Recently he gave a press breakfast to discuss Kosovo and other world events. Talbott, a 22-year veteran of Time magazine, held it on the record, in contrast to the disembodied Washington way. But when it was over, few reporters could think of anything to write. Even so, he has a huge paper trail, years of Time columns that critics have mined for provocative material. I am not here to defend all the opinions I have expressed over the years.
Memories are long.
The aide recited the passage on background. Born Nelson Strobridge Talbott III, he was the son of an investment banker in Dayton, Ohio. When Clinton took office, Talbott was chosen as ambassador at large for countries of the former Soviet Union, but a year later the deputy's job opened. He was hardly the old Cold Warrior. What the Russians see in him is someone who is not out to get them.