As you know, computer maker Hewlett Packard‘s former CEO Carly Fiorina is a Republican candidate for US President, running for 2016. At first, her campaign got nowhere. What does Silicon Valley think about her presidential campaign?
It depends on who you ask. Some at HP and in Silicon Valley support her. Others criticize her of being the stereotypical super rich CEO who is out of touch with the 99 percent. The Washington Post printed an article about a contractual clause to have her yacht shipped from New York to San Francisco. A Wall Street executive criticized her lack of public service. That was nothing compared to the choice words of Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfield, who called Fiorina, “one of the worst technology CEOs in history.” And the fact Hewlett Packard cut up to 30,000 jobs won’t help any. But those in Silicon Valley know this could be history in the making. It’s the first time a start-up tech boss has ever run for US president. And Silicon Valley urges her to use her campaign to bring up tech issues, such as net neutrality. For example, she’s against illegal immigration. But hasn’t said anything about the grueling process of foreign workers getting permits in Silicon Valley. One Silicon Valley insider said watching the last debates reminded him of a 1990s debate. There was hardly mention of 21st century technology issues.
Despite these criticisms, Fiorina is making tremendous progress in the race. Many polls have her in third place, out of 17 candidates, behind only Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson. But when you’re the first Silicon Valley start-up CEO to run for US President, Silicon Valley expects a lot of you. Many in her own neighborhood don’t think she’s living up to that. I think she really needs Silicon Valley to be successful in this race. How are you going to get respect all around the country, expect in your hometown, own neighborhood, or own community? How does that work?