Mike Wallace to Interview Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran?



(image via brainwavescience via cbsnews)

How does a legend like Mike Wallace -- who was not, in the last days, entirely immune to the customary Black Rock gasface -- capstone his career? Not, as one would expect, with his usual repast of cold meatloaf and congealed bone gravy "fixins." (Exaggerated cough suggesting feigned detachment) No, sir.

He interviews, or at least attempts to interview, the most controversial head of state, namely -- the beady-eyed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran. But it is not a sure thing. Depends. (The Corsair pours himself a glass of the black wine of Cahors, elixir of Popes)

If all goes well, however, this would be one hell of a "get" for CBS News. According to TVNewser:
"60 Minutes correspondent Mike Wallace told an audience at the New York Press Club on Tuesday that 'he's close to scoring an interview with the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,' Gelf Magazine's blog says.The AP points out that he 'seems to have a better shot at interviewing the president of Iran than the president of the United States.' Wallace's most recent Bush interview request was rejected a few months ago, 'but he said he planned to ask again after making his retirement announcement.'"

Says the AP (via the merc):

"He expressed optimism about getting to talk soon to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Such an interview would recall one of his career triumphs: his 1979 interview with Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini following the taking of American hostages."

Wallace, in his heyday, used to make malfeasant corporate titans as well as dodgy governmental bureaucrats briskly haul ass in the opposite direction -- with terrible urgency -- when he crossed their path with an official CBS cameraman in tow(Averted Gaze). Mike Wallace, performing for his legacy, would be the perfect foil for the sabre-rattling Fundamentalist leader of Persia. For old times' sake, we hope this happens.