Warren Buffett is an expert salesperson, and this tone is the exquisitely crafted product of 70 years of salesmanship. Buffett has worked tirelessly to build his public image, and his "aw-shucks" act is a critical part of that. His image of a down-to-earth person with unquestionable integrity* has enabled him to lock down investment deals under the most favorable possible terms.
*) read one of his biographies to see he's not afraid to play dirty
For sure he and his business partners tried to strongarm the german city / community of Egelsbach to sell it's airport (Germany's largest small airplane airport, near Frankfurt/Main) to him. The aim was to expand the airport, at the expense of the inhabitants. The upside would have been 1-10 jobs, the downside a lot of noise and reduced price of property and life quality.
A lot of intransparent things were going on, fortunately it seems that things came to a halt.
It's business. I would not believe the image of a business man of his class.
[Disclaimer: I live in Egelsbach, Germany, and I have followed the case with great concern.]
*) read one of his biographies to see he's not afraid to play dirty