According to Cointelegraph: U.S. presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris is advancing her campaign with a focus on cryptocurrency regulation under her “Opportunity Economy” agenda. On Oct. 14, Harris will meet with Black entrepreneurs in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she is expected to emphasize her support for digital asset ownership and regulation alongside policies to empower Black-owned businesses.
The Opportunity Economy: Building Wealth for Black Communities
Cedric Richmond, co-chair of the Harris campaign, highlighted the Opportunity Economy’s goal of providing economic tools for Black men to thrive. Speaking with NPR affiliates, Richmond said the agenda aims to help them buy homes, start businesses, and build wealth.
The campaign emphasizes that cryptocurrency ownership and fair regulation will be key parts of this strategy. Harris’ focus is on enabling crypto investors—particularly Black investors—to build wealth while being protected under a sound regulatory framework.
A Shift Toward Crypto-Friendly Policies
Harris' campaign reflects a shift from her earlier position, as she is now promoting bipartisan crypto regulation. Her updated stance aims to foster innovation while safeguarding investors, countering her earlier portrayal as part of an anti-crypto regime.
The Harris campaign documents reveal that she plans to protect crypto owners and investors by developing a framework that supports ownership rather than restricting it.
Support from Crypto Leaders, Community Divided
Harris' pro-crypto pivot has caught the attention of key figures in the industry. Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple, recently donated $1 million worth of XRP to the Harris-Walz 2024 campaign, signaling support for her pro-crypto policies.
However, the cryptocurrency community remains divided. While some see her newfound support for digital assets as an opportunity for regulatory clarity, others view it as a strategic move to court voter support without genuine commitment.
Crypto as a Key Pillar of the Opportunity Economy
Harris' Opportunity Economy campaign positions cryptocurrency as a vehicle for economic empowerment, particularly for minority communities. By focusing on regulatory protections and ownership rights, she aims to foster wealth-building opportunities through digital assets.
As Harris continues to push her crypto agenda, the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election could become a pivotal moment for digital asset policy. Whether her pro-crypto pivot gains the trust of the industry remains to be seen, but it reflects a broader shift toward innovation and inclusive economic opportunities.