Ambassador Selwa “Lucky” Roosevelt was chief of protocol during the Reagan administration and oversaw planning for all diplomatic visits to the United States. She now chairs the Blair House Restoration Fund. British Prime Minister David Cameron is staying at the guesthouse this week as a part of his official visit.
Where does the Blair House fit into the nation’s array of diplomatic tools?
If the visitor is staying there, it’s his first impression of America and American hospitality, taste and warmth. It has a very important function in our diplomacy because it provides the setting for the substantive work that has to be done. It’s is a very happy way to begin a state visit or an official visit.
Why do leaders stay in the Blair House and not at the White House?
The White House simply can’t accommodate them. It’s very small. There are a lot of state rooms, and the state rooms are very grand and beautiful, but visiting heads of state require bedrooms.
The Blair House had its major renovation in the 1980s. Are there any more updates it needs now?
It’s always been in good shape. The interior is in very good taste. When a room needs doing over, the Blair House Restoration Fund steps in and provides the funds.
Looking back, what was your favorite part of a state or official visit?
The dinner was a highlight, and I’m sure every chief of protocol finds that true. With the White House, there’s no comparison to anything else. There’s something awe-inspiring about the White House no matter how many times you’ve been there.
What’s going through the mind of Capricia Marshall, the current chief of protocol, ahead of the visit?
She’s the best chief of protocol I’ve ever seen. I’m sure she’s as busy as a bee. You cannot not be busy when there’s a state or official visit.
— Alan Blinder
