Kamala Harris’ crypto strategy: A late but significant move?

• Kamala Harris affirmed her crypto stance and pledged to U.S. dominance in blockchain and emerging technologies.
• Polls showed that Harris led Trump by 50%, with 39 days left until the election.

As the U.S. presidential election nears, both presidential candidates – Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are making strategic moves to win over crypto enthusiasts.

While Trump has maintained a visible pro-crypto stance throughout this election cycle, Harris recently intensified her efforts to connect with this voter base.

Harris’ crypto stride

In a significant turn, Harris delivered a speech at The Economic Club of Pittsburgh on the 25th of September, where she expressed strong support for blockchain, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, underscoring her commitment to ensuring the U.S. stays ahead in these key sectors. 

She said, 

“We will invest in biomanufacturing and aerospace, remain dominant in AI and quantum computing, blockchain and other emerging technologies, [and] expand our lead in clean energy innovation and manufacturing.” 

Harris further added, 

“The next generation of breakthroughs — from advanced batteries to geothermal to advanced nuclear — are not just invented, but built here in America by American workers.”

Not the first time!

That being said, Harris first publicly addressed cryptocurrency on the 22nd of September during a New York fundraising event, where she pledged her administration’s commitment to supporting both AI and digital assets if elected president.

This marked the first significant mention of crypto in her campaign, signaling a shift in her approach as she recognized the growing importance of digital currencies.

Although her acknowledgment came later in the election cycle, her remarks reflected a clear intention to integrate emerging technologies like blockchain into her policy agenda.

Harris gains support from crypto enthusiasts

Despite Kamala Harris’s late entry into the crypto conversation this election cycle, many key figures in the industry had already expressed support for her.

Notably, Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital, revealed that he, along with a group of cryptocurrency advocates, has been collaborating with Harris to shape her campaign’s stance on digital assets.

He added, 

“I believe that we are making progress, and I think it’s going in the right direction.” 

Additionally, on the 19th of September, VanEck analyst Matthew Sigel suggested that Bitcoin might see greater advantages under a Kamala Harris administration compared to Donald Trump.

“We would argue that a Kamala Harris presidency might be even better for Bitcoin than a second term for Trump because it would, in our view, accelerate many of the structural issues that drive Bitcoin adoption in the first place.” 

Polymarket trend

As expected, Kamala Harris now holds a slight lead in the polls at 50%, with Donald Trump close behind at 49% according to the latest update from Polymarket.

Source: Polymarket

Trump had been leading for some time, but the dynamics shifted following their first presidential debate.

Hence, with just 39 days remaining until the election, the race has become increasingly unpredictable.

Ergo, as the two candidates vie for the presidency, it will be fascinating to see who ultimately secures the role of U.S. leader in 2025.