Nation: The Resident Wit

It will be up to the historians to decide whether German-born Henry Kissinger is advising the President wisely on national security. His reputation as the President’s resident wit, however, should already be assured. Samples:

> “I had to turn down an engagement the other day because I was observing a very private and deeply religious occasion—Bismarck’s birthday.”

> “Yes, there is a plan for getting out of Viet Nam. Just this morning I was alone in the Oval Office with the President and he leaned over and told me, ‘Henry, I would tell you my Viet Nam plan if there weren’t so many people in the room.’ “

> “I welcome this new reputation as a secret swinger. Now, when I sit beside a beautiful woman at dinner, if I bore her to tears, she thinks it must be her fault.”