HRC G20 09

Angled in to the table from the lower left, in blue against the sea of (boys in) black suits, driving her agenda but still in line with the President, this photo exemplifies the subtle, but “stand out” performance turned in by Hillary at the summit. Clinton took the “China assignment” after Holbrooke and Mitchell were assigned the sexier Afghan and Middle East portfolios, and this week, she made it pay.

Update: Emphasizing Clinton’s heft this week is this image and comment from Karen:

The only logical explanation for the above photo (in terms of protocol) was that after both men shook hands and exchanged words of greeting, the Chinese President Hu Jintao took notice of Mrs. Clinton and interrupted his journey to his seat, leaving Obama the only leader sitting down. Score Clinton!

Update 2: Oh yes, I forgot this one. The resonance between the painting and Hillary’s effusive gesture also reflects well on her impact and presence this week.

(image 1: Saul Loeb / AFP – Getty Images. London. April 1, 2009. image 2: Todd Heisler/NYT.)