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Madoff Crafty but Dumb: New Book

Pals surprised he pulled Ponzi scheme off

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 24, 2009 8:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – Bernie Madoff was a swindler from a young age—but many acquaintances also considered him “the dumbest man on earth," says an upcoming exposé. Jerry Oppenheimer’s new book, Madoff With the Money, also reveals that the Ponzi schemer skirted 2 years of Army Reserve duty during the Vietnam War, paid off at least one female employee he seduced, and had close ties to the mob, the New York Post reports.

One folksy anecdote involves Bernie wearing two gold Rolexes on one wrist, so that he would know the time in his London office. “Think about that—Bernie couldn't do the addition or the subtraction!” says a pal.

In this March 10, 2009 file photo, Bernard Madoff exits Manhattan federal court in New York.
In this March 10, 2009 file photo, Bernard Madoff exits Manhattan federal court in New York.   (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano, file)
Bernard Madoff, chairman of Madoff Investment Securities, returns to his Manhattan apartment after making a court appearance Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008 in New York.
Bernard Madoff, chairman of Madoff Investment Securities, returns to his Manhattan apartment after making a court appearance Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Besieged money manager Bernard Madoff arrives at Federal Court in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009.
Besieged money manager Bernard Madoff arrives at Federal Court in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009.   (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
wwwonderer
Jul 24, 2009 3:44 AM CDT
I'm willing to bet Madoff's dollars to donuts that he was raised in a wealthy family environment. An environment that valued style over substance.
wwwonderer
Jul 24, 2009 3:43 AM CDT
There are MANY 'successful', 'functional' IDIOTS in our world.We are living in the age of the Cult of Personality. How many people were more impressed with him wearing 2 Rolexes and could care less about his character or ability? That is one of the problems. Wealth is often directly proportional to intelligence.
Caps
Jul 24, 2009 3:20 AM CDT
Reader 89, could if be "old Georgie Boy?"

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