Prominent Indian-American businessman Vinod Khosla and billionaire Elon Musk had a public war of words hours after US President Joe Biden dropped his re-election bid against Republican rival Donald Trump.
Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new nominee
While the stunning move throws Democrats into fresh turmoil ahead of the November 5 election. But it could also reenergize the demoralized party, with Kamala Harris swiftly confirming her goal to become America's first woman president and to "defeat Donald Trump."
Soon after the announcement, Vinod Khosla called for an "open convention" for the Democrats to decide on "a more moderate" candidate.
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. Every socially liberal, climate and fiscal voter should want it to balance our approach," the ace venture capitalist posted on X - earlier known as Twitter.
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.
He further said that for NATO, the amount contributed by the United States is "absurdly higher than other allies". "Why are American taxpayers paying for the defense of Europe when Europe is fully capable of doing so itself?" said Musk.
