I was listening to (I think) NPR’s story on the Valerie Plame case this morning, and I noticed something odd. The reporter referred to the leaker responsible for Judy Miller’s trip to the hoosegow as “Lewis Libby, chief of staff to Vice President Richard Cheney.”

In 5+ years, this marks the first time I have ever heard either man’s real name spoken aloud.

As much as it has always amazed me that a man could ascend to the White House staff while being referred to exclusively as “Scooter,” that is the way it has always been for Mr. Libby. I must have heard Tom Brokaw soberly intone the word “Scooter” one hundred times since 2000. And the v.p. has never, and I mean never, been anything other than Dick. The sudden contrast seemed jarring and bizarre, despite the fact that Lewis and Richard are by far the more normal names. It was sort of like how you don’t notice how many Honda Civics are on the road until you buy a Honda Civic. It sprang up and assaulted my ears.

What I’m wondering is this: am I reading too much into this, or is it a portent? It reminded me of being a kid in trouble: I was never “James Robert” unless a beating was on its way. It was all “Jimmy”s until there was crayon on the wallpaper, then out came the baptismal names.

Of course, this all assumes that NPR is America’s mommy.

Still, I can’t help wondering if I’m seeing the beginning of something unpleasant. “Scooter time is over, young man. Go to your room.”