Buffett in Thick of Political Controversy

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Not usually one to shy from the spotlight, Warren Buffett has used a wide range of mediums to get his points and opinions across. With a fortune ranking him among the world's wealthiest individuals, it is no wonder that when he grabs the microphone or puts pen to paper, people are there watching.

With so much time on the stage and in the public eye, it is impossible to avoid ruffling feathers. Buffett will always have fans who adore him for his folksy, down-home charm and unmatchable business acumen. However, when the investor throws his hat into the ring on controversial issues, there are always detractors.

Just this week, the Oracle of Omaha and his business empire, Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), were found cast in the middle of two of the hottest and most heavily-contested political and economic debates taking place in the country today.

Keystone XL Pipeline

Buffett seems to have had little to say regarding the controversial Keystone XL pipeline. This does not mean that the issue is not of interest to him, however. On the contrary, as Bloomberg uncovered this week, the investor's firm will be heavily impacted depending on how this development eventually plays out.

With no pipeline currently constructed, producers in the area have been forced to rely instead on rail to transport new oil. As the report notes, although it is considered to be more expensive than the pipeline option, railroad companies from both the U.S. and Canada could be called upon to handle the entire load. Among the firms that will likely benefit from this scenario is Berkshire Hathaway's Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNI).

Taking on this responsibility would likely require expansion, thus making it an attractive growth opportunity for Buffett's railroad. With the potential for increased revenue at stake, it will be interesting to see if the investor will have anything to say on the issue in the days and weeks ahead.

Taxes

Overall, Buffett spent only limited time in front of the camera as the media instead focused its collective attention on another Berkshire Hathaway employee: the investor's long-fabled secretary, Debbie Bosanek. Seated near first lady, Michelle Obama, Bosanek made a rare on-camera appearance this week when President's State of the Union Address transformed her into the face of his proposed tax reform plans.

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