Kelly was in Aspen to be a part of the 3rd Annual Security Forum and be interviewed by the Aspen Institute’s President, Walter Isaacson, for a one-on-one conversation called, “Securing the Nation’s Largest City.”

Now Kelly is an experienced media hand despite what people might think after some of his extra-newsworthy statements concerning his ability to shoot down errant, evil intending planes over NYC in his recent 60 Minutes profile, but in Aspen Kelly found himself in a conversation in which he was not absolutely in command. Isaacson’s interview of him was thoroughly polite and very professional, but it was in a style that kept his interview subject on his heels as he took question after question, with almost no pause in between.

Maybe Isaacson was a boxer in a previous life, because the man can be relentless in firing his questions without a break so as to keep his subject off balance so he can throw an unsuspected curve that really those his subject off balance.

During the interview Kelly wasn’t lacking for any answers, and he didn’t necessarily avoid answering all of Isaacson’s incessant questions, but Isaacson showed amazing skill at pulling information out of a man accustomed to being in complete control, who can be almost a sphinx when it comes to media inquiries.

It’s little wonder that Isaacson has become one of the nation’s most impressive and best-selling biographers/writers.

For anyone who wants to hear about the challenges of protecting the city that never sleeps and the literally worldwide intelligence network that that NYPD has built to protect its citizens, Isaacson’s interview is a must view/listen.

Kelly even answers the question a number of New Yorkers have been jawing about for years – “Will he run for Mayor of New York City?”

His answer was matter of fact, but under almost breathless questioning by Isaacson, Kelly’s answer was also revealing in how he responded as well as what he didn’t say.

Regardless of what Kelly’s response was (you need to view the tape to see what he says), there’s no doubt of Kelly’s leadership skills in the post 9/11 world. He has shaped the NYPD to be not just a world-class police force, but also one of the world’s most impressive intelligence networks. If Mitt Romney wins the presidential election, or if President Barack Obama wins and does not ask DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano to stay on for another four years, Kelly’s name will undoubtedly be on the short list as a potential DHS secretary.

So do yourself a favor and take an hour of time to hear from the man himself and see what you think. Would Ray Kelly be a good DHS secretary?