User:LavaBaron/Bodyman

A bodyman, in United States political jargon, is a member of the staff of a politician who fills the roles of personal assistant and valet.

Etymology
The earliest known printed use of the term "bodyman" or "body man" is from a 1988 Boston Globe article by Susan Trausch, however, the position has been known in American politics for much longer. The specific term "bodyman" is generally not used as a formal title and bodymen are typically classified as a special assistant, special adviser, or personal aide.

Bodymen are usually of the same sex as their employer, due to the close personal contact they are required to have at unusual hours, and females occupying this position can be known as bodywomen.

Duties
Described as "a curiously American political appointment", the bodyman accompanies his employer and is responsible to anticipate and fulfill his personal needs, such as carrying bags, providing reminders, opening doors, and offering his employer amenities such as hand sanitizer, cough drops, water, and tissue. The bodymen of persons who do not receive personal protection may also function as a chauffeur.

As a general rule, the President of the United States, Vice-President of the United States, members of the Cabinet of the United States, and United States Senators all have bodymen. Some members of the United States House of Representatives also employ bodymen.

Compensation
In 2008, during the administration of Barack Obama, the bodyman for the President of the United States was paid an annual salary of $102,000, which was the same salary allocated to the post in 2008, during the last year of the administration of George W. Bush.

Notable bodymen

 * Reggie Love (served as bodyman to Barack Obama)
 * Brian McCormack (served as bodyman to Dick Cheney)
 * David Powers (served as bodyman to John Fitzgerald Kennedy)
 * Logan Walters (served as bodyman to George W. Bush)

In popular culture

 * The HBO comedy series "Veep" features Tony Hale playing the role of Gary Walsh, the bodyman to the Vice-President of the United States.
 * The television series The West Wing cast Dulé Hill in the role of Charlie Young, the bodyman to the President of the United States.