2007: What does Charlie think of John Adams?

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Hello. My name is Andrew Paullin (PH), a former Michigander now from Woburn, Massachusetts.

My question is for Charlie, though Warren, please add your thoughts as well.

Charlie, you were quoted in “Poor Charlie’s Almanack” as saying, quote, “Ben Franklin was a very good ambassador and whatever was wrong with him from John Adams’ point of view probably helped him with the French,” end quote.

If you are willing, I’m curious to hear your additional thoughts regarding John Adams and his wife, Abigail Adams.

CHARLIE MUNGER: Well, of course, they were wonderful people, both of them. And —

WARREN BUFFETT: Did you know them personally, Charlie? (Laughter)

CHARLIE MUNGER: No. No.

But if you wanted to have a really jolly evening, I would have taken Franklin every time. And the French love Franklin.

I think I remind many people too much of John Adams and too little of Ben Franklin. (Laughter)

WARREN BUFFETT: He does pretty well in respect to Ben Franklin, too