Have You Noticed? Secret Service is treating Mitt Romney like a President, not just a candidate.
Last night I watched Mitt Romney’s speech from Bucks County, Pennsylvania and noticed something I hope you’ve picked up on: his Secret Service detail is treating Mitt Romney like a President…and not just like a candidate.
What I mean is that the looks on the agents faces, and the way they aggressively keep turning their heads and watching out for Romney, is the same thing they do for the actual President…but it’s not the same level of intensity these guys provide for a mere candidates for office, former presidents, First Ladies, etc. While the Secret Service always strives to do its job well and protect all its charges…the PRESIDENT is where they put their most energy…and I think mentally the agency has moved ahead and realizes that Mitt Romney will become the President-Elect tomorrow.
I never saw them treat John McCain this way. And they never treated Hillary Clinton this way, either. But they did treat Barack Obama this way very early on…way back to December 2007 or early January 2008, whenever he got a full Secret Service detail. They always treated him like he’d be the next president, not just a candidate.
But that’s how they are treating Mitt Romney right now…making it clear to me that the Powers That Be know that Bathhouse Barry is one and done.
Have you noticed this?
PS: Has anyone picked up on the Romney family’s Secret Service code names?
The Clintons, for instance, were assigned “E” words…and are Eagle (Bill), Evergreen (Hillary), and Energy (Chelsea).
The Obamas are “R” words…Renegade (Obama), Renaissance (Michelle), Radiance (one of the daughters), and Respect (I think…for the other daughter…the one who looks a little like Aretha Franklin when she was young, so I think it’s an in-joke). Update: the other Obama daughter is called “Rosebud”, not “Respect.
I don’t remember McCain’s code name but I know that the Palins had “D” words…Denali (Sarah Palin), Driller (Todd), etc.
I’d love to know what letter the Romneys were assigned and what their word choices were. I don’t think the candidates have any choice in the matter, but the agency won’t pick anything embarrassing to them. The words chosen are ones that are rare to hear in a conversation…so that over their earpieces they will know to go running if someone would just shout EVERGREEN or RADIANCE or whatever.
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UPDATE: I forgot about this, but there is a fun Wiki page that has all these names listed: Secret Service Code Names
The Romney family was assigned “J” and the Ryans are “B”, so:
Mitt Romney = Javelin
Anne Romney = ?
Paul Ryan = Bowhunter
Jana Ryan = Buttercup
Additionally, all the Romney and Ryan children will have code names that begin with “J” and “B” respectively, but details on those aren’t on the Wiki page. I wonder what Anne’s code name is. Does anyone know? I’d assign her Juno if I was picking because I like to use the mythology-based names. Juno fits with “Javelin” because it has a classic feel to it.
Other code names from history:
John McCain = Phoenix
Cindy McCain = Parasol
Meghan McCain = Peter Sellers (weird!)
Rick Santorum = Petrus (does that mean he’s related to the McCains somehow?)
Ted Kennedy = Murdering Drunk (I’m guessing on that one)
Jesse Jackson = Thunder
Joe Biden = Celtic
Jill Biden = Capri
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I read an article a few weeks back, Paul Ryan’s SS name is “Bowhunter”.
Liza Ryan’s (the eldest Ryan kid) codename is probably Bean just based on the sonogram story Ryan told at the VP debate. Apparently, Janna Ryan’s codename is a homage to the Princess Bride. Both the Ryans are big fans of the movie.
As for the whole Secret Service thing, they apparently were in contact with the Janesville police in 2011, so that everyone was prepared for Ryan. Wonder if they did that for other potential R VPs like Rubio. I think with Obama it had more to do with the nightmare scenario.. KKK guy assassinates potential black President.
Interesting observation Kevin…I’ll make another one.
Mitt Romney looks damn fine in those jeans.
Damn straight that man looks fine in those jeans! When I told my daughter that Mitt was 65, she looked absolutely shocked. She said, I thought he was the same age as Bathhouse Barry (ok, I called him that). Combined, RR is eye candy and BRAIN candy.
Yes he looks very, very manly in those jeans.
I do hope he can throw a baseball!
I have noticed the Secret Service presence, too.
Please, everyone, continue with prayers of protection for Romney and Ryan and their families over the next few days.
Just wondering -what do they call Jarrett?
Goblin.
Fitting.
And I did like the Ted Kennedy one too.
I just love it when I’m reading Hillbuzz and come across something so funny that I burst out laughing. “Murdering drunk” was just such a moment for me.
I like Valdemort, personally.
Bat-face
Gollum.
I noticed that too!! I watched a video feed of his speech in Orlando today and the minute he was done they were around him pronto.
So they call Mitt Javelin? I wonder if it was inspired by his dad’s leadership in the automotive industry. His company, AMC, had a muscle car called Javelin, though I think George Romney had left for politics before the Javelin was introduced.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_Javelin
LOL Murdering Drunk….you crack me up, Kevin! (obvious word picture though
Wonder which end Jesse Jackson’s codename came from.
Aside: is the site having problems? This page took a solid 10 minutes to load
It’s just going to be busy the next few days. We’re running the server as high as we can afford.
I think the next two days are going to burn up a regular month’s budget, but that’s okay because it means that people are excited to boot Obama out of office.
If it’s running slow it just means a lot of people are trying to access the site at once.
I’m going to see about upgrading to the next hosting level today to alleviate the problem. Have been trying to avoid that as it’s expensive.
Kevin,
I love your site and would like to send a contribution to help with expenses, but I’m not sure how to do this online. I know this sounds stupid and it’s probably right in front of my face, but I don’t see it!! If you would give a little guidance on this I would appreciate it!
I also want to thank you for your upbeat attitude for tomorrow’s election! I have also noticed an increase on FB of friends who have not mentioned anything political are now speaking out in favor of Ronmey!! This is a good sign!!
sapphire, go to the front page of this site and there is a donate button.
There’s a paypal button on the top right. You can sign up to contribute every month, or make a one time donation. Your choice. Thank you for your support!
OMG, if it was a snake, it would have bit me!! How embarrassing! I did make a small donation and will mark my calendar, so I remember to help in the future!!
Thanks!
You’re a doll, Sapphire. Thanks for supporting HillBuzz!
I just want you to know how much I appreciate all you (and Justin) are doing for us! I just signed up for monthly support! Thanks again!! We appreciate you here in Texas!
Ann Romney’s code name is Jockey. (I take a particular thrill in that one.)
I can explain Meghan McCain’s moniker – it had to be Peter Sellers because “Inspector Clouseau” doesn’t start with a P.
Makes sense because of the horses.
I remember hearing that a few weeks ago, and I thought it was very cute of the SS to come up with that. I also think Javelin is a very good read of Romney’s character.
Actually.. this came up in the Ryan story, but the protectees apparently pick their own. Hence, Ryan chose his favorite hobby and his wife chose his pet name for her. Romney chose a muscle car with family connections and his wife chose her hobby. I’m assuming that the SS would have picked another name for Ryan, probably Accountant.
I thought it was her similarity to Chance the Gardener.
I am wondering if the stepped-up protection has anything to do with numerous threats against Romney documented on Twitter by unhinged Obama supporters.
Twitchy has a summary:
http://twitchy.com/2012/10/14/death-threats-against-mitt-romney-proliferate/
I noticed the same thing at the stop in Colorado on Saturday.
Security was very tight.
20K people weren’t allowed to leave until the “candidate” left.
Grumble, mutter, what kind of BS…oh, that’s what they do for the President.
Is that how they handle all candidates or just ones who are going to win? How does it compare to McCain’s rallies or even Romney in September?
When I saw that ‘Peter Sellers’ item I couldn’t help but think about Chauncey Gardner, but that should apply to Barry. Also, the ‘Rosebud’ code for one of the Obama girls can be considered rather rude if one knows about the movie ‘Citizen Kane’ and what William Randolph Hearst used rosebud as a euphemism for.
I think you’re correct.
I attended a Bill Clinton rally at Canisius College in the late summer of 1992. The Clinton bus was running late, but the secret service was there early of course. My group tried to chat with them, telling jokes to try to make them laugh, and they wouldn’t even look at us.
So they are not like this with all candidates? He’s treated somewhat like a president, he gets security briefings. Good observation.
Also, I don’t think anyone on Mitt’s detail will be falling-down-drunk, fighting with police officers or hiring prostitutes on or off the job either.
Probably because Mitt will not feel the need to surround himself with all manner of deviants in order to hide his own illicit predilections.
I privately use F words for the Obama’s.
I can think of two very appropriate F words for them
It’s interesting to see how many just naturally say President Romney. Candy Crowley did recently.
Kevin,
Your observation is interesting. Could the heightened vigilance be due to the threatening tweets of late?
Kevin, it’s simple. If Romney becomes President, it will be the first time in four years that the Secret Service has had a real President to guard.
Plus, you know. The death threats, as mentioned above.
Kevin – I am hitting your contribution button right after posting this – hope to help because your site with its great combo of journalism, real world knowledge of how people think and act, humor, recipes (YAY!) and fight against negativity is just wonderful and worth every penny! I also ordered 3 of those lasagna pans (2 as gifts) by hitting amazon from your site! Can’t wait to read all about the upcoming war for the Dem party!
I just hit the donate button too! Love what you do Kevin and truly appreciate all the work you put into running this site.
THANK YOU!!!!!! <3
OT- but important to remember—-http://www.therightscoop.com/never-forget-today-is-the-anniversary-of-the-fort-hood-terrorist-attack/
My favorite quote from soon-to-be President Elect Romney’s speech in Bucks County: “Americans don’t settle! We build, we aspire, we dream!”
Buttercup suits Mrs. Ryan.
barry should have been named Radical.
My husband knows one of Romney’s Secret Service guys and he says Mitt is the BEST guy to work for and total class, just as one would expect (unless, of course, you’re drunk on Kool Aid or wearing donkey goggles). I feel really, really good about my vote this time around!
Was at the Colorado Romney rally on Saturday with a secret service agents wife. She said to us, check out building on the right and then the one on the left, do you see the snipers.. WHOAAA
She also said that the 2 Romney boys that live in Utah have had death threats so they are having to protect them too.
Tidbit- Joe Biden golfs 4 days a week(must be nice, and on our dime)
The Obama’s think they are better than everyone
Bill Clinton they think has the 1st signs of Alzheimers
Bush’s were SO NICE, her husband had to work at their ranch on Thanksgiving, she pulled each agent aside to have a pic taken with him/her, then wrote a thank you to the wife/husband..
Bush’s ranch was maybe 2000 sq ft, very simple, nothing fancy.
“D” words…Denali (Sarah Palin),
Mount McKinley, or Denali (Koyukon Athabaskan for
“The High One”, Dghelaayce’e in Ahtna), in Alaska
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_McKinley
That Wiki link was interesting – I love that Ronald Reagan was “Rawhide”! And Paul Ryan calls his wife “Buttercup”? How adorable is that?! For those who haven’t read or seen *The Princess Bride*, Buttercup (the main female character) is officially “The Most Beautiful Woman in the World” by the time she’s in her teens. So if Paul calls Janna that, he’s calling her the most beautiful woman in the world. I sure am looking forward to having some happy, loving couples as our nations’ first families!
My daughter, who just turned nine on Saturday, asked me if I thought Paul Ryan was “cute”. I said, yes, I thought he was very cute. She said, “Well, he’s kind of cute…but Mitt Romney is cuter!” She just loves Mitt. Of course, she also has a crush on Fred MacMurray (staunch Republican and excellent family man), so I’m sensing a trend. She has good taste in men already!
Aww.. Buttercup. This is why all women would like their own Paul Ryan. Seriously, we need for this to happen.
I suspect the SS guys like R&R because R&R respect them for what they do and demonstrate that. An integral part of the team. I can’t begin to imagine BO or MO being that way; just minions and furniture to them.
Kevin, Petrus means ‘rock’. Suspect it’s the religious connection, ‘Upon this rock…’
I always thought the Secret Service knew JUST what they were dealing w/ regarding BO and named him quite appropriately.
Ronald Kessler wrote In The President’s Secret Service.
parenthesis are my guess
Carter – Deacon (he was a pastor)
Reagan – Rawhide (rancher)
Bush 41 – Timberwolf
You already know Clinton’s
Bush 43 – Trailblazer (maybe combing through records for mineral rights)
Cheney – Angler (fly fishing)
It is a very interesting book for anyone that likes that sort of thing.
Inside the white house. Who was nice and who was naughty and of course who was haugty taughty. Surprising to me, and maybe the story will change in the future, is that the SS claim that the Obamas
treat them well compared to the Clintons and the Carters.
I’m going to order that one from Amazon.
I LOVE when people recommend books on the White House and first families.
Those fascinate me.