POLITICS

Why Bill Gates is Backing Kamala Harris

Silicon Valley, USATue Oct 29 2024
Billionaire tech legend, Bill Gates, has quietly invested $50 million into Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. This huge sum was given to a political action committee called Future Forward, a Silicon Valley group supporting Harris. Gates, who hasn’t publicly endorsed Harris, wanted this donation to stay private. But why is he so secretive about his support? Gates is worried about possible cuts to crucial programs like family planning and global health if Trump wins again. He’s seen as someone who works with politicians from all sides, but this election, he says, is different. It’s about more than just the U. S. ; it’s about the world’s most vulnerable people. Other wealthy backers of Harris include Netflix’s Reed Hastings, who has given $7 million. Even former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg might contribute big, like Gates. On the other side, Elon Musk, the wealthiest person on Earth, is firmly behind Trump with a $75 million donation. Melinda French Gates, Bill’s ex-wife, also donated to Future Forward. Even their kids, Rory and Phoebe, have gotten involved in Democratic donations and pushed their parents to be more political.

questions

    If Bill Gates donated $50 million, how many iPads could he have bought instead?
    What are the potential implications of such a large donation on political influence?
    How might this donation shape the public's perception of the role of wealth in politics?

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