By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Venture capitalist Ben Horowitz said on Friday he will make a “significant donation” to entities supporting the Democratic presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, who faces Republican former President Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 election.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
The co-founder of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz had thrown his support behind Trump in July. At the time he endorsed Trump, President Joe Biden was the Democratic nominee. Biden later stepped aside in the aftermath of a disastrous debate against Trump and Harris took over.
Polls showed Trump had built a lead over Biden in the battleground states, which have become tight since Harris entered the race.
KEY QUOTES
“As I said before, (his wife) Felicia and I have known Vice President Harris for over a decade and she has been a great friend to both of us during that time,” the venture capitalist said on X.
“As a result of our friendship, Felicia and I will make a significant donation to entities supporting the Harris Walz campaign,” he added, without mentioning an amount or the name of any entity.
He added that the company he co-founded has not officially endorsed Harris because Harris has not yet provided a detailed technology policy platform. He reiterated his frustration with the “exceptionally destructive” technology policies of the Biden administration, in which Harris is vice president.
“While I have had several conversations with Vice President Harris and her team about their likely technology policy and am encouraged by my belief in her, they have not yet stated what their technology policy will be, so the company will not update its position going forward . that regard,” he said.
CONTEXT
Harris’ campaign has raised far more money than Trump’s, giving her a clear cash advantage as both sides bombard battlegrounds with television ads.
