The sharp words, big losses and parting of ways signal the end of one of the great one-way bromances in Wall Street history, that between Bill Ackman and Warren Buffett, they say. Yes, the former, as so many others, idolized the latter; yes, Buffett’s timeless wisdom was the turning point in Ackman’s career. But all things must come to an end, and so, it seemed, had the Oracle of Omaha’s usefulness to the Asshole of 11th Avenue.
In fact, it seems, Ackman believes Buffett’s loss of relevance to him is mirrored more broadly. A new oracle is needed, one to whom America can turn in its time of need. And if Buffett isn’t going to be that man, Ackman believes he is his rightful successor.