Obama Golfing Buddy Personifies Ex-Im Bank’s Problems

Robert Wolf bundled over a million dollars for Obama, got a WH appointment, and is cashing in on his connections

As economists and policy wonks debate the merits of U.S. export financing, critics of one controversial program are warning of more subtle consequences exemplified, they say, by one of the president’s golfing buddies.

Robert Wolf joined the president on the links this month in Martha’s Vineyard, the latest of his frequent outings with the president. The foursome also included private equity financier Glenn Hutchins and Cyrus Walker, cousin of White House adviser Valerie Jarrett.

Wolf’s deep ties to the president are integral to his business model. He is part of a rising industry of “political intelligence” professionals who use relationships with Washington power brokers to advance public policy beneficial to their clients.

Wolf is the founder and chief executive of 32 Advisors, which describes itself as “the pre-eminent cross-border business advisory firm servicing domestic and international corporations, public entities, governments, financial services firms, and high growth businesses.”

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