Hundreds of venture capitalists from the tech industry are supporting the future Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in an appeal. But her opponent Donald Trump also has powerful advocates.
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After US presidential candidate Donald Trump received support from Silicon Valley, numerous tech investors are now supporting Trump’s opponent Kamala Harris. Almost 500 investors have now signed a petition under the name in which they declare that they will vote for and support Harris. The signatories include Linkedin founder Reid Hoffman, Mark Cuban, co-owner of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, and billionaire Chris Sacca.
At the same time, several hundred employees of Silicon Valley companies have already signed the list, which also drums up support for the incumbent vice president. Netflix founder Reed Hastings had previously donated $7 million to a committee supporting Harris.
The calls are part of Harris’s gaining momentum campaign, but they also show that a divide is running through the traditionally pro-democratic technology mecca in California. The open support of several industry leaders for Donald Trump has caused great excitement in the scene in recent weeks. Tesla boss Elon Musk, for example, threw his support behind the former president, as did legendary investors Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz. Technology entrepreneur David Sacks even made an appearance at the Republican convention where Trump’s nomination was finalized.
“Strong, credible institutions are a special feature, not a mistake”
Now the countermovement to this trend is emerging. It is likely to gain momentum because Harris is from California and her political career as Attorney General and Senator took off there. The Democrat may have clashed with some Silicon Valley companies on consumer issues, but is generally considered to be pro-industry.
The investors’ appeal also reflects the expectations associated with Harris’s impending candidacy. “We are for the economy, for the American dream, for entrepreneurship and for technological progress,” it says. But they also believe in “democracy as the backbone of our nation.” “Strong, credible institutions are a special feature, not a mistake. Our industry – and every other industry – would perish without them.” It is a clear reference to the Republican Trump, who in his statements repeatedly questions both the credibility of elections and the independence of the judiciary.
Source: Stern
