Secretary Clinton and Team Luggage!

Secretary Clinton breezed through Serbia a few days ago. As we had a household of sick people, I did not get to see her myself, although there was a spouse/family "meet and greet" held at the Hyatt where she was staying the morning before she left. But unlike my last blog entry, I'm not the star of this post. Not unlike a speed-dating venue, Secretary Clinton went from table to table around a room meeting various members of Serbian Civil Society Organizations. Billy was responsible for the introductions, helping to initiate a discussion between her and six people that represented vulnerable and minority populations, and then to get out of the way! To carry on the gay theme here, one of the individuals was from Gay/Straight Alliance that helped organize the Gay Pride Parade.
Here's Billy to describe the experience:
Upon entering the room Secretary Clinton apologized for running late and then US Ambassador to Serbia, Mary Warlick, made some opening remarks and formerly introduced the Secretary. As the Ambassador was speaking, Secretary Clinton stood behind her looking kind of statuesque. It's always surreal when I see a famous person. My first thought is, Wow, they really exist. The Secretary looked like a caricature of herself - steely-faced, looking very much the part of the calculating politician. And then, when she stepped up to the microphone it was like a light bulb went off. She spoke eloquently and made a real connection with people in the room.
Like any State event, it was scripted to the hilt. And like any plan, it didn't exactly play out like we had thought. Nothing major, just human nature. Secretary Clinton approached my table and the Ambassador introduced me. She shook my hand and then began introducing herself to the participants at my table, instead of waiting for me to do so. After she shook the last person's hand she turned to me, smiled and waited for me to initiate the conversation. I think I remember clearing my throat and saying something along the lines of "Madam Secretary, our table has six people that are dedicated to improving the lives of the vunerable and minority populations in Serbia." I then took the liberty to say that I thought this table was the most relevant group here due to the weekend's Pride Parade. At that point I stepped aside and let the Secretary discuss the weekend's gay pride march and other topics with the panel members. It was over in about eight minutes. And it was very cool.

Furthermore, there was the business of the luggage. Regina here. Billy was also in charge of watching her suitcases go from the porter's hands into the hotel room. Mission Accomplished!