We haven't heard much from former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev since he left office following the November Coup in 1991. I always thought that he was really something. Being a man without politics myself, I've been able to observe the actions and intentions of political leaders without any annoying ideological baggage to befuddle me, and for my money Gorby was right up there with the best the century had to offer. What's more, he had style.
Style is three-quarters of the battle.
So when Gorbachev appeared in New York for one day to plug the American release of his memoirs, I figured I should take the opportunity to meet him, maybe shoot the shit. I figured that would be easier than tracking down his hotel room. Though I like Gorbachev, I never quite understood the Raisa-philes. His interviewer that night was Walter Isaacson, Time's managing editor, who came off as a strange cross between Bill Gates and Martin Sheen. He did a good job, though, throwing out the basic questions, then fading into the background while Gorbachev spun out his answers.