Is anybody familiar with Shashi Tharoor?

[gateley]

He was an Undersecretary General in the UN.

Just watched him on Bill Maher's last night show, and from what little I saw, I was impressed. I'd like to see someone like him have a post in our Administration or back in the UN.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. What nation is he from?

I assume since you said "someone like him have a post in our Administration" he is not a US Citizen.

I didn't see the interview--what about him impressed you?

[musette_sf]

2. i thought he was a hottie

seriously, i thought he was intelligent, articulate and attractive. made watching that sexist hump Maher's show worthwhile for a change.

[gateley]

4. Wasn't he though?

He's older (my age!) than he looks - early/mid 50's.

I wish we could have heard more from him. Maher kept yukking it up and Hitchins kind of railroaded all the topics.

[gateley]

3. From WIki: Tharoor is an Indian national, from the state of Kerala.

From his own website (he's an author):

Born in London in 1956, Dr. Tharoor was educated in India and the United States, completing a Ph. D. in 1978 at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he received the Robert B. Stewart Prize for Best Student. At Fletcher, Shashi Tharoor helped found and was the first Editor of the Fletcher Forum of International Affairs, a journal now in its 31st year. A compelling and effective speaker, he is fluent in English and French.


I agree with the "compelling and effective speaker" part of his bio.

It was apparent to me that he has an understanding of the 'shape of things' and views things objectively and fairly. That's how I responded to him, anyway.

Also, during "Overtime" Christopher Hitchins wanted to pay a kind of tribute to William F. Buckley. Tharoor said "...but in 1955 (?) he said he felt blacks shouldn't be allowed to vote." Maher had never heard this, but Hitchins confirmed. So he also appears to be aware of what the political climate has been in our country for awhile.

It's difficult to explain succinctly just why I feel he would be an asset to have on "our side", but that's the feeling I came away with.

Good thing I'm not his PR agent - I do an abysmal job.

[AzDar]

5. Hadn't heard of him before the show last night...he was mighty impressive.

Looked thoroughly disgusted by Hitchens... (who wouldn't? :puke:).