Really, I mean it… Just call me 'Rob'

Apparently, reporters aren’t the only ones stumbling over what to call former congressman, current ambassador, and likely future Budget Director Rob Portman.

Read The Enquirer’s story on what to call Portman, who currently is serving as the U.S. trade representative, here.

At Portman’s Senate confirmation hearing today for his latest nomination – to become director of the Office of Management and Budget – Senate Budget Chairman Judd Gregg, R-N.H., also stumbled over Portman's title, addressing him twice as “Congressman Ambassador Portman” in opening remarks.

In the picture to the right, the nameplate used at the hearing referrs to him as “Hon. Portman,” short for the Honorable Portman.

“You like to be called ‘Ambassador’ or ‘Congressman’”? Gregg finally asked.

“I’ve been called both … although, I’ve never gotten used to ‘Ambassador,’” Portman replied.

He added: “I prefer ‘Rob,’ if you’re comfortable with that.”

Apparently, Gregg wasn’t, because he retorted:

“I think we’ll stick with ‘Ambassador’ as a term of your success, which has been substantial.”

Don't forget to check out the full story of Portman's confirmation hearing in tomorrow's Enquirer. Read that story here.