Picture this... It's Inauguration Day.

The newly elected president of the United States raises her right hand, swearing an oath to the nation.

"Hail to the Chief" then plays for Madam President, recognizing her as the most powerful leader in the world.

Standing beside her in support is her husband, the First Gentleman.

I'd like nothing more than to see this vision become a reality in my lifetime, and it just might in 2009.

If Hillary Clinton wins the 2008 presidential election (assuming she first gets the Democratic nomination) she will be America's first female president.

That would make her husband, former President Bill Clinton, the first "First Gentleman" of our country.

Of course, Americans shouldn't vote for a candidate simply based on gender.

But I find it exciting to think about the prospect of a woman becoming commander-in-chief and her husband taking on a role that has always been associated with women.

So, with this historic event possibly sitting on the horizon, I got to thinking, if a woman does become president one day, what exactly would the First Gentleman do? Hmm...

Well, the role of the First Lady is not stipulated in the Constitution and has never really been defined, which makes the role of a First Gentleman even more uncertain.

What we do know is that first ladies have traditionally been expected to stay out of politics and focus more on domestic and social affairs.

Some of their duties have included refurbishing the White House, hosting events and banquets, advocating for various humanitarian and charitable causes and attending state functions.

Jackie Kennedy is famous for redecorating the White House living quarters and restoring some of the public rooms, and Barbara Bush established a foundation to promote literacy while her husband was in office.

However, some first ladies have transcended the domestic and philanthropic spheres and involved themselves in politics.

Hillary is a great example.

Just days after Bill was inaugurated in 1993 she claimed her own office in the West Wing and hired an experienced staff.

Never before had a first lady dared to leave the much more domestic East Wing and stake a territory in the political realm of the White House.

Hillary's bold move sparked much criticism, as some felt she was overstepping her boundaries as First Lady.

More controversy came Hillary's way when Bill appointed her the head of a task force on national health care.

Critics protested the appointment on the grounds that Hillary was not an elected official.

If the tables are turned in 2009 and Hillary is president, should First Gentleman Bill Clinton also be expected to steer clear of politics?

Americans seem to think so.

A February Gallup poll found a majority of Americans don't think Bill should have an official political role if he becomes First Gentleman.

While 61 percent of Americans said Bill should advise Hillary unofficially if she is elected president, 63 percent said he should not hold an official government job as policy adviser.

The poll also found most Americans think Bill should fulfill some of the traditional duties of a presidential spouse, including focusing on a humanitarian issue or charitable cause and serving as White House host, helping plan social events and dinners.

To be realistic, we're probably not going to see the two-term former president simply hosting luncheons and organizing the White House Easter Egg Roll.

But Bill would certainly assume a much more passive and supportive position as First Gentleman.

How about this for a brief job description?

First Gentleman: informal adviser, humanitarian, dinner host and Madam President's chief supporter.

I like the sound of that.