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According to Politico, Harris hasn’t taken an official position but shows openness. Her campaign’s recent engagement with crypto representatives indicates a potential policy shift.
In the upcoming 2024 election, US Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, faces a significant challenge. According to the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF), Harris must secure the support of cryptocurrency enthusiasts to counter Donald Trump‘s growing influence in the crypto community.
Last week, Trump made a significant play for the crypto vote. At the Bitcoin Nashville conference, he promised to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve if elected. He argued that a Democratic administration would be detrimental to the crypto industry, highlighting his commitment to the crypto sector.
Trump’s Crypto Strategy
Trump’s promises at the conference included acquiring 200,000 Bitcoins annually over five years. He claimed this would reduce the supply and drive up the asset’s price, potentially attracting substantial campaign donations from bitcoin holders. Lewis McLellan, the editor of OMFIF’s Digital Monetary Institute, noted:
“Trump has, with characteristic opportunism, identified a segment of disgruntled voters and, perhaps more importantly, potential donors.”
As Trump courts the crypto community, Harris’s stance on digital assets remains ambiguous. According to a Politico report, Harris has not yet taken an official position but is showing signs of openness. Her campaign has recently engaged with crypto representatives, indicating a potential shift in policy.
The internal Democratic debate on crypto policy is heating up. Some members advocate for a more supportive approach, while others remain skeptical. The OMFIF commentary urged:
“Kamala Harris must lay out her own agenda for cryptoassets or she risks ceding the ground entirely to the Republicans.”
If Harris can appeal to the crypto community, it could sway votes and donations in key states. “There is little to be lost, and potentially much to be gained”, the commentary noted. However, crypto critics within the party are pushing her to maintain a tough stance, consistent with the Joe Biden administration’s policies.
Biden Administration’s Crypto Policies
The Biden administration has been firm on crypto regulation, led by figures like SEC Chair Gary Gensler. Trump has promised to remove Gensler if elected, vowing to end what he calls the “persecution” of the crypto industry. Trump’s strategy involves pro-crypto policies, such as establishing a bitcoin stockpile and creating a crypto advisory council.
Trump’s embrace of the crypto industry is part of a broader GOP push since he left office. His stance contrasts sharply with his earlier criticism of Bitcoin, which he once called a “scam”. However, his recent actions suggest a calculated effort to leverage the crypto community’s support for his campaign.
As Harris prepares for the Democratic National Convention, her team must navigate this complex landscape. Crypto-friendly Democrats are optimistic about her tech-savvy background, hoping she will adopt a more favorable stance toward digital assets. Her approach to crypto could play a pivotal role in the upcoming election, influencing voter support and campaign financing in crucial battleground states.
