in the way they desire the very day those a$$hole stop referring to my party as the'Democrat Party', until then, eff 'em.
Exactly. And by the way, Mitt Romney does this CONSTANTLY.
Trollop on February 14, 2012 10:27 AM:
I like "Ricky", he is after all a sophomore in the truest political sense (if you can make sense out of the GOP's identity crisis). Ricky is a lot more respectful than say Google.
Rochester on February 14, 2012 10:27 AM:
Let's be reminded which President was fond of using pet-names for the people around him, and the subconscious intent behind that childish behavior.
Ed, thank you for recognizing you can be better than that. Attack the man's ideology, not his name.
Eeyore on February 14, 2012 10:27 AM:
I fall on the side of calling him "Rick" Santorum. I feel this way because I bristled every time the Republicans used the name "Barack Hussein Obama" four years ago. Technically, that's his name, but I found the snarkiness offputting. I think our side can show a little more professionalism and class.
Personally, I call him "Frothy", but that's because I'm not a professional journalist.
Just my $0.02 worth.
Steve on February 14, 2012 10:29 AM:
Call him Rick. Why get in the gutter with all those idiots. You are better than that. Yes, he is a descpicable human being with ridiculous views. Just showing all of that in your column (And you've done VERY well with that!!) is enough. If conservatives and today's GOP want to be disrespectful to our president, that's fine. From what I've seen, they will pay dearly in November. No reason we have to be in the same place as them. We are better than them...by a long way.
EMRVentures on February 14, 2012 10:30 AM:
I know when I hear or read someone say "Barry" or "Hussein" or "BHO" I immediately dismiss them as a jerk and disregard what they have to say.
So, yes, I don't calling people names they do not wish to be called degrades your credibility among all but the already converted.
stinger on February 14, 2012 10:30 AM:
I've previously commented about this twice, and I'm glad you are going to be taking the high road. There is pawlenty to snark about with the guy's name already. I've nothing against snark, just against juvenility in adults.
Vondo on February 14, 2012 10:31 AM:
I've already registered my displeasure with calling him Ricky in two other threads. It reflects poorly on you and the left.
It's Rick, not Ricky and Barack, not Barry.
berttheclock on February 14, 2012 10:32 AM:
Whatever name you prefer to use, Mr Kilgore, I will still take your comments seriously.
Please, no put downs of Belgian Ale.
But, one thing I will never understand is the useage of former titles of positions once held by anyone. When, any politico retires from office, or any military officer retires, why must they be referred to using their highest rank or position attained. They are retired. Santorum is no longer a Senator, so, why should anyone refer to him as "Senator Santorum". Reminds me of reading Brit mystery novels, where there would be retired British Army officers sitting around and everyone would still call them Major or Colonel or the like. Bill Clinton is retired. He is our former President. He is not President Clinton.
Robert on February 14, 2012 10:33 AM:
Most of the trouble in our country is because we folded to the pressure from the right, I'm saying no more folding on the important issues, and Ricky can go shit himself.
bmcchgo on February 14, 2012 10:35 AM:
I immediately dismiss any right wing commenter who refers to the President as 'Barry' or call us 'Obots'. And although I might agree with a commenter's argument on the Left, when they refer to other side as 'Rethugs', they lose a bit of my respect.
So Ed, stay classy. Respect the other side by not lowering your standards. Remember, we have the facts on our side.
biggerbox on February 14, 2012 10:36 AM:
That a major political party is treating that man as a serious candidate for President is a sign of how far our nation has fallen. That said, professionalism dictates "Rick", though I'm sure he wouldn't respond with equal respect.
Alternately, one should use he full name and titles, with popular nickname in quotes, e.g. "former Senator Rick "Man-on-Dog" "Frothy" Santorum."
Anonymous on February 14, 2012 10:37 AM:
Having skimmed through the comments, I think Grumpy has it right - though in my heart of hearts, I'm with Jeff In Ohio and fostert.
Tramey on February 14, 2012 10:38 AM:
Commenters can get as snarky as they want (although personally, I am pretty old-school, so prefer more civilized discussion). This is a well-respected blog, representing a well-respected magazine. I think you should use respectful terms for the candidates, regardless of how little they deserve it. You are bigger (and smarter) than these guys.
Also, it really annoys me when Republicans call the President Barry... which is, of course, why they do it. Using belittling terms lowers the expectation of of anything consequential to follow it. I suggest you call him Santorum. Then, anyone who knows his Google history can chuckle their little snarky chuckles and you can still be seen as head and shoulders in your civilized, policy-driven commentary.
karl on February 14, 2012 10:41 AM:
My vote is for "Rick". The other reference was unprofessional, much as I dislike him.
SBcardinal on February 14, 2012 10:44 AM:
I haven't minded "Ricky" but when I think of how irritated I get at all the examples previous posters have listed about Obama nicknames, I have to agree we should go with "Rick." @T2 nailed it: just add descriptors to his given name. I'm partial to Rick "man on dog" Santorum, myself.
SBcardinal on February 14, 2012 10:46 AM:
If I'd refreshed before posting, I could have just said ditto @biggerbox.
T2 on February 14, 2012 10:46 AM:
lets put an end to this crap. The guy's name is RICHARD , not Rick. All you hand-wringers who are worried about being "non-professional" or "adult" please call the wacko by his real name..RICHARD SANTORUM. The rest of us will call him what we damn well please, which for me is LOSER.
Barbara on February 14, 2012 10:48 AM:
Well, I personally enjoyed little Ricky's 2006 shellacking for a very different kind of reason: I attended the schools of the district that was ordered by the state to fund the on-line schooling of Santorum's umpteen children living 5 hours away in the state of Virginia, to the tune of $100,000. The district is, to put it mildly, in tough shape. It fought back and was able to recoup the money, but I can't look at Santorum without gritting my teeth.
Teresa Anderson on February 14, 2012 10:49 AM:
I think it is best to be professional in your language. Our local newspaper would sometimes pick up Steve's comments as part of a blog roundup on a certain topic, and I don't think such name-calling would reflect well on the seriousness of the Washington Monthly.
Peter C on February 14, 2012 10:49 AM:
I’m sick and tired of the asymmetry whereby Republicans are free to spout the most inane, baseless absurdities but Democrats must be respectful. They say we want socialism and that we seized upon the crash as an opportunity to nationalize the banks and the auto industry. They impugn the President’s citizenship and disparage his intelligence and deface his picture to resemble Hitler. They call us traitors. And, at every turn, they lie to us. We have no responsibility to repay such abuse and contempt with respect.
I’d prefer the politics of our nation to be civil and rational, but we cannot impose civility and rationality unilaterally. When we pretend that the Republicans are civil and rational, we give them credibility and stature they do not deserve.
They are vile, sanctimonious, dishonest, dishonorable, selfish, greedy, and spiteful; their words and actions prove this day-in and day-out. When they convince me otherwise, I’ll treat them with respect. When they can convince me that they respect the populace that they would lead, I’ll afford them the benefit of the doubt. But my trust has been violated too often and too flagrantly to be lightly forgiven; I will no longer assume that maybe this time they will negotiate in good faith. They will not. They do not see us as legitimate potential partners with whom common goals may be achieved. They see us as the ultimate enemy. We stand between them and the religious wars they hope to fight and win. We stand between them and the rape of the earth.
Tom C on February 14, 2012 10:51 AM:
I think it's very poor style and have been tempted several times to comment on it. For one, if you have to invite a discussion about this, you probably already know the answer. Second, when Republicans call President Obama "Barry," or the Democratic Party the "Democrat Party," it makes them look childish and insular. I don't respect Rick Santorum's bigoted positions and dangerous policies and I don't respect him as a politician, but a basic rule of civility and adulthood is to recognize that people get to choose what they're called.
RD Padouk on February 14, 2012 10:52 AM:
Whenever you call anyone an unflattering name you are indicating a lack of confidence. You are broadcasting an inability to articulate why you dislike someone, which makes people suspicious of your motivation. Stupid names are just one step above stupid photoshops as a way to destroy credibility. You don't need to use the tools of the playground to bring down Senator Santorum. His words and actions are devastating enough.
Vondo on February 14, 2012 10:52 AM:
@T2 I'm sure William Clinton and James Carter would agree with you....
About the only time a candidates true, full name is used is on the ballot and at inauguration. I am totally fine with that.
T2 on February 14, 2012 10:55 AM:
you mean Slick Willie and Jimmy the Peanut Farmer?
Lucia on February 14, 2012 10:56 AM:
I'm swimming against the tide here, but I reiterate my strong plea to call him Rick. I don't respect, trust or like him more than you or any other commenter, but if you're going to call Newt and Mitt by their chosen names, do the same for Rick (while impugning him relentlessly on substantive grounds, which won't be hard). It makes you look mature and professional, especially by comparison.
R on February 14, 2012 11:09 AM:
My vote is for the high road in this case, for reasons cited above. The guy's ideas are odious enough and seriously scary, so let's keep the focus there. Well, also on this: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/14/opinion/bruni-the-do-over-derby.html
sacman701 on February 14, 2012 11:10 AM:
I agree with the posters who compared it to Republicans using "Hussein" or "Democrat party". It's better to take the high road even if it feels better to take the low road.
K Wilson on February 14, 2012 11:18 AM:
There are plenty of far more effective ways to criticize Mr. Santorum than the adolescent tactic of making up an unflattering for him. (I was going to write "Mr. Frothy Mixture", but that would sort of contradict my point, wouldn't it?) In fact, he has has a singular talent for delivering opportunities for devastating criticism on a silver tray, gift-wrapped and reeking to high heaven.
It reminds me of the practice among some right-wingers of referring to the president as "Barry", a name he hasn't used since he was a teenager. Adults, even vile loathsome sanctimonious deluded ignorant narrow-minded bigoted superstitious medieval bible-thumping hateful adults get to decide what name they go by. We should try to debate as adults.
AmusedOldVet on February 14, 2012 11:21 AM:
Willard "Mittens" RMoney... The quarter-billionaire candidate of the 1/10 of 1%ers
Ricky Bobby Perry... The idiot from Tejas
Neutered Gingrich... The man who forgot he was on a book tour
Man-On-Dog Santorum... The 1820's candidate of the theocracy
Call them whatever the hell you want, they are all @ssholes intent upon the destruction of the ameriKKKan worker.
Besides, WTF has Ricky done to earn any respect?
Daniel Kim on February 14, 2012 11:21 AM:
Take the high road. Refer to him with proper respect, and always tell the truth.
It is rather like senators adhering to established customs of propriety and deference by bowing to the final vote count, and taking their differences to the debate floor, instead of using sneaky back-door holds to prevent bills from even . . . uh.
OK, so I don't have a good reason, but still I would prefer that this publishing vehicle and forum be blameless in word and deed.
Arlington BigFish on February 14, 2012 11:22 AM:
How about calling him Dick? All in all, though, I'm OK with Rick: I like to think we're above the level of the wingnuts' use of "Barry."
Rich Conboy on February 14, 2012 11:23 AM:
Regardless of what your decision was on calling Santorum, I very much like the fact that you took the question seriously and reflected on what to do. This ability to examine a situation that you have control over and explain your rationale for how to proceed indicates to me that you are worth reading.
ComradeAnon on February 14, 2012 11:24 AM:
Ed-this is your blog. Call him whatever the hell you want to. If someone doesn't like it, they are free to offer their opinion. I'm surprised no one has offered douche bag.
Daniel Kim on February 14, 2012 11:26 AM:
Oh, for the record, I often call him Rick 'please don't Google it' Santorum, but not generally in print.
zandru on February 14, 2012 11:33 AM:
Okay, so this is from way out in Left Field (where I live):
Sometimes I refer to former Senator Santorum as "Little Ricky." But this evokes the old "I Love Lucy" television show, resulting in a certain feeling of affection rather than the planned contempt. Remember Ricky Ricardo? And little Desi? -- I mean "little Ricky"? Not to mention the greatest, Lucille Ball?
So this unfortunate practice of denigration gets it both ways - apparent disrespect, with underlying compassion for him. Sounds crazy, no?
We should try to stick to "Santorum."
berttheclock on February 14, 2012 11:33 AM:
I may call him Rick, but, I refuse to ever call him Senator Santorum as he, thankfully, no longer a senator.
Jim H on February 14, 2012 11:39 AM:
Here's a west-coast latecomer. There was mention earlier about what Dan Savage had done to his last name. But it hasn't stopped. Mr. Savage has asked his readers for a definition to match the word "Rick" as well. Let's just say that "to rick" is now a transitive verb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FnP7QqWamA
zandru on February 14, 2012 11:40 AM:
Peter C is "sick and tired of the asymmetry..."
...but I, for one, welcome it. It's yet another way of distinguishing between the two parties' philosophy and behavior. One side has the disrespectful, vicious boors who constantly use foul language and hate speech. They also just make things up and then believe them.
I'd like for us to be "the other side."
jjm on February 14, 2012 11:40 AM:
I prefer Rachel Maddow's occasional "Rich Man on Dog Santorum".
puravida on February 14, 2012 11:42 AM:
Well, you can call him "Rick" but I'll continue to call him a "dick."
TCinLA on February 14, 2012 11:51 AM:
A sociology professor once told me that behind every slur, there is at least one concrete example of the term (he wasn't saying that to justify the slur, only to explain where they gain traction). On the basis of that, Willard is the perfect demonstration of where anti-Mormonism comes from, and Little Ricky is the perfect example of where dislike of the Catholic Church comes from. Both are idiots (a category that covers all races, religions and genders). That either thinks they deserve respect shows just how stupid they are, too stupid to know what idiots they are.
There's no need to show any respect to any Republican. Are we supposed to now "respect" Hitler???
Here's a deal: when Republicans start showing respect to people, I'll return the favor. Until then, kick 'em in the teeth, the only good ones are pushing up daisies.
Gov't Mule on February 14, 2012 11:51 AM:
To reader Abe and anyone who objects to calling Romney "Willard": get over yourselves. That is his legal name. Does it have a creepy connotation much like the movie of the same name? Yes, which is the reason why we use it. The other reason is we have a shape-shifting fraud that doesn't believe in anything, not even his own name. And that in itself says a lot about candidate Romney.
bob h on February 14, 2012 12:15 PM:
The Japanese have a word for a man, who, while fully grown, is not yet fully formed and retains an air of the juvenile about him - "Ojisan". That's what Ricky is, and I think this name is appropriate.
memekiller on February 14, 2012 12:23 PM:
I actually found the fact that you even asked us if we had a problem with "Ricky" more off-putting, and smacked more of the kind of insecuity of being the new blogger that I find unwarranted. In the flame-war age I thought such liberal naval-gazing concerns over decorum had long since passed us by. My only problem with it is that it doesn't have quite the lyricism of a Tweety or Mitens, but is more streamlined than the Google definition, or "the dude who broght his wife's miscarriage home for family photos."
I mean, you concern for the fee-fees of the guys whose concern for our troops disappeared once they loss their usefulness as partisan cudgels to accuse non-Republicans traitors both speaks well of you, and to the reason we can't play with the Big Boys.
You know, when Dan Burton found out he drove Vince Foster to suicide with his travel office investigation, did he pause for reflection? Hell, no. He saw in driving a man to put a gun to his head an opportunity for more cheap, partisan theatrics. Your concern is touching, really, but I'd much rather read about how Ricky wrapped up his wife's miscarriage to bring home to the family to hug it, kiss it and sing it lullabies.
Vince on February 14, 2012 12:27 PM:
To all the good Democrats who think our side would be above the fray and "grown"ups, I'd like to ask what exactly this sort of general attitude to fighting fire with fire has gotten the party and the country in the last 20 or so years.
The word liberal is been tarred to such a degree that most people won't call themselves that. It's one of the main reasons the word "progressive" has taken hold as much as it has. Simply put, even liberals are ashamed to refer to themselves that way.
It has resulted in the country lurching ever further to the right.
These assholes have been impugning liberalism and liberals (oh, wait, progressives) for as long as I've been politically aware. We are traitors. We are baby killers. We hate America. We want America to fail. We have no morals. Etc. Etc. Etc.
I for one am sick of it. I think getting down and playing dirty might help the party immensely. So, and I know I am on the West Coast so my vote doesn't count. But, call the sanctimonious little asshole Ricky, who, along with every other Republican politician continues to routinely and intentionally refer to the Democratic party as the Democrat party, as much as you want to Ed.
punaise on February 14, 2012 12:32 PM:
"Man on Dog" usually works.
AndrewBW on February 14, 2012 12:39 PM:
On a side note, when Meatloaf's album "Bat Out of Hell" came out in 1978, the Times insisted on maintaining its style in their review, and called him "Mr. Loaf."
katmom on February 14, 2012 12:44 PM:
In our house, we call him Sanctus Sanctorum.
Trollhattan on February 14, 2012 1:01 PM:
My preference is for "Shitheel."
Thank you.
The Oracle on February 14, 2012 1:10 PM:
How about Tricky Rick?
You know, as a homage to Tricky Dick (your choice, Dick Nixon or Dick Cheney, both Tricky Dicks). Of course, in the same vein, Tricky Rick could apply to a number of tricky Republican Ricks, Rick Santorum, Rick Perry, Rick Scott.
Rabbler on February 14, 2012 1:28 PM:
It's hard not to be a name caller in a name calling world, but it's worth the effort.
Peter C on February 14, 2012 1:41 PM:
I appreciate and value your vote, Vince (@12:27). The West Coast gives us legislators that I'm proud of. We need areas of sanity, even if (as here in Texas) they are only small pockets. Sanity can spread, and even a small penlight is sometimes enough to enable you to find the lightswitch.
Yes, zandru (@11:40), we are 'the other side'. But, we have other options than only vicious boorishness or reflexive deference. It is OK to be dismissive of idiotic ideas and scornful of the people who promote them. We should be indignant when we are slandered and accused of treason.
For a long time, I resisted calling Republicans 'evil'; Rove, Ailes, Cheney (and perhaps Gingrich) fit the bill, but Palin, Dubya, McCain, Santorum, Romney are just selfish, delusional, shallow-minded, mean-spirited, greedy, sanctimonious, and/or stupid. None of them are completely respectable, though. And dismissive sarcasm (for all that they swoon and clutch their pearls) is not an 'attack'.
Liberal dude on February 14, 2012 1:59 PM:
Just call him Mr. Frothy. There is no reason to take a man with such fringe positions seriously as a candidate or a person.
digitusmedius on February 14, 2012 2:44 PM:
Jeebus, I'd think Shithead Santorum would be generous of spirit, but I guess we'll keep being the side of civility against the barbarian hoard. Make it Richard if you're going to get formal. Rick is not a serious name.
Anonymous on February 14, 2012 2:53 PM:
slogeo but nicknames are a distinctive and notable feature of American speech, often remarked upon by non native speakers. Ol' Hickory, Honest Abe, Rough Rider, anyone ? 'Scarface' Al Capone, Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel? Sometimes the moniker becomes the name...'Magic' Johnnson or 'Stonewall' Jackson. Nicknames are shorthand for describing the essential character of a person with an easy familiarity befiitting a nation of equals. The Brits don't call Prince William 'Bill'. 'Dirty Dick' Nixon. 'Dark Side' Dick Cheney, George 'Wrecker' Bush have an evocative and penetrating effect on reactionaries when I use them. There's no missing their meaning. They may be rough, but pointed, not crude. So I don't know about you, but I'll continue to use Willard the Weak, K St. Rick, Newton L. NutJob & and That Texan in a TinFoil Hat whenever I talk politics. Words have framing power, ask Frank Luntz.
Patango on February 14, 2012 3:16 PM:
How is the name RICKY demeaning? I would hardly call that being UNPROFESSIONAL , He calls people like me and you antichrist god hating baby killers in so many words Ed , how professional is that for a ex senator pres candidate?
You might as well side line HONKITUDE AND CRACKERO now , and I'll go to Huff Po and read about pop stars and be bored to death while america continues to sink into the bowls of the righteous high morale politically correct GOP BIGOTS WHO HATE POOR/WORKING PEOPLE ...
If we do not stand up to the GOP bigots here , how do we ever expect our politicians to grow some backbone for once and stand up to them in DC ? Is no one else sick of these people spewing hate , then claiming the moral high ground , while dems stick their tails between their legs?
Ricky is a GOP nazi , we might as well call RUSH mr limbaugh from now on also ....People get the respect the deserve...
SYSPROG on February 14, 2012 5:39 PM:
OK I see the 'upset' from people and I will admit that it hacks me off to see people refer to the President as OBAMA as if somehow he doesn't deserve respect. But in my heart, Santorum will always be 'lil Ricky' since I'm from Seattle and Dan Savage is my goto guy for all things santorum!
Texas Aggie on February 14, 2012 7:45 PM:
When you think about it, Rick isn't too much more dignified than Ricky. If you want dignity, than refer to him as Richard. Otherwise, Frothy does just as well.
Bill on February 14, 2012 9:00 PM:
Yes, you should stick to Rick - Rick Scamtorum
burro on February 14, 2012 10:03 PM:
Sanctimonious Shithead. Everyone will know who you're talking about. Maybe Mr. Sanctimonious Shithead if you really feel like showing a little respect.
Bob on February 15, 2012 6:32 AM:
I too think you should stop calling Santorum "Ricky."
"Dick" works for me.