Warren Buffett among Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2012
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 15: Investor Warren Buffett is presented with the 2010 Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Barack Obama during an East Room event at the White House February 15, 2011 in Washington, DC.
Warren Buffett has made the list of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2012, with President Obama penning the iconic businessman's profile.
"Today Warren is not just one of the world's richest men but also one of the most admired and respected," Obama wrote of the Berkshire Hathaway CEO. "He has devoted the vast majority of his wealth to those around the world who are suffering, or sick, or in need of help. And he uses his stature as a leader to press others of great means to do the same."
Buffett has made headlines recently for inspiring the “Buffett Rule,” Obama's latest proposal to raise tax rates on the wealthy to 30 percent, the Hill reported. Legislation supporting the rule was struck down in the Senate this week, as Buffett, 81, revealed that he has been diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer.
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"I feel great – as if I were in my normal excellent health – and my energy level is 100 percent," Buffett said in a letter to his shareholders. "I will let shareholders know immediately should my health situation change. Eventually, of course, it will; but I believe that day is a long way off."
Singers, actresses, athletes, and a slew of other notable figures also made the list, including Rihanna, "The Colbert Report" host Stephen Colbert, Catherine and Pippa Middleton, Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin, "50 Shades of Grey" author EL James, and The Weinstein Company's co-chairman Harvey Weinstein.
A total of 38 women made the list this year, more than any "100 most influential" list, Zap2it reported.
"Before microphones and television were invented, a leader had to stand in front of a crowd and bellow," wrote Time editor Rick Stengel. "Now she can tweet a phrase that reaches millions in a flash. Influence was never easier — or more ephemeral. Which is why we try to choose those people whose influence is both lasting and, with a few notable exceptions, laudable."
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