"Potter for President"

[bluesqueak]

No: HPFGUIDX 91135


> > Siriusly Snapey Susan:
> > Right.  And in the *U.S.* it makes sense, since we have a 
> > president.  But I think the question is, in the U.K., wouldn't 
> > one expect a "Potter for P.M." sign?
> 
> Bobby:
> Yes.  What in the British school system or government or society 
> would make the students use the word "president"?

Pip!Squeak:
The fact that 'XXXX for President' is an international sort of joke?

We wouldn't use 'Potter for P.M.' because Prime Minister is not an 
elected office. It's a title given to the leader of Her Majesty's 
government. The Prime Minister is *appointed*, by the ruling 
monarch. 

Tradition now dictates that she should only select the leader of the 
political party that has most seats in the House of Commons; but I 
think there was one occasion in the 1950's or early 60's when H.M. 
reportedly told a bitterly squabbling Conservative party that if 
they didn't hurry up and select their own leader, she was darn well 
going to pick a Prime Minister for them [grin].

But we do know about Presidential elections in the U.K. - many 
countries have Presidents. The title is also occasionally used for 
an official in a club or society. So we'd get the meaning of 'Potter 
for President'.  :-)

Pip!Squeak