What will first gentleman be like?

Picture this. The year is 2009. In Washington, D.C., the chief justice stands on a platform at the East Portico of the nation’s Capitol. Others on the platform include a man wearing a dark suit and a tie that reflects his Harvard background, his wife is in a coat to shield her from the penetrating January wind, and their children are standing to the side with a proud grandparent. A collection of microphones, television cameras, news people, interested citizens, and political associates are gathered to witness and record the swearing in of the President of the United States.

In a clear, authoritative voice, the woman raises her right hand and repeats the Oath of Office as required in Article II, Section 1 of the United States Constitution: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States …”

Prepare yourself, folks, we are getting close to the day when a woman will take the oath of office as the president, and her husband will carry the title of first gentleman.

As with the first lady, the first gentleman will not be elected, will not receive a salary, and will have no official duties. As the first first gentleman, however, he will set the tone for others who might follow.

First off, how will he deport himself? Will the first gentleman stand side-by-side with his wife or will he walk behind her, following the model set by Sir Denis Thatcher while Margaret Thatcher served as Britain’s first female prime minister?

Remember the attention focused on Hilary Rodham Clinton’s hair and headbands? Will the news media be interested in the hairstyle of the first gentleman? Will they quiz him about the books he reads, or the former first ladies he might talk to for advice?

Traditionally, a first lady becomes involved in a project close to her heart, such as Lady Bird Johnson’s efforts to beautify the nation. Jacqueline Kennedy focused her attention on restoring the White House; Roslyn Carter (for a while) sat in on Cabinet meetings; Eleanor Roosevelt spoke out for the downtrodden. We have been fortunate to have women of strength and vision willing to contribute their knowledge and compassion to better our nation.

Will the first gentleman be able to follow in their footsteps? Will he have an environmental or educational project that is close to his heart? What sort of projects would be appropriate for a first gentleman?

If Martha Washington had been president, would George have planted cherry trees in the schoolyards to teach young people about honesty? If Nancy had been president, would she have sent first gentleman Ronnie out to educate the boys and girls on how to say no? Would the George Bushes (senior and W) have shared with us their barbecue sauce and chocolate chip cookie recipes? As first gentleman would Jimmy Carter, with his Baptist background, have echoed the sentiments of “Lemonade Lucy” Hayes in opposition to alcohol? If Elizabeth Dole becomes president, surely Bob won’t be the spokesperson for Viagra.

Because he wasn’t born in America, Arnold Schwarzenegger cannot be president; however, he could become first gentleman if Maria changed her career path to politics. I wonder, though, if elected would she call herself President Shriver, or President Schwarzenegger, or President Shriver-Schwarzenegger?

What type of a first gentleman do you envision? One with James Bond’s cool mannerisms? A John Wayne American hero? Maybe a romantic Fabio, with long blond hair and muscular arms? A scholarly sort with a pipe, leather patches on his jacket sleeves, and a dog at his feet?

I, personally, would like our first gentleman to be like Mr. Rogers — approachable, kid-friendly, always at home or at least in the neighborhood, and a truly gentle man.

If you don’t think this is a serious subject worthy of your contemplation, think about this. Hilary may be planning a run for president. Will Bill be the one to pen the memoirs of the first first gentleman — and collect the multimillion dollar advance?