Over 90 business leaders support Kamala Harris for president

In an unusual display of unity amidst the uncertainty characteristic of Wall Street and corporate America, over 90 influential business leaders publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president on Friday. They assert that her election is crucial for advancing policies that are fair and create a predictable business environment, thereby reinforcing the rule of law and economic stability.

The collective statement from these corporate heads emphasizes that supporting Harris is essential for maintaining the strength and reliability of both democracy and the economy. Among the prominent figures backing her are billionaire Mark Cuban, former basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and James Murdoch, the ex-CEO of 21st Century Fox. They are joined by Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, and leaders from major companies such as American Express, Merck, Starbucks, and Yahoo.

According to a report by CNBC, the letter generated robust attention as it was released to CBS News. The rationale behind this endorsement stems from a belief that Harris would ensure that American industries continue to thrive. Her partnership with President Biden has been seen as pivotal in pushing for policies aimed at boosting business investment in the U.S. and equipping American enterprises to succeed in the global market.

The endorsement letter contains powerful affirmations regarding her leadership. The business leaders expressed confidence in Harris’s commitment to fostering a sound business environment. They highlighted her effort to offer every American the chance to achieve the “American dream.” This perspective underlines a broader notion that significant economic growth often hinges on stable and predictable governance, a position that resonates deeply within the business community.

However, Harris is not the only presidential candidate to attract substantial corporate backing. Republican nominee Donald Trump also enjoys support from a number of prominent figures in the corporate world. Notable names include Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX; Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald; hedge fund manager Bill Ackman; casino mogul Steve Wynn; and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen.

The range of support for both candidates reflects a crucial aspect of modern political dynamics. Corporate America plays a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes, and their endorsements can shift public perception. The support for Harris, while substantial, illustrates a clear delineation in the corporate world regarding preferred leadership styles and policies.

The list of business leaders endorsing Harris extends well beyond the names already mentioned. Significant figures such as Roger Altman, founder of Evercore; Shellye Archambeau, former CEO of MetricStream; and Ken Chenault, former Chairman and CEO of American Express, add weight to this coalition. Other notable endorsers include former CEOs of Xerox, Carnival Corporation, and a range of high-profile investors.

This wide-ranging support for Harris indicates a strategic alliance among those leaders who believe in a holistic approach to business growth that values democracy and societal stability alongside economic interests. They collectively assert that policies should advance both company profits and the broader public good.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, endorsements like this one could play a significant role in mobilizing support at the grassroots level. The business community’s backing, particularly when it encompasses a diverse range of industries and leadership styles, highlights a conscious effort to influence the upcoming elections profoundly.

In the end, the endorsement for Kamala Harris suggests that a significant segment of corporate America favors a leadership that they believe will provide the necessary stability and predictability for future economic growth. This coalition may enhance her candidacy as voters consider not just their political affiliations but also the implications of those choices on their economic outlook and business opportunities.

Source: CBS News