Election 2016: Warren Buffett Backs Hillary Clinton At Fundraiser For Wall Street Executives

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett talked up Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton this week to a group of Wall Street executives, the Wall Street Journal reported. Buffett attended a fundraiser for Clinton Wednesday night at the Manhattan home of Blackstone Group President and COO Hamilton “Tony” James.

The entry price to the fundraiser was $33,400, with approximately $400,000 going to the Hillary Victory Fund, to be split between Clinton’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee. Clinton did not attend James’ fundraiser.

Clinton has been outspoken on the campaign trail about getting tough with Wall Street, particularly after a November debate when she was criticized for her ties to the financial institutions. She defended herself by invoking the damage from 9/11 as a reason to work alongside Wall Street in an effort to rebuild. Clinton even took to the New York Times this week in an op-ed to elaborate on her intent and strategy to rein in Wall Street.

“As president, I would not only veto any legislation that would weaken financial reform, but I would also fight for tough new rules, stronger enforcement and more accountability that go well beyond Dodd-Frank,” she wrote.

Buffett’s ardent support for Clinton has been seen as an asset to her campaign rather than a detriment, due to his reputation as a vocal critic of Wall Street and a supporter of higher taxes on the wealthy. He is worth an estimated $66.7 billion, according to Forbes.

“Warren Buffett is perceived by the public as America’s investor,” Robert Schmuhl, a professor of American studies at the University of Notre Dame, told the Street. “The ‘Wizard of Omaha’ isn’t really seen as a creature of Wall Street, and as a result his association with Hillary Clinton isn’t a detriment to her candidacy”