Dr. Kissinger was his usually bubbly self, uncharacteristically beginning his time with a deadpan series of humorous stories that would've had Letterman green with envy.
He also made two very important points.
He kept apologizing to the "right wing friends" who disagreed with him on his position that negotiation is always a good plan.
He didn't need to.
As he explained the current crisis with Iran and North Korea his position was simply that in negotiation with them we would learn things about them as a nation.
I think this has some merit to it. It's not impossible but it is certainly much more difficult for a nation to be overtly operating against public actions towards resolution.
His second point was that in negotiation it is established and is easy for the world to point to, what the debate is and how the issue is framed.
Basically allowing one's opponent to hang themselves, at least for nation's who harbor ill intent is exactly what the Dr. calls for.
He also made it clear, that negotiation or not Iran and North Korea must BOTH be denied the chance to develop a nuclear weapon of any type.
Not exactly a "peace through strength" message, but also certainly far from an Obamian philosophy of cut and run.
Reasonable, well explained, and very engaging--that was my night with Hank!
And being set at Cipriani's, with delightful company, it will not be one I soon forget...