Mr. Bush?

This NYT article repeatedly, and exclusively, refers to (p)Resident Bush as simply "Mr. Bush" throughout the article. I'm not sure why this struck me as odd -- surely this is common and I've only just noticed it now. But I could've sworn that the only "proper" way to refer in print to the guy behind the desk in the Oval Office is as "President So-and-So."

I'm on deadline right now so I don't have time to research this and see how often and where else this is done, but what gives?

I personally believe he stole two elections to get where he is, so I certainly don't mind withholding the honorifics that accompany the office, but I would've thought the NYT would have some sort of Rule about it...

Thoughts?