Kelvin Daminabo
A group of prominent Democratic donors is encouraging Kamala Harris to speak at the Permissionless III crypto conference in response to recent pro-crypto statements made by Donald Trump. The event, scheduled for October 9-11 in Salt Lake City, aims to foster a bipartisan environment, in contrast to the predominantly Republican-leaning Bitcoin 2024 conference.
Jason Yanowitz, the founder of Blockworks, has confirmed that influential Democratic donors are advocating for Harris’s presence at the conference, although their identities have not been disclosed. Notable figures such as Chris Dixon, Michael Novogratz, and Tom Emmer are expected to be featured speakers at the event.
While Kamala Harris has not publicly disclosed her stance on cryptocurrency, speculation has been mounting since President Biden withdrew from the election race. A recent report suggested that Harris privately described Bitcoin as “money for criminals,” according to a significant Democratic donor.
Nevertheless, Harris’s campaign team has been in contact with leading US crypto companies, including Coinbase, Circle, and Ripple Labs, to mend relationships with the industry. This outreach signals a possible shift in Harris’s approach to crypto as she gears up to compete against Trump in the upcoming presidential election.
The push for Harris to participate in the crypto conference underscores the increasing significance of the crypto sector in US politics. With the presidential race intensifying, both political parties are acknowledging the importance of engaging with the crypto community and addressing their issues.
By attending the conference, Harris can showcase her dedication to grasping the crypto industry and its potential economic ramifications for the US. However, her position on crypto is likely to face scrutiny, given the intricate regulatory framework of the industry and concerns regarding security and illicit activities.
As the crypto landscape continues to develop, active involvement in politics will be pivotal in shaping its trajectory. The forthcoming conference and the potential attendance of Harris will be closely monitored by industry observers, seeking insight into the Democratic party’s perspective on crypto and how it may impact the US presidential race.