George Soros: 4 Quotes About President Barack Obama

As a successful financier, George Soros turned much of his work toward staunch support for the Democratic Party, backing numerous progressive groups and causes.

Soros was a principal supporter of Barack Obama's early political career and even became a close associate of Obama's, providing political contributions for more than 10 years, according to Human Events. 

Detractors maintain Soros has used his wealth to influence politics. Much has been made of a Soros-Obama connection.

Vote Now:Do You Think George Soros Is Good or Evil?

Here are four quotes Soros has made regarding President Obama:

1. "Obama has the charisma and the vision to radically reorient America in the world," Soros told PBS journalist Judy Woodruff during the 2008 presidential campaign.

Although opponents pointed to Obama's lack of experience for an executive job, Soros added, "this emphasis on experience is way overdone," reports Human Events.

2. Obama's election and re-election for the presidency has led many people to believe Obama is carrying out the ideas of Soros.

"I think we need a large (economic) stimulus package which will provide funds for state and local government to maintain their budgets — because they are not allowed by the constitution to run a deficit," Soros said in a 2007 interview with Der Spiegel.

"For such a program to be successful, the federal government would need to provide hundreds of billions of dollars. In addition, another infrastructure program is necessary. In total, the cost would be in the $300 to $600 billion range." Soros added. Obama later announced a stimulus program in 2009.

3. However, some of the passion Soros might have held for Obama seemed to have cooled by 2010. While speaking to Democracy Alliance members after the mid-term elections, Soros said, "We have just lost this election, we need to draw a line ... and if this president can't do what we need, it is time to start looking somewhere else."

A Soros spokesman later followed up by saying Soros was not advocating a different presidential candidate for 2012, according to The Huffington Post.

4. Soros changed his tune in November 2012, saying that the re-election of Obama would open "the door for more sensible politics," reports The Huffington Post. "I'm delighted that President Obama has won. The American electorate has rejected extremist positions."

Be Heard: What Do You Think About George Soros? Vote Here

Related Stories:

• Barack Obama VA Scandal: 6 Facts About Veterans Health Administration Controversy

• George Soros: How Did He Become Wealthy?