A war of words broke out between prominent Indian-American businessman Vinod Khosla and billionaire Elon Musk this morning after Joe Biden withdrew from the US presidential race against Republican rival Donald Trump.
Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new candidate
The surprise move has thrown Democrats into fresh turmoil ahead of the November 5 election. But it could re-energise the demoralised party, as Kamala Harris has reaffirmed her goal of becoming America’s first female president and “defeating Donald Trump”.
Shortly after the announcement, Vinod Khosla called for an “open convention” for Democrats to decide on a “more moderate” candidate.
It’s time to hold an open convention and elect a more moderate candidate who can easily defeat @realDonaldTrump. Having @GovWhitmer and @GovernorShapiro would be a great thing for America as America will not be held hostage between MAGA extremists and DEI extremism. Unique opportunity for a better moderate path. Every socially liberal, climate, and fiscal voter needs this to balance our perspectives,” he posted on X – formerly known as Twitter.
It’s time to hold an open convention and elect a more moderate candidate who is easy to beat. @realDonaldTrump, @GovWhitmer And @GovernorShapiro It would be great for America to not be held hostage between MAGA extremists and DEI extremism. Unique opportunity for a better moderate path…
— Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) July 21, 2024
Reacting to the post, X, Tesla, and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk supported former US President Donald Trump and his partner JD Vance.
Musk wrote on X, “Come on, Vinod. Trump/Vance LFG!!”
Hitting back, Mr Khosla asked Musk if he would want his children to be like the Republican presidential contender and said he cannot support someone (Donald Trump) who “lies, cheats and disrespects women”.
Khosla said, “It’s hard for me to support a man who has no values, who lies, cheats, rapes, degrades women, hates immigrants like me. He may cut my taxes or reduce some regulation, but that’s no reason to accept the corruption in his personal values. Do you want a president who sets the climate back a decade in his first year? Do you want his example of values for your children?”
It’s hard for me to support a man who has no values, who lies, cheats, rapes, degrades women, hates immigrants like me. He may cut my taxes or reduce some regulation but that’s no reason to accept the corruption in his personal values. Do you want a president who will push back on climate…
— Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) July 21, 2024
Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla is the co-founder of Sun Microsystems. Mr. Khosla is known as a major Democratic political donor, and has contributed more than $1.4 million to the current campaign.
