Bernie Sanders’ Secret Service code name revealed

When Bernie Sanders was granted Secret Service protection earlier this month, Twitter users speculated what code name the Vermont senator and Democratic presidential hopeful would be given.

“Larry,” as in Sanders’ chief impersonator Larry David, was a popular choice.

But according to the liberal talk-show host Bill Press, Sanders’ Secret Service code name is “Intrepid.”

The Sanders campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to Press, the name “Intrepid” was chosen for the self-described democratic socialist because of his resolute stand against Wall Street banks.

Sanders is one of four presidential candidates currently receiving Secret Service protection. Hillary Clinton — who has received protection ever since her time as first lady — is referred to as “Evergreen.” (Former President Bill Clinton has too. His code name? “Eagle.”)

Republican hopefuls Donald Trump and Ben Carson were both granted Secret Service protection in the fall.

The billionaire businessman’s code name is “Mogul,” while the retired neurosurgeon goes by “Eli,” a biblical reference to the “The Book of.”

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A Secret Service agent warms his hands prior to a meeting between Sanders and the Rev. Al Sharpton in Harlem on Wednesday. (Photo: Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images)

Any presidential candidate can request Secret Service protection, but it must be approved by a congressional advisory committee that includes House Speaker Paul Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.

According to CBS News, the criteria to receive protection developed by committee require that a candidate have “some degree of prominence in opinion polls, be actively campaigning in at least 10 state primaries and have received contributions totaling at least $10 million.”

Ryan, who received Secret Service protection in 2012 after being picked as Mitt Romney’s running mate, was calledBowhunter,” a nod to the Wisconsin congressman’s well-documented hunting skills. (Romney was known as “Javelin” — a handle thought to refer to a vintage muscle car manufactured by American Motors Corp., where Romney’s father, George, was once chairman.)

The code name tradition dates back to when communications between the Secret Service and White House Military Office were not encrypted. Given modern encryption technology, there is no longer a need to keep the Secret Service code names a secret.

The Secret Service doesn’t formally reveal the code names it gives those under its protection, but “protectee call signs” are often leaked by staffers or the candidates themselves.

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Secret Service agents flank President Obama as he crosses the tarmac in Portland, Ore., last year. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

President Obama’s Secret Service code name, chosen during his 2008 presidential campaign, is “Renegade.” Michelle Obama’s code name is “Renaissance,” while first daughters Malia and Sasha go by “Radiance” and “Rosebud,” respectively.

Obama’s opponent in the 2008 election, Sen. John McCain, was “Phoenix,” a nod to his home state. McCain’s running mate, Sarah Palin, was “Denali.”

Obama’s predecessor, George W. Bush, was “Tumbler.” President George H. W. Bush was “Timberwolf.”

President John F. Kennedy, one of the first presidents to receive a secret service code name, went by “Lancer.” (First lady Jacqueline Kennedy was known as “Lace.”)

Later, President Richard Nixon — whose administration was no stranger to code names — was known as “Searchlight.” And President Ronald Reagan? “Rawhide.”