In a significant political endorsement, Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple, has thrown his weight behind Kamala Harris for the 2024 U.S. presidential race. This endorsement comes as part of a broader show of support from 87 high-profile executives and notable figures across various sectors. Here’s why Larsen’s backing, alongside other prominent names, is making headlines and what it means for Harris’s campaign.
Chris Larsen’s Endorsement: A Game-Changer for Kamala Harris
Chris Larsen’s endorsement of Kamala Harris marks a notable moment in the 2024 presidential race. Joining Larsen in this endorsement are a slew of influential figures from the worlds of tech, finance, and philanthropy. This backing is not just about adding names to a list; it signals a strong, strategic alliance with significant implications for Harris’s campaign.
Key Points of Larsen’s Endorsement:
- Ripple’s Chris Larsen joins 87 other top corporate executives in supporting Kamala Harris.
- High-profile signatories include James Murdoch, Magic Johnson, and Mark Cuban.
Notable Supporters in the Endorsement Letter
The letter supporting Kamala Harris is a who’s who of influential leaders. Here’s a breakdown of some key figures:
- Aaron Levie, CEO of Box.
- Jeremy Stoppelman, CEO of Yelp.
- Michael Lynton, Chairman of Snap Inc.
- James Murdoch, former CEO of 21st Century Fox.
Additional notable signatories include:
- Lynn Forrester de Rothschild, philanthropist.
- José Feliciano, private equity billionaire.
- Jeff Lawson, co-founder of Twilio.
- Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Wizards, Mystics, and Capitals.
Political Donors and Wall Street Figures
Several prominent political donors and Wall Street personalities are also lending their support:
- John Doerr, partner at Kleiner Perkins.
- Deven Parekh, managing director at Insight Partners.
- Jeffrey Katzenberg, former chairman of Walt Disney Studios.
- Tony James, former president of Blackstone.
- Bruce Heyman, former U.S. ambassador and Goldman Sachs executive.
- Peter Orszag, CEO of Lazard.
- Steve Westly, managing director at The Westly Group.
Silicon Valley Heavyweights:
- Ron Conway, investor.
- Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks.
- Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn.
Crypto Community and Fundraising Efforts
Interestingly, Kamala Harris’s campaign has started accepting cryptocurrency donations via Coinbase’s Commerce platform. This move aligns with the growing involvement of crypto leaders in politics.
Notable crypto supporters include:
- Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle.
- Alesia Haas, CFO of Coinbase, has highlighted the potential for crypto-friendly legislation under a Harris presidency.
Harris’s campaign is already targeting the crypto community for fundraising, with a Washington event expected to raise $100,000.
Harris’s Impressive Fundraising Numbers
Kamala Harris’s campaign has seen a significant influx of funds. In August alone, her campaign raised an impressive $361 million, more than doubling the $130 million raised by Trump’s campaign in the same period. By the end of August, Harris had $404 million in cash on hand, surpassing Trump’s total by $109 million.
What This Endorsement Means for Kamala Harris
Larsen’s endorsement, along with the backing of other prominent figures, adds considerable weight to Kamala Harris’s presidential bid. This level of support could enhance her campaign’s visibility and credibility, particularly among corporate and tech sectors.
Implications of the Endorsement:
- Increased Visibility: With high-profile endorsements, Harris’s campaign gains media attention and credibility.
- Broader Support Base: Endorsements from various sectors, including tech and finance, expand her appeal to different voter demographics.
- Boosted Fundraising: Significant endorsements can lead to increased donations and support from influential networks.
Final Thoughts
Chris Larsen’s endorsement of Kamala Harris is a clear signal of strong support from both the corporate and crypto communities. This backing, coupled with Harris’s impressive fundraising efforts, positions her as a formidable contender in the 2024 presidential race. As her campaign continues to garner support from influential figures, it will be interesting to see how this shapes the upcoming election dynamics.
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