Khosla called for an “open convention” to select a more moderate Democratic candidate, suggesting Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Governor Josh Shapiro as potential alternatives.He said that this would provide a unique opportunity for a balanced approach between MAGA extremists and DEI extremism.
“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,” he said in a post on X.
In response, Musk urged Khosla to support for former US president Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance.
“Come on, Vinod. Trump/Vance LFG!!,” Musk posted on X.
Khosla, however, questioned Musk’s stance, and said it was hard for him to support someone with “no values, 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?” Khosla said.
Musk defended Trump, urging Khosla to meet with him and gain a better understanding of his character. The billionaire CEO acknowledged that Trump is not without flaws but emphasized the need for a meritocratic administration that promotes individual freedoms.
“How many times have you read something in the media where you know the real story, but what they printed was diabolically false? Well, it’s way worse in politics, which is a blood sport. 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,” Musk said.
Khosla countered by highlighting Trump’s stance on climate change, his “drill baby drill” approach, and the potential abandonment of NATO and American leadership.
“Agree on not trusting media. Agree on meritocratic and promote individual freedoms. But abandon climate and “drill baby drill? Be MAGA and abandon NATO and American leadership and moral authority? I was a socially liberal registered fiscal Republican till climate made me switch to Independent. Fist used “techno optimist” to describe myself on Twitter but have to add now “with care and caring” to bring along people left behind by the tech driven acceleration and growth we love,” Khosla replied.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Musk plans to contribute $45 million per month to a new super political-action committee supporting Trump’s presidential campaign.
Meanwhile, all five Indian-American lawmakers in the House of Representatives have praised Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race. Three of them – Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, and Pramila Jayapal – have already endorsed Harris as the likely Democratic presidential nominee. Harris, the first Indian American to serve as vice president, has 107 days until the November 5 elections to secure her party’s nomination.