Tuesday, April 20, 2004

Had nice lunch with Jay Lefkowitz today at The Oval Room on Connecticut Avenue. Beautiful warm Spring day. Jay just wanted to catch up on things with me. We discussed the PEPFAR and the issues associated with it; and the new G-8 proposal that I was working on with Gary Edson. Kristen Silverberg, and now Josh Bolten. Also talked about war in Iraq and the POTUS. Jay also inquired about what I want to do differently if anything. I told him that I wanted to remain in public service and the Secretary of HHS is a job that I would not strive for or promote myself for, but would not refuse if asked. He is thoroughly enjoying his private sector life. After lunch, he invited a friend (Christine Carlisle Jones) to the table for coffee. She is the CEO of a company that is working on freeze preserving eggs from women who might be getting chemo, and he wanted her to meet me. Very attractive and intelligent woman in her 30s. It was great to spend time with Jay. He has become a good friend.