Foreign diplomatic trips are extremely rough.
Tightly packed agendas, complex issues, thick briefing books for each meeting, bi- and multilateral discussions (often in foreign tongues & translators), personality issues, intelligence updates, unique customs & traditions. 1/
Tightly packed agendas, complex issues, thick briefing books for each meeting, bi- and multilateral discussions (often in foreign tongues & translators), personality issues, intelligence updates, unique customs & traditions. 1/
Every issue is tough & consequential, every personality is unique, every minor gaffe is magnified & each foreign leader deserves attention
Add to the circumstances a touch of jet lag, effects of local food/water/weather, toasting at every meal, and a demanding media.
2/
Add to the circumstances a touch of jet lag, effects of local food/water/weather, toasting at every meal, and a demanding media.
2/
These trips are intellectually, emotionally, and physically demanding...and exhausting.
And you can't forget about what's going on at home.
It's a challenge to keep high energy, grace and charisma at the forefront...but it's required.
3/
And you can't forget about what's going on at home.
It's a challenge to keep high energy, grace and charisma at the forefront...but it's required.
3/
Not at all comparable to what the President is doing, but as the commander of US Army, Europe, I had these kinds of trips to meet with the counterparts in 49 different countries.
The staff that planned the schedule & prepared me were terrific, but it was flat out hard.
4/
The staff that planned the schedule & prepared me were terrific, but it was flat out hard.
4/
My wife was once invited by the Army Chiefs of Romania, Bulgaria & Moldova to accompany during a 3-country trip over 3 days.
My schedule had meetings with Ambassadors, foreign leaders, soldiers training. She meet with Embassy Staff, counterpart spouses, and family groups.
5/
My schedule had meetings with Ambassadors, foreign leaders, soldiers training. She meet with Embassy Staff, counterpart spouses, and family groups.
5/
Meeting allies and partners, listening and speaking, traveling to multiple locations, sessions, cultural events, meals, toasts are a lot tougher that they look on the mind and body.
But this is the essence of diplomacy.
6/
But this is the essence of diplomacy.
6/
We were 20 years younger than @POTUS and @FLOTUS during this trip, and we were exhausted when we returned to our home in Germany.
I'm truthfully amazed at his exhibited grace, calm, charisma and engagement skills.
He represents America well.
7/End
I'm truthfully amazed at his exhibited grace, calm, charisma and engagement skills.
He represents America well.
7/End
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
