TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people includes several political types. Here are some highlights.
- President Obama writes on Warren Buffett: “Today Warren is not just one of the world’s richest men but also one of the most admired and respected. 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.”
- Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates writes on Hillary Clinton: “In a world that is ever more complex, turbulent and dangerous, Secretary Clinton, 64, has made a singular contribution to strengthening this country’s relationships with allies, partners and friends; rallying other countries to join us in dealing with challenges to the global order, from Libya and Iran to the South China Sea; and reaching out to people in scores of countries to demonstrate that America cares about them.”
- Education Sec. Arne Duncan writes on Jeremy Lin: “Jeremy Lin’s story is a great lesson for kids everywhere because it debunks and defangs so many of the prejudices and stereotypes that unfairly hold children back. He’s dispelled the idea that Asian-American guards somehow couldn’t hack it in the NBA — and that being a world-class athlete on the court is somehow at odds with being an excellent student off the court.”
- Lawyer Ted Olson writes on Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy: “He has been the swing vote in the court’s abortion, death-penalty, discrimination, campaign-finance and criminal-procedure cases. One year, in fact, he was 24 for 24 in 5-4 cases. So crucial is his vote that lawyers regularly pitch their arguments in close cases overtly to Justice Kennedy.”
- TIME’s Joe Klein writes on Barack Obama: “A year ago, Barack Obama’s presidency seemed to be in deep trouble. His party had been thrashed in the 2010 congressional elections. The economy was languishing. His poll ratings were dismal. A year later, though, he stands as the favorite to win the presidential election of 2012.”
- Jeb Bush writes on Sen. Marco Rubio: “Watching him operate in D.C. is refreshing as he continually seeks common ground with Democrats on issues like job growth and immigration without violating principle. Rubio is the real deal, and I for one look forward to watching him contribute to the rebuilding of our great country in the years to come.”
