NPR: Warren Buffett's Backing Could Help Dems in Midwest

Warren Buffett's Backing Could Help Dems in Midwest

Things are getting tight in Iowa, but Hillary Clinton has actually LEFT the Hawkeye state to attend a fund-raiser in (gasp) San Francisco. But the trip might actually get her some cred with Midwesterners, because the event is hosted by Warren Buffett.

Most Americans think of Buffett as just some crusty old billionaire who's good at picking stocks. But in the Midwest, he's more than that. People are proud of him. He's the "Oracle of Omaha." Over the years, he's bested the coastal capitalists at their own game, and yet he comes off as gracious and homey. If you're ever in Omaha and the locals give you a tour, it will inevitably end up with a drive-by of "Warren's" house — a modest place, for a guy that rich. And dinner at his favorite steak house — the kind of place your grandparents would love.

Why does this matter? Because it means Buffett's endorsement of a Democrat for president matters — in the red-tinged heartland. (Buffett supports Clinton and Obama — he says either one would make a good president, and he's hosted fund-raisers for both.) Buffett makes it safer for a certain segment of Republicans to vote Democrat.

We're talking old-fashioned Republicans. The ones who've voted Republican since the 1960s because their parents did, but who've never really been part of the Christian Conservative movement. They're more numerous in the Midwest than the East Coast political consultants would have you believe.

I'm talking about white guys over fifty who drive Buicks and work in insurance. The guys who are a little quieter about their politics, but get all excited about Buffett. And if he goes on CNBC and says it's prudent to vote for a Democrat, they'll pay attention.

Remember Reagan Democrats? Maybe 2008 will see the advent of Buffett Republicans.

- Martin Kaste

5:37 PM ET | 12-11-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

To paraphrase an old EF Hutton commercial "when Warren Buffet talks, people listen." Looks like Clinton is showing how deft a politician she is. Going to (double gasp!) San Francisco instead of kissing babies in the heartland like her rivals. Anyone know if Buffet has done anything for Giuliani or the rest of the GOP pack?

Sent by John R. Otten | 4:30 PM ET | 12-12-2007

Or, it could be Warren Buffett's KoD (Kiss of Death)!

Sent by Harold | 5:30 PM ET | 12-12-2007

Send a Comment

Comments are reviewed and edited by NPR prior to display. All comments will be read, but not all will be posted.

NPR reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its Web site or in any medium now known or unknown the e-mails and letters that we receive. We may edit them for clarity or brevity and identify authors by name and location. For additional information, please consult our Terms of Use.

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
Please send me updates from NPR.	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

Tom Regan

Blogger

About Us

This year's election cycle has been one of the most exciting in memory. At the NPR News Blog we'll do our best to bring you interesting, informative -- and controversial -- stories from our own reporters and bloggers, as well as the rest of the best of the Internet and blogosphere. And we hope you'll let us know what you think as well.

Want to learn more? Be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions and our discussion guidelines.