Bush gaffe: Prime Minister Harper definitely a Stephen, not a Steve

[Tanker]

OTTAWA (CP) - Never mind such weighty subjects as continental ballistic missile defence, Canada-U.S. border security or the softwood lumber dispute.

Inquiring minds really want to know: what's up with 'Steve'? When a jocular U.S. President George (Dubya) Bush referred to his visiting Canadian counterpart by the diminutive, casual version of his given name this week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper managed not to wince.

Nonetheless, it was just about the only awkward moment for the two conservative leaders during Thursday's media availability at the White House.

It could have been worse.

Bush is known for his use of nicknames - many truly cringe-worthy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Pootie-Poot), former prime minister Jean Chretien (Dino, as in dinosaur) and any number of rangy White House journalists dubbed Stretch have been Bushified.

And judged against other known Bush monikers such as Big O, Chuck Wagon, Corndog, Balloonfoot and Turd Blossom - the latter apparently reserved for White House strategist Carl Rove - Steve seems harmless enough.

But as most everyone recognizes, there are Steves in this world and there are Stephens.

Think of actors Steve McQueen, Steve Martin and Steve Buscemi. Or musicians Stevie Wonder and Stevie Nicks (whose given name was Stephanie). Then consider physicist Stephen Hawking, diplomat Stephen Lewis, filmmaker Steven Spielberg and composer Stephen Sondheim.

Longtime friends contacted Friday say Canada's 22nd prime minister has been known as Stephen to family, friends and teachers since grade school. Never Steve.

The U.S. president calling Harper Steve was cause for much amusement among old friends and family of the prime minister, according to sources.

A senior American official says the president did not call the prime minister Steve during their bilateral meeting or working lunch, but used the name as a sign of collegiality during their media encounter.

Don't expect the handle to stick.

Harper's staff refer to him as "prime minister" out of respect for the office.

To his old friends, he'll always be Stephen.

[MaddCaz]

interesting shit!