Please excuse the ignorance of a non-USA.
In all other USA elections, I’ve noticed that the candidates are referred to by their last names. Harris, however, is referred to as Kamala by both the opposing party (which make sense, if the idea was to disrespect) as well as by her own party (which confounds me). Why is Harris different?
Am I the one being disrespectful by referring to her by her last name (am I the one in the wrong)? If so, I’ll start (kind of late, I’m gathering) referring to her by her first name.
It’s been bothering me each time I see something about “Trump vs. Kamala”. I finally broke down and asked.
Edit: thanks everyone! I’m glad I wasn’t offensive :) and your explanations make sense. I will continue to use last names, since I find it more respectful, (but still don’t hold first name usage against anyone who chooses to haha) until asked otherwise.
The same thing happened with Hillary, and that may be due to her husband’s presidency, though there may be something to it being gender related - albeit we can’t say that’s the case due to the incredibly small sample size. It could have simply been her choice, noting that a lot of her merch went with ,la.
Good question though.