How to Cite a Former President
Strict protocol surrounds the terms of reference used for former presidents of the United States. Robert Hickey, author of "Honor & Respect," is clear that although the media may refer to past presidents as "President X", nevertheless it is considered disrespectful to the current incumbent to do so in his or her company. Whether you're introducing, referring to, or writing a letter to a former president, there are guidelines that honor that person's past service while at the same time showing respect to the current president.
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Instructions
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Address an envelope using "The Honorable," followed by the person's name, without Mr. or Madam. For example, you would say "The Honorable George W. Bush." The salutation in the letter should simply say Dear Mr. or Madam X. The U.S. Geological Survey Correspondence Handbook, however, suggests that your salutation for a former president should be Mr. or Madam President. This might offend if he or she feels strongly about the convention that there is only one president at a time, so it is safer to use the simpler Mr. or Madam.
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Introduce a former president at a social event by using "The Honorable" followed by the person's name, followed by a reference to the previous posts and the presidency. For example, you might say "The Honorable George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States."
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Refer to a former president in a report or an account by saying "Former president." For example, you might refer to Bill Clinton as "the former president Mr. William Clinton." Although media presenters tend to refer to him as either "Mr.Clinton," "Bill Clinton," or "President Clinton," it's understood from the context to whom they refer, and in that context it is not necessary to differentiate between a current and former president.
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Address a previous president as "Mr. / Madam X" in conversation. If you introduce Mr. Clinton to someone else joining the conversation, you should still use "Mr." and nobody will think of you as being impolite.
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Tips & Warnings
Hickey observes that some former presidents appreciate being referred to as "Mr. President" by their private staff, in private, who likely use the term out of a sense of loyalty.
References
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