Kissinger gave a brief speech praising Norman [Podhoretz]. All I remember about the speech was this impish line: “I’ve been attacked by Norman from the left; I’ve been attacked by Norman from the right.”

The line reflects America’s relationship with Kissinger. The left hated him. Many on the right didn’t like him, and certainly didn’t trust the man. …

For my part, I was happy just to have encountered and talked briefly with such a consequential man. Granted, there was plenty to pick at when it came to Kissinger. There almost always is with great figures in history.