COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - FEBRUARY 20: President Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a Keep America Great rally on February 20, 2020 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Cory Gardner, a first-term Republican up for reelection this year, joined Trump at the rally. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)
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Why Do All of These RNC Speakers Have “The Honorable” Title in Front of Their Names?

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Chelsea Steiner
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Published: Aug 23, 2020 04:37 pm

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After the virtual and widely well-received Democratic National Convention last week, pundits are curious to see how the republicans will respond. This coming week kicks off the Republican National Convention, which will be held partially in Charlotte, N.C., with Trump addressing the convention from the White House. The RNC has released the list of speakers for the four day convention, with every Trump family member besides Barron taking the mic. Donald Trump himself will talk every single night, which sounds exhausting for everyone involved honestly.

But many people noticed something curious in the line-up of RNC speakers. Various speakers were given the prefix “The Honorable”, which seems to be randomly assigned to different people. Folks who earned “The Honorable” include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Ivanka Trump, Kellyanne Conway, Ben Carson, Ja’Ron Smith, and others. Folks who didn’t get the prefix include every other one of Trump’s kids. Man, as if Thanksgiving at the Trump house wasn’t awkward enough!

According to The Protocol School of Washington, the American usage of the prefix is “a courtesy title used with the names of current and retired high-ranking federal and state officials and judges, and with some local officials.” Protocol expert Robert Hickey adds that “the honorable” can be used for appointed officials, but the RNC usage of the term seems to be randomly assigned.

Never mind that none of these people are honorable in any way, shape, or form. Still, the RNC speakers list features a puzzling hodge-podge of speakers, which include the smug MAGA teen, the Trump wives and girlfriends, that gun-toting couple from St. Louis.

But “the honorable” really stuck in our minds, and we’re not alone. Many people questioned the prefix on social media, and the bitter irony of the least honorable people on earth being saddled with that moniker.

This entire line-up is a hot mess, but what else would we possibly expect from this dumpster fire of an administration? Tune in as we recap the cringiest and most offensive moments throughout the week. Or maybe ignore the entire convention, you know, as a treat. You deserve it.

(image: Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

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Author
Image of Chelsea Steiner
Chelsea Steiner
Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.
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