Kamala Harris, the newly appointed Democratic presidential candidate, has reportedly declined an invitation to speak at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference, despite initial speculation. Bitcoin Magazine CEO, David Bailey, had announced that Harris was “in talks” to attend the event, which could have significantly influenced the Democratic Party’s stance on cryptocurrency.
Initial Discussions and Speculation
Early on Tuesday, Bailey took to X (formerly Twitter) to hint at a potential groundbreaking appearance by Harris at this year’s Bitcoin conference. “We’re in talks with Kamala Harris’s campaign for her to speak at the conference,” he stated. Bailey suggested that her appearance would be a strategic move, potentially allowing her to “reset the Democratic positioning on the fastest-growing voter block in the country.”
Decision to Decline
Despite these discussions, Harris ultimately chose not to attend the Bitcoin 2024 Conference. Bailey remarked that her appearance might have “been a disaster for her,” and emphasized that “all eyes” were now on Donald Trump. Trump, the former president and Harris’s opponent in the 2024 election, is set to speak at the event in Nashville. Trump’s recent embrace of cryptocurrency and his commitment to ensuring the US remains a leader in the sector have been well-received by crypto enthusiasts.
Trump’s Crypto Advocacy
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has already amassed more than $3 million in crypto donations. His upcoming speech at the Bitcoin conference is expected to bolster his appeal to crypto voters, given his strong advocacy for digital assets. This week, the Digital Chamber issued a letter to Harris, urging her to adopt a more favorable stance towards the crypto industry and to open a dialogue with industry leaders.
Democratic Party’s Stance on Crypto
Many voters currently perceive Harris as having a “negative viewpoint of digital assets.” The letter from the Digital Chamber called on the Democratic nominee to embrace a more optimistic tone regarding crypto issues. Harris’s decision not to attend the conference may reinforce these perceptions, especially in contrast to Trump’s proactive approach.
