“It is my great pleasure to introduce Senator Joe Biden. I take personal pleasure in doing so as Senator Biden is not only a man of unique accomplishments in the Senate but I’m fortunate to call him a personal friend.”
That’s how alleged Ponzi schemer Hassan Nemazee kicked off a March 2002 panel discussion on Iran in Washington, sponsored by the American Iranian Council. (Nemazee’s father is Iranian, according to Forbes.)
And Biden was no less effusive in response as he took the podium from Nemazee. Here’s the video of the exchange, which provides more evidence — not that it’s needed — that the generous Nemazee was about as well-connected as a person can get in top Democratic circles.
BIDEN: Hassan thank you very much. I want you to know that Hassan, I have taken advantage of his knowledge and taken advantage of his friendship to seek his advice on many, many issues, including Iran. As a matter of fact, had had I my way — I would be referring to him as Ambassador Nemazee.
Biden was likely referring to the failed nomination of Nemazee to be ambassador to Argentina in the late 1990s.
Nemazee and his wife have given Biden over $20,000 since 2000, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
President Obama and the DNC have given money donated directly by Nemazee to charity, but the White House has declined to comment on the indictment.
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