CNN
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Dozens of business leaders have fully endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, arguing that she is the better candidate for the future of the American economy and democracy.
In a three-page letter, the group of 88 business leaders, including prominent current and former executives from major publicly traded companies in the technology, media and financial industries, emphasized that they believe a Harris Administration would be able to better foster the private sector.
“Her election is the best way to uphold the continued strength, security and integrity of our democracy and economy,” the open letter, first published by CNBC, said.
The signatories include prominent business executives such as James Murdoch, Mark Cuban and LinkedIn billionaire Reid Hoffman. The endorsement underscores Ms Harris’ support not just in Silicon Valley, a traditional Democratic stronghold, but also from parts of Wall Street and consumer companies.
In their letter, the business leaders argued that as vice president, Harris has advanced “actions that will boost business investment in the United States and help American companies compete and win in global markets.”
“She will continue to promote fair and predictable policies that support the rule of law, stability, and a healthy business environment, and strive to give all Americans the opportunity to pursue the American Dream,” the letter said.
Signatories include such notable executives as James Murdoch, former CEO of 21st Century Fox and son of Rupert Murdoch, Snap Chairman Michael Lynton, Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman, former LinkedIn CEO Hoffman, Twilio co-founder Jeff Lawson, Emerson Collective CEO Laurene Powell Jobs, entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” host Mark Cuban, TCG founder and former Fox COO Peter Chernin, and Wndr founder and managing partner and former Walt Disney Studios Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg.
During her campaign, Harris positioned herself as potentially more business-friendly than President Joe Biden, who recently outlined an economic platform that includes tax cuts for small businesses. She also proposed raising long-term capital gains tax rates on the wealthy to 28%, a departure from Biden’s 2025 budget proposal, which suggested even higher rates.
Trump has also garnered the support of many CEOs, including some big names in the technology industry. Most notably, Elon Musk, who endorsed Trump in July. Billionaire technology investor David Sachs co-hosted a Trump fundraiser at his San Francisco home in June and spoke at the Republican National Convention on Monday. Other donors to America PAC include the Winklevoss twins, Sequoia Capital’s Doug Leone and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Venture capitalist Peter Thiel is also a Trump supporter.
The letter is a vote of confidence for Harris as she and former President Donald Trump go head-to-head ahead of the November election, and it also gives her encouragement ahead of the Sept. 10 ABC presidential debate.
