Vinod Khosla and Elon Musk Clash Over Trump Amid Biden's Re-Election Exit
In a dramatic exchange of words, Indian-American billionaire Vinod Khosla and tech magnate Elon Musk have clashed publicly following a major political development in the U.S. hours after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election. Biden’s decision to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic Party nominee has stirred considerable debate, with Harris quickly affirming her ambition to become the first woman President and defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming November 5 election.
The announcement has thrown the Democratic Party into disarray, but it may also galvanize its supporters, providing a potential boost amid the current turmoil. Responding to this political shake-up, Khosla called for an 'open convention' within the Democratic Party to select a more moderate candidate capable of challenging Trump effectively.
“Time to have an open convention and get a more moderate candidate who can easily beat @realDonaldTrump”, Khosla posted on X (formerly Twitter). He suggested that figures like Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Governor Josh Shapiro could offer a balanced approach between the extremes of MAGA and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).
Responding to the post, Elon Musk - the CEO of X, Tesla and SpaceX - made a strong pitch for former US president Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance.
"Come on, Vinod. Trump/Vance LFG!!", Musk posted on X.
In response, Mr Khosla asked Elon Musk if he would want his children to be like the Republican presidential contender and said that he can't support someone (Donald Trump) who "lies, cheats and demeans women".
"Hard for me to support someone with no values, lies, cheats, rapes, demeans women, hates immigrants like me. He may cut my taxes or reduce some regulation but that is no reason to accept depravity in his personal values. Do you want President who will set back climate by a decade in his first year? Do you want his example for your kids as values?", Mr Khosla said.
A venture capitalist, Vinod Khosla is the Co-Founder of Sun Microsystems. Mr Khosla is known to be a prominent Democratic political donor, and has contributed over $1.4 million in the current campaign.
Elon Musk shot back, saying Trump doesn't hate him. "In fact, I think he likes you. Meet him and find out for yourself. I'm not suggesting that Trump is without flaws, however we need an administration that is more likely to be meritocratic and promote individual freedoms over the heavy hand of government", he argued.
The Tesla CEO said many years ago, that was the Democratic Party, but now, 'the pendulum has swung to the Republican Party'.
Vinod Khosla replied: "But abandon climate and 'drill baby drill? Be MAGA (Make America Great Again) and abandon NATO and American leadership and moral authority? I was a socially liberal registered fiscal Republican till climate made me switch to Independent".
Musk retorted that civilisation does need oil and gas for quite some time. "I don't think we should demonise an industry that is essential for humanity to function. However, as you know, sustainable energy production and consumption is growing very rapidly and is tracking to exceed use of hydrocarbon fuels. That will happen no matter what Trump does", he argued.
