Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, known for his bipartisan approach and avoiding big political donations, recently donated around $50 million to the nonprofit arm of a super PAC supporting Kamala Harris, according to the New York Times. This move comes as 13 other billionaires have also contributed to the same super PAC, Future Forward, with five of them making donations since Harris announced her candidacy in July. The total contributions from these billionaires to Future Forward this election cycle amount to $50 million.
Unlike the donations from other billionaires, Gates’ contribution was channeled through Future Forward’s “dark money” affiliate, which allows for secrecy regarding donors. However, it has been reported that the donation was intended to remain confidential, with Gates emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election. It is possible that other billionaires have also contributed through the dark money arm, which has funneled more than $50 million to the super PAC out of the $200 million raised through August.
Some of the billionaire donors, such as Reed Hastings and Dustin Moskovitz, have been vocal in their support for Harris on social media and through significant donations to Future Forward. The super PAC utilizes an analytical approach, conducting millions of voter surveys to inform its political ads. However, criticism has emerged regarding the heavy reliance on late-campaign ads and insufficient funding for grassroots efforts to increase voter turnout.
Despite the unconventional approach of Future Forward, it aligns with the philosophies of some billionaires who believe in the impact of political donations on philanthropic efforts. For example, Reid Hoffman has emphasized the importance of supporting political leaders who align with values related to issues such as economic justice and health care. This mindset has led to donations to pro-Harris committees and other Democratic causes.
In addition to Gates, other billionaires who have donated to Future Forward this election cycle include Michael Bloomberg, Reid Hoffman, Jim and Marilyn Simons, and more. These donations demonstrate a growing trend among the ultra-wealthy to support political candidates and causes that align with their beliefs and priorities. Through their substantial financial contributions, billionaires are influencing the political landscape and potentially shaping the future of policy decisions.
