Americans have traditionally elected their president and vice presidents based largely on their record. When a distinct appellation or nickname was engaged it was often created by the candidates themselves.
Nicknames were adopted by the presidents based on their platforms, some famous speech or some specific trait that they wanted to be known for.
Nicknames that they earned from others were often negative, demeaning and in a few cases, they were disgraceful. Some were purely ad hominem and quite personal. Obvious examples would be, Richard Nixon (Tricky Dick) – Bill Clinton (Slick Willie) – Joe Biden (Crooked Joe).
Nicknames were chosen for accomplishments, failures and in a few cases, they were chosen simply on physical appearances. Chester Arthur was known as “Walrus.” Grover Cleveland was “Uncle Jumbo.”
Without a single vote yet cast for her nomination, Kamala Harris is being labeled several interesting nicknames; most have to do with her traits. Donald Trump called her ‘Laffin Kamala’ for a while, but then he switched to ‘Lying Kamala’ because she is now the inheritor of the great swirling dark cloud of Biden lies that is now so well known.
The seemingly most oft used are ‘Giggles” and the latest ...
