Meeting with the "Stunks"

By Dean Brelis

Before leaving for Moscow, the Horowitzes were invited to Washington to meet Ronald Reagan for a presidential "benediction." Traveling with the couple was TIME Correspondent Dean Brelis, who provided this glimpse behind the scenes:

Snappily attired in a dark blue oxford suit, a blue-and white bow tie and a black Borsalino, Vladimir Horowitz sits in a private VIP airport lounge, waiting to board his flight to Washington. His wife Wanda is wearing a new silk dress and a mink coat for the occasion. "It will be nice to meet Nancy Reagan," says Arturo Toscanini's daughter. "Normally, I don't like official bureaucratic functions. My father told me to avoid anything that involves government officials. But since we are going to Russia, I will make this exception."

Inside the aircraft, the flight attendant has to remind Horowitz to fasten his seat belt. "I don't like these things," he tells her, but he complies. Across the aisle is a blind man. Wanda, who each year anonymously contributes funds to provide blind people with Seeing Eye dogs, comments, "Putting together the right dog and the right person is like matchmaking. They both have to be properly prepared. The dog and the blind person stay together much longer and more happily than a good many marriages."

"I hope the pilot doesn't make a mistake and bring us into the Potomac. I forgot my galoshes," jokes Horowitz as the plane descends to National Airport. "I don't think that's funny," counters Wanda, sternly. When the plane lands, the pianist applauds loudly. The pilot rings the all-clear bell, and Horowitz perks up. "F sharp," he remarks. "I hope Mrs. Reagan will be there," says Wanda.

She voices the same hope to a representative from the U.S. Information Agency, who meets them at the gate. The implied question is evaded. "I asked you if Mrs. Reagan will be there," repeats Wanda. "I want an answer." The answer is no. It is not an official function, so only the President will be present. "I am insulted," says Wanda, her voice rising. "I have come to Washington with my husband as his wife to meet the President and his wife. I am going to Russia with my husband. I do not understand why I have come here if Mrs. Reagan is not going to receive us. I don't want to go to the White House." Horowitz speaks up. "She's temperamental," he says. "Toscanini, you know."

It is windy now, and Wanda is further infuriated when she learns that their limousine cannot pick them up at curbside. "This lane is for taxis only," explains the shaken USIA woman. That does it. "I will go back to New York," Mrs. Horowitz announces. Her husband quickly seconds the motion: "If she's not going, then I'm not going." A compromise is reached: Wanda will take a taxi.

At the drab security checkpoint in the old Executive Office Building, another problem arises. "Is there a mistake?" asks Wanda. "The last time we came to the White House, we entered through the front door with those lovely pillars. Now they bring us to the servants' entrance." Inside the White House, she is still unmollified. "I wish there were something I could do to change your mood for the better," says USIA Director Charles Z. Wick. "There is," she replies. "You can send me back to New York immediately."

Instead, they are ushered into the Oval Office. "It is wonderful that you are the first to be going to the Soviet Union for us," says the President. "Yes, I think it's just great. I couldn't have selected anyone better than you."

"I will be an ambassador between you and Gorbachev, Mr. President," says Horowitz. Taking Wanda's arm, he introduces her. "And this is my wife. Did you know that she is the daughter of Toscanini?" As Reagan takes Wanda's hand, photographers snap the scene furiously.

Back in Manhattan, Wanda looks at her airplane ticket. "Look at this, will you?" she says to her husband. "It cost $150. My father told me government functions are bad theater. Too many people in government are stunks."

Stunks?

"Short for stinkers," explains Wanda.