Quote Originally Posted by Aloha_Shooter View Post
Protocol says that you refer to a former high official by the highest title s/he earned/was appointed to. This is why former Secretaries are still called Mr./Mrs./Ms. Secretary, former Ambassadors are still referred to as Ambassador, etc. It is therefore legitimate to refer to Obama and Biden as President and Vice-President in both second and third person. I also think "Giant Flaming Arsehole" works for them as well but GFA is not a recognized title by Protocol.
Nope. Common misconception.

That protocol ONLY applies to titles that can be held by many people at the same time. Your examples of Secretary and Ambassador apply.

There is only ONE president at a time. Therefore former presidents do not hold the title anymore. Same for VP.

The Fed Gov even directs people to address former presidents as "Honorable" or Mr.