The Swearing in..

As one of the many perks of interning at the DoS, I was able to attend the swearing-in of Philip (P.J.) Crowley as Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Public Affairs in the Benjamin Franklin Room of the State Department. I stood among DoS Public Affairs staff, family and friends, all gathered in the room with wine and took in the majestic ambiance of the room. It was beautiful, and included some of the most beautiful gifts and artifacts in the history of the State Department.

This included the desk upon which the parts of the Constitution may have been drafted, retired State china and a very posh ladies lounge that was for too nice to be a bathroom. Secretary Clinton gave a light and entertaining introduction and then administered the oath of office (not raising her right hand as her elbow injury was not yet healed), which, I might add, everyone from the President to lowly interns such as myself, take before entering into service for State.

The highlight of the event was meeting Undersecretary of Public Diplomacy Judith McHale who was not so guarded by "her people" at this event and was walking around chatting here and there. My colleague and MPD classmate, Matthew Wallin and I jumped at the opportunity to introduce ourselves to her. She was welcoming but quickly dismissed us as she off-handedly invited us up to her office "some time." Stay tuned as I am determined to take her up on her polite offer.