Release: JUNE 10, 2022
There are undoubtedly loads of secret codes in our government, many of which apply to those in and around the White House. Some include nicknames federal agents have for presidents and First Ladies. In theory, these are meant to “secretly” convey their identity in radio communications based on a trait or aspect of the politician. Some are admittedly vague. Others, not so much.
Joe Biden’s moniker is Celtic, invariably a nod to his Irish heritage. Prior to him, agents named Donald Trump “mogul.” I get it. Obama selected his name, “Renegade” from a list of options he was offered. George W. Bush was “Trailblazer” and Bill Clinton “Eagle” (he had been an Eagle Scout.) The handles go on and on, again, supposedly to mislead evildoers.
The same holds true for First Ladies. The elegant and demure Jackie Kennedy was “Lace.” Mamie Eisenhower, who made it a point to regularly entertain in the White House garden was nicknamed “Springtime.” In similar fashion and as a nod to her southern charm, Rosalynn Carter was known as “Lotus Petal.”
Perhaps with a bit of sarcasm, agents named Bess Truman “Sunnyside.” She was renowned for loathing press conferences and once said, “I am not the one who is elected (so) I have nothing to say to the public,” Equally curious is the epithet “Snowbank” for most affable Barbara Bush. Yes, she had white hair but it’s doubtful the moniker was malicious. Acerbically, Hillary Clinton, who was said to be notorious for being rude and unpleasant, was named “Evergreen.”
Monikers are one thing. The real sign of success as a First Lady is having a postage stamp in their honor. Next month, one such honoree will be “Rainbow,” better known as Nancy Reagan.
With two exceptions, Nancy Reagan was arguably one of the most protective First Ladies in the history of the position. Before Nancy would be Eleanor Roosevelt. In her marriage to the president, Eleanor ran interference after Franklin was partially paralyzed with polio at age 39. Similarly, Edith Wilson – wife of Woodrow who suffered a stroke at the end of WWI – was saddled with deciding which matters came before her husband. That made Edith one of the most powerful female politicos in US history. In many respects she was his Chief of Staff.
Nancy Reagan was First Lady during husband Ron’s term from 1981 to 1989. Although Ronald Reagan was one of the most conservatively didactic presidents of the 20th century, he often referred to Nancy as “Mommy.” In turn, she called the man who told Russian Premier Mikhail Gorbachev to “…tear down this wall,” “Ronnie.” The two never fell out of love and were one of the most committed couples ever to reside on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Nancy and Ron had both been popular and successful stars in Hollywood. With Ron once married to another actress, Jane Wyman, the fact he was divorced was then something of a scandal for a presidential nominee. Many disapproved. Nancy took it all in stride.
During her term with Ron, Nancy spearheaded a campaign to compel young people away from taking recreational drugs. She enlisted the help of two men from the ad agency Needham in New York to come up with a slogan that would send that message to kids. The slogan was, “Just Say No.” Not surprisingly, the simplistically lame line didn’t have much of an effect. Worse, between 1998 and 2004, the government spent close to $1 billion on the campaign to discourage illegal drug use. As we know, the road to somewhere is filled with good intentions.
A controversial aspect of Nancy Reagan’s life was her adherence to astrology. Concern over that was raised with how it might apply to her husband’s decisions. Apparently, it did. Donald Regan, then-White House Chief of Staff said, “Virtually every major move and decision the Reagans made during my time…was cleared in advance with a woman in San Francisco who drew up horoscopes to make certain the planets were in a favorable alignment for the enterprise.” I suppose that makes sense considering Nancy and Ron were once both “stars” themselves.
The new Nancy Reagan First Class “Forever” stamp features an elegant portrait of Nancy wearing a red dress, prominent earrings and a stacked pearl necklace. The new stamp is being released on July 6, in post offices nationwide. For special First Day of Issue cancellation information, log onto www.USPS.gov.
For more collecting advice, visit www.prexford.com