Elon Musk recently created a stir on social media when he posted his opinion about US President-elect Joe Biden. The tech entrepreneur posted a tweet comparing Biden to his 2020 presidential election opponent Donald Trump, saying: “Biden is not perfect, but he is the better of two bad choices.”
Many took the post as an endorsement of Biden, with some calling it a “rare” and “unexpected” show of support from the outspoken entrepreneur. However, some criticized Musk for his lack of detail on the issues and for not providing any specific reasons why he felt Biden was superior to Trump.
So what did Elon Musk actually mean when he called Biden the “better of two bad choices”? According to political experts, Elon was making a pragmatic statement. Biden may not be a perfect candidate, but given the extent of Trump’s scandals, offensive policies, and continual lies, it was the better option.
Biden is seen as a much more reliable and competent leader, who is willing to listen to and prioritize the needs of the people. He has promised to implement more progressive economic policies, focus on racial and gender equality, and bring about real change during his presidency. He has also committed to reversing some of the controversial policies of the Trump era, such as the rollback of environmental protections. On the other hand, Trump failed to offer any coherent plans for the US economy or demonstrate any autonomy from corporate interests.
It is worth noting that Elon has never shied away from expressing his opinion on political issues. His support of Biden may have been an attempt to find a middle ground between those who strongly oppose Trump and those who view Biden as a stepping stone to more progressive policy change. However, whatever Elon’s intention was, it is clear that he feels Biden offers the country a better alternative.
His Previous Political Stances
Elon Musk has never shied away from expressing his opinion on political issues, from topics such as immigration reform to the participation of the US in foreign wars. He has also been critical of the Trump administration, particularly on the issue of free trade. In 2018, Musk tweeted: “When a government engages in retaliatory trade war, everyone suffers”.
Musk has also spoken out against Trump’s restrictive immigration policies, calling them un-American and xenophobic. However, despite his opposition to some of the Trump administration’s policies, Musk has generally refrained from taking sides in the presidential elections. That is, until he made an exception for Biden.
Reasons Behind His Support
So why did Elon choose to support Biden now? According to political experts, this may have been a result of the myriad scandals and accusations of corruption and incompetence faced by the Trump administration. Moreover, Biden’s platform of progressive economic policies and social justice initiatives may have been particularly attractive to Elon, who has long advocated for these causes.
It is also worth noting that Biden has promised to invest heavily in clean energy, a sector that Elon Musk has long been at the forefront of advocating for. This may have been the deciding factor for Musk. Furthermore, Biden has promised to bring the US back into the Paris Climate Agreement, something Musk has also argued for.
The Impact of Musk’s Support
Although Elon Musk’s endorsement may have had little influence on the Presidential election’s outcome, it has had a significant impact on his public image. The show of support may have allowed him to position himself as a moderate who’s willing to compromise in order to bring about a better future for the US. This is especially apparent given that the majority of Silicon Valley figures chose to side with Biden.
Moreover, Elon’s support may also be beneficial for SpaceX and Tesla, as his relationship with the Biden administration could potentially benefit from his open support. And finally, the support may also help legitimize Elon’s political positions, as the endorsement of a mainstream politician such as Biden may help to make his views more palatable to the public.
Reaction of Joe Biden
In response to Elon Musk’s endorsement, Biden indicated that he “wholeheartedly appreciates and welcomes the vote of confidence”. He went on to praise Musk for his incredible innovation and for speaking out about the issues that are important to the country.
The Biden administration has also indicated that they are open to working with Musk and his companies in the coming years. They have expressed interest in his plans for space exploration and renewable energy, as well as his thoughts on how the US can create more jobs and strengthen the economy.
What Does This Mean for Elon’s Future?
Given Elon Musk’s open support of Joe Biden, it is clear that the two will have a close working relationship. Musk will have a strong incentive to work collaboratively with the Biden administration on a variety of issues, particularly relating to space exploration, renewable energy and job creation. As a result, Musk will have a greater degree of influence and access to the White House than he would have otherwise.
In terms of his public image, Elon Musk’s endorsement of Biden could be beneficial in the long run. His open embrace of the progressive policies that Biden brings to the table is likely to be seen as a positive step and could help to further legitimize his stances on various issues.
Criticism of Elon Musk
Despite Elon Musk’s endorsement of Joe Biden, there has been some criticism of his decision. Some argue that the tech entrepreneur is too closely tied to the elite and corporate interests and that his support of Biden is merely a ploy to protect his own interests.
It is also worth noting that some feel that Elon was not forthcoming enough in his support and failed to provide any specific reasons as to why he believes Biden is the better choice. He was also reluctant to take sides in the election, something that many felt was an indication of his lack of political courage.
Is Elon Musk Becoming Politically Engaged?
Overall, Elon Musk’s endorsement of Joe Biden suggests that he is becoming more politically engaged. While he may not have offered any specific reasons as to why he believes Biden is the better candidate, his support indicates that he is willing to engage on issues that are important to the country. Furthermore, his willingness to work with the Biden administration and advocate for progressive policies could be a sign that he is pivoting towards a more politically engaged and active role within the US.
