[NYTr] Billionaire Buffett Introduces Obama in Omaha

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

sent by rick kissell

Chicago Tribune via LA Times - Aug 16, 2007
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama16aug16,1,1621404.story?coll=la-headlines-nation&ctrack=7&cset=true


Billionaire introduces Obama in Omaha

Warren Buffett says the Democrat would spread the wealth.

By John McCormick
Chicago Tribune

Billionaire investor Warren E. Buffett stood next to Sen. Barack Obama 
at a country club fundraiser here Wednesday evening, praising the 
Illinois Democrat and calling for a federal tax system that would
charge the rich more.

Buffett, who can move markets with a few syllables and is increasingly 
trying to do the same in politics, introduced the presidential
candidate and his wife, Michelle, at an event that attracted about 200
people.

"He's not only a leader, but he can lead us to the right place," said 
Buffett, who also told a racy joke and made a few offhand remarks about 
the sagging stock market. "Barack is here to increase the abundance,
but to spread it around a little more so that it is inclusive
prosperity."

Buffett, who joked that it was "lonely" being a Democrat in Nebraska, 
said he first met Obama about three years ago and that the two had "had 
a lot of time to talk." The Wall Street wizard also said it was time to 
"fire the administration."

Obama responded with plenty of praise and some humility. "Not only am I 
a less-successful investor, but my jokes aren't as funny," Obama said, 
later calling Buffett "an example of what's best in this country."
Obama said that he got plenty of advice on the campaign trail, but that 
"Warren Buffett is one of those people" he listened to. The senator
also ribbed the affluent audience for the relatively low price of
admission. "Normally we charge extra when Michelle is here, so all of
you are getting a bargain," he said.

Donors gave between $500 and $2,300. About 35 people who gave the
higher amount or helped raise money from others met first with Buffett
and Obama in a smaller room.

After his speech, Obama answered a few audience questions. The first
was from a man who asked why people should support him instead of Sen. 
Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, whom Buffett has also supported.

"We are blessed with a very strong field on the Democratic side," said 
Obama, as a smiling Buffett looked on. "I think she's smart. I think 
she's tough. I think she is capable. I think she would be a capable 
president."