If gays cannot be in the military, could we have a gay commander-in-chief?

Absolutely. The President, besides being Commander-in-Chief (the highest person in the military) is still a civilian. So, DADT wouldn't apply to him. It would be a bit oxymoronic to have a gay President, & DADT still in effect. But the government is like that.

Think about it...who would bring him up on charges for dismissal? He outranks EVERYONE!

You know, I had never thought of that before.

I asked my dad who has is a lawyer and he said that technically, he would not be barred from serving, because the President is considered "civilian commander," and as such, not a member of the military. Under this, Don't Ask Don't Tell bars actual SERVICEMEN from being open about their homosexuality, but it would not bar a president from doing so, since he is not considered a serviceman but rather a civilian, and DADT does NOT apply to civilian servants that are associated with the military.

However, I think the point is moot, considering America will not elect an openly gay person any time soon.

Gays can be in the military and many are, they just have to stay in the closet. Now, ask yourself, how many politicians have come out in the past 5 years? Congress can impeach the President, if I'm not mistaken, however they would have to come up with something better than his sexual orientation. I think if we had a gay commander in chief you would see changes regarding gays in the military and the White House would be more stylish....

Interesting point. If an openly gay person is one day elected president then hopefully DADT will be repealed by then. The country would be liberal enough to elect a gay president, but gays still wouldn't be allowed in the military? A conflict indeed.

If a closeted politician ran for office I doubt that they'd be able to stay in the closet. Their opponents would dig up dirt and out them.

The commander-in-chief is a civilian post, and therefore not subject to the military code of justice.

Interesting thought, though.

And I like the avatar - you always have something up your sleeve!

To tell the truth...I don't really understand the question, or the point. The Presidents always have a family (wife, and kids) and I don't see American voters electing a homosexual and his/her family into office. But if they did vote in that gay person, no other 'authority' figure could change that. That would kind of defeat the purpose.

Don't forget that politics and the military are two different things.

We had a male cheerleader for eight years. In the not too distant future, Nancy Pelosi will be our first lesbian president. I can't wait.

I suppose he'd have to hide it. Well.

Huummmm...........great question and one I never thought of.

L