Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire reported that representatives from Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ campaign were making efforts to better understand crypto-related policies going into the 2024 United States elections.
In an Aug. 14 CNBC interview, Allaire said that based on the passage of digital asset-related legislation in the current session of Congress, crypto appeared to be a “purple” issue — i.e., both Democratic and Republican. The Circle CEO said he attended an Aug. 8 video call with White House officials, Harris campaign representatives, and US lawmakers, where industry leaders had the opportunity to ascertain positions on digital assets.
“There is a concerted effort both from the administration and the Harris campaign to really get to know the issues, the players, the industry, the policy issues,” said Allaire. “I think what the industry is looking for very, very clearly is clear statements. Clear statements potentially from the existing White House, and clear statements from Harris as part of her economic policy agenda.”
The Circle CEO added:
“If you’d looked two years ago, it would be very hard to believe that crypto was going to be a presidential political issue [...] ”
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Since launching her campaign on July 21 after US President Joe Biden announced he would not run for reelection, Harris has not announced a comprehensive economic policy platform potentially affecting the crypto industry. Reports have suggested members of her team have been discussing crypto policy with industry executives and considering whether to take a public position on the issue.
Republican ticket
In contrast to Vice President Harris, Republican nominee Donald Trump spoke directly to crypto users at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in July and helped make digital assets a part of his party’s official platform. Allaire suggested it was unclear if Trump himself intended to follow through with his campaign promises on crypto, but he was surrounded by people with expertise.
As of Aug. 14, market prediction platform Polymarket showed Harris ahead of Trump in many key battleground states, with an eight-point advantage nationwide. The two presidential candidates are scheduled to appear in a televised debate on Sept. 10.
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