Here's the thing - don't expect me to be enthused about someone who cozys up to a mass murderer.

[procon]

350. Why should I care who a sci-fi author -- especially that one -- admires?

In politics, recall that the Bush Administration practiced the same foreign policy you're suggesting, of never speaking with the disreputable leaders of countries he opposed. Amongst the problems that fiasco created, his recalcitrance allowed Iran and N Korea to proliferate their nuclear programs with scant opposition.

It is unrealistic to think that any nation, let alone a superpower like the US, can exert influence or demand concessions from other countries if our leaders are acting like disgruntled teenagers and refusing to talk with anyone they dislike. I expect that our political statesmen will have the self confidence and sophistication necessary to rise above their personal animus and diligently negotiate through diplomatic channels with friend and foe alike to achieve successful agreements that benefit our country, rather than flounce off in high dudgeon.