Friday, July 13, 2012

A Moment with Secretary of State Clinton


Several years ago I turned down an amazing opportunity. Bonnie Kremer, my loving mentor with the brightest personality I’ve ever encountered, invited me to attend an event with Governor Tom Vilsack, I believe at his home in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. As much as I enjoy hanging around decidedly failed presidential candidates, the true pleasure of the evening would have been meeting the guest of honor at the exclusive event, Senator Hillary Clinton. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t fit the governor and the senator into my busy extra-curricular schedule. (You’re welcome, Dave./They must have been so disappointed…/What was I thinking??)

Fortunately, living in the crossfire of Iowa’s political battleground, it wasn’t long until a new opportunity to see Hillary (and the hatted first lady of Iowa alongside Governor Vilsack) presented itself. During her 2007 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, Senator Clinton visited Mt. Pleasant again, and that time I was sure to attend! Sadly, I came far closer to talking to the graphically pro-life protesters outside the venue than I did Hillary… or even Christie Vilsack for that matter.

Today I once again awaited Hillary, this time in her position as secretary of state. Crowded behind a white line we were admonished at least four times not to cross, I was positioned about three rows back from the front, five yards away from the podium, amidst a group of about 25 Peace Corps volunteers. Somewhat weak in the knees, I stood waiting with my friends at least an hour for her arrival. Finally the secret service opened the doors, and in she walked amidst much applause. “Good morning!” she beamed as soon as she entered. Following Ambassador Todd’s introduction, Secretary Clinton made brief remarks thanking the embassy staff for their hard work in Cambodia.

After concluding, the secretary took a quick photo with some children and made her way speedily down the white line shaking a hand every here and there. When she neared me, she reached into the second row to shake hands with a Khmer woman. Without hesitation, as if not in control of my own body, I seized the opportunity. Reaching my arm through two rows of onlookers, I smiled my biggest smile and our eyes met. She said, “Hello!” as my hand clasped hers and I felt the tenderness, age, and power of her grip.

While I didn’t get to say thank you for all the work she has done in her lifetime to support human rights or tell her what an inspiration she is to me and my friends, I was able to connect with her for just a moment. It was special for me, just to be in her presence and hold her hand, however little tangible significance such an act bears. To me, shaking her hand and looking into her eyes was a reminder that she is a real person, a common human being who has managed greatness, often selflessly. In many ways, she has been an icon, an image, something abstract and larger than life. Touching the untouchable reminded me not only of her humanity, but also of the agency innate in all people to do great things no matter how common we are or how humble our station in life may be.

Secretary Clinton and Ambassador Todd
Secretary Clinton thanking embassy staff

PCV Katie Muller's photo of me with the secretary and ambassador

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