US Vice President Kamala Harris laid out her “agenda of opportunity” during a campaign speech in Erie, Pennsylvania, but avoided mentioning or giving details about a regulatory framework for digital assets. Despite her campaign releasing a statement the same day, noting her support for cryptocurrency investors, Harris did not touch on the topic during her speech, leaving many interested in the crypto sector waiting for more information.
The previous release highlighted that Harris' agenda seeks to strengthen support among the African American community, of which more than 20% have owned cryptocurrencies. However, the vice president's speech did not mention terms such as "blockchain" or "digital assets," as she had done in previous appearances. The press release did highlight Harris' commitment to ensuring a regulatory framework that protects cryptocurrency investors, especially minority investors.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump has been more proactive in his proposals for the cryptocurrency industry. Trump has promised to create a “bitcoin and crypto advisory board” if elected again, and has introduced a number of industry-friendly regulatory measures, setting him apart from Harris on this issue.
The vice president’s lack of a clear plan has raised concerns among voters, who, according to a survey funded by Grayscale, want candidates to be better informed about the crypto sector. The survey indicated that 77% of likely voters believe candidates should have a clear position on cryptocurrencies, and 21% of respondents claimed to own digital assets.
As the 2024 election campaign gets underway, the lack of details on the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies on Harris’ agenda could influence voters’ perceptions of the tech and financial sectors.
