Joe Biden, the 81-year-old US president and a leading Democratic contender, on Monday announced his withdrawal from the upcoming November elections. This has made way for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the top contender for the top job. Elon Musk, who is a vocal supporter of Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump, went all out on his criticism of Harris, trolling the 59-year-old attorney with jokes in his signature goofy style with tweets and retweets on X.
Imagine 4 years of this … https://t.co/gFwWAv15Qx
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 22, 2024
𝕏 is a meme goldmine rn https://t.co/b7D94HkajZ
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 21, 2024
What Did Vinod Khosla Post?
A public dispute also erupted between Indian-American billionaire Vinod Khosla and the Tesla CEO.
Khosla proposed an “open convention” to select a more moderate Democratic candidate, suggesting Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as viable options. This suggestion came after Biden’s announcement, which has significantly shifted the political landscape.
Time to have an open convention and get a more moderate candidate who can easily beat @realDonaldTrump. @GovWhitmer and @GovernorShapiro would be a great thing for America not held hostage between MAGA extremists and DEI extremism. Unique opportunity for a better moderate path.…
— Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) July 21, 2024
How Did Musk Respond?
Elon Musk responded by urging Khosla to support former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance, leading to a sharp rebuttal from Khosla.
Come on, Vinod. Trump/Vance LFG!!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 21, 2024
In response, Khosla criticised Trump, citing his lack of values, dishonesty, and demeaning attitude towards women. He expressed his inability to back someone who, despite potential economic benefits like tax cuts and deregulation, displays such personal flaws and a dismissive attitude towards climate change and immigration.
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… https://t.co/2E7FqQUjH2
— Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) July 21, 2024
Musk defended Trump, encouraging Khosla to meet with him to better understand his character. He acknowledged Trump’s imperfections but emphasised the need for a meritocratic administration that champions individual freedoms over government control. Musk highlighted the often misleading nature of media reports, particularly in the political arena.
Khosla, however, remained unconvinced. He pointed out Trump’s stance on climate issues, his aggressive energy policies, and the potential risks to international alliances like NATO. Khosla, who once identified as a fiscally conservative Republican, expressed his concerns over Trump’s environmental policies and their long-term impact, stressing the importance of inclusive progress driven by technology.
