Supporters applauded his enthusiasm, streetwise ways and ability to ram projects through a sluggish bueaucracy. Critics shudder at his language, fault his personality and mock his grasp of world affairs.
Charles Z. Wick is that kind of man. People are for him or against him, but rarely indifferent.
As director of the USIA since 1981, Wick has proved, say his aides, a quick learner and an innovative, forceful leader. But for every person won over by his determination and flair, another if upset by his lack of sophistication and public gaffes.
On one thing critics and fans agree: Wick is an authentic American success story. Born and reared in a poor Cleveland family, he earned degrees in music and law. Wick got his first break as a piano player during the big-ban era. After he moved to California, he shifted into financing and operating health-care and mortgage companies. Today, at 66, he is a millionaire addicted to $1,000 Saville Row suitsand supersonic plane travel. He also subsidizes official entertaining with $20,000 of his own money each year and says it costs him to remain in government.
It was in California in the 1950s that Wick and his wife Mary Jane first met the Reagans. But it was not until 1979 that he got involved in politics, as a fundraiser. So successful was he that the 1980 Reagan presidential campaign benefited by 10 million dollars.
参考资料:有道