Washington — There is not just one Donald Trump in America. There is not a single William J. Clinton.
Many people share names with famous presidents.
Donald Trump, a military veteran and Alabama resident, said he often receives free gifts because of his name. William J. Clinton, whose name was Billy, lived in the Washington, D.C. area and used to receive interesting mail from inmates.
People whose names have worked in the White House are scheduled to come to the Capitol on Monday to attend President-elect Trump’s inauguration. The Associated Press spoke with people who share names with presidents to find out what their lives are like.
“My father is Bill, not the former president. But he is actually the seventh William J., William Clinton, in our genealogy. So I’m number eight. My 9-month-old son is my 9th child. …There are definitely a lot of double takes. And it happens every day. “I think it happens every day that someone says, ‘Is your name really Bill Clinton?’”
“Some of the craziest things that have happened because of my name, especially since I had an address, was that I would get letters asking for a presidential pardon from federal prisoners basically my whole life who had lived in and around the D.C. area. “As if he spoke to me by chance.”
“There were many instances where I was upgraded to like first class. I once booked a hotel and got the penthouse for free. thank you. “I once ate at a restaurant for free.”
“I realized it was kind of a blessing and a curse. Like it’s really good for breaking the ice, kind of surprising people and getting people talking. Plus, if first impressions really matter, people won’t forget your name. Therefore, they usually will not forget their first impression. So I always have to bring my A game whenever I meet people.”
“Reservations are usually in (my wife’s) name, because I usually get asked, ‘No, what’s your name?’ Or, ‘You’re kidding me.’”
“Growing up, everyone was always shocked to find out how my name was correct.”
“I’ll give you my credit card at the store in case someone doesn’t know who I am. And yes, then the manager gets on the phone and says fraud or something like that. So, no, here’s my ID.”
