US Vice President Kamala Harris continues to promote connections with the crypto community as part of her “Opportunity Economy” platform.
On October 14, Harris will meet with black entrepreneurs in Erie, Pennsylvania. Her agenda includes discussing the importance of supporting Black-owned small businesses, overcoming regulation of cryptocurrencies and digital assets, and advocating for federal cannabis legalization.
Opportunity economy focus
In a statement to New Hampshire's NPR affiliate, Harris campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond described the push as part of Harris' broader “opportunity economy” efforts. Richmond emphasized that Harris aims to win the support of black men by creating an economy that allows them to thrive, including homeownership, entrepreneurship, and building generational wealth. .
“Vice President Harris is committed to ensuring that Black men have the tools to succeed, whether it's buying a home, raising a family, or building wealth,” he said.
sauce: kamalaharris.com
Has the stance towards virtual currencies softened?
While Harris has previously been seen as aligned with anti-crypto sentiment in Washington, her approach appears to be changing. According to reports cointelegraphRipple co-founder Chris Larsen recently donated $1 million worth of XRP to the Harris Waltz 2024 campaign, signaling growing optimism about her stance on cryptocurrencies.
Some in the industry now see Harris as a candidate open to bipartisan solutions to regulating cryptocurrencies and digital assets. However, not everyone is convinced by this so-called “crypto pivot.”
Contrary to campaign speculation, official documents related to Ely's event emphasize her commitment to protecting rather than restricting ownership of cryptocurrencies. Campaign materials say Harris will advocate for regulations to ensure “Black men who invest in and own these assets are protected.”
sauce: kamalaharris.com
Regulatory frameworks and black investors
Harris is expected to voice support for a regulatory framework tailored to digital assets in Erie. His campaign announced Monday that his speech will lay out plans to help ensure Black men and others participating in the cryptocurrency market are protected under a clearer legal structure. That's what it means.
The campaign also noted that Harris is keenly aware that more than 20% of Black Americans currently own or have owned cryptocurrencies. Her proposed regulations aim to ensure that these individuals benefit from fair supervision and are protected from potential market risks.
The press release emphasized that “Vice President Harris understands how emerging technologies open access to banking and financial services,” and regulations to protect investors in digital assets. They reaffirmed their intention to support the framework.
Comparison of virtual currency campaigns
Harris has made limited references to virtual currencies throughout the campaign, mainly using terms such as “digital assets” and “blockchain” sparingly, but her stance is similar to that of former President Donald Trump. are in contrast. President Trump has made direct appeals to the cryptocurrency industry at Bitcoin Nashville, an industry conference, pledging to establish cryptocurrency-friendly regulators and create a “Bitcoin and Virtual Currency Advisory Board.”
Trump also made headlines last month when he visited Pubky, a Bitcoin bar in New York City, and used Bitcoin to purchase a hamburger with the help of a staff member.
Cryptocurrency in the 2024 Election
Polls show that voters' interest in cryptocurrencies continues to grow. A Grayscale-funded Harris poll (unrelated to the vice president) found that 77% of likely voters expect candidates to be knowledgeable about cryptocurrencies, compared to 21% of respondents. of respondents said they own some form of virtual currency.
As Harris and her competitors navigate the competition, it is clear that the role of cryptocurrencies in the economy and their place in the political landscape will be key issues.
