Coinspeaker
Coinbase-Backed Lobby Pushes for Crypto in Trump-Harris Debate
A crypto group Stand With Crypto Alliance backed by Coinbase, is stepping up to put crypto in the 2024 election spotlight. They’ve launched a campaign with a purple bus, driving through key swing states, hoping to get voters thinking about crypto’s future before November. They have also initiated a “Letter Writing” debate to force ABC News to raise crypto questions during the Trump-Harris debate.
The tour bus started last week in Phoenix, Arizona, with the mission to rally crypto supporters and bring crypto into the election conversation. Over 2,500 watch parties have been set up across the country. More than 2,000 people have signed a letter asking debate hosts to ask the candidates their views on crypto. That letter, found on the Stand With Crypto site, speaks for millions of Americans invested in digital assets.
Growing Influence of Crypto in US Politics
In recent months, Trump’s been leaning into crypto, saying he’ll fire SEC’s Gary Gensler if he wins. Gensler’s played a big role in the SEC’s push against crypto firms, like Coinbase. Vice President Harris, meanwhile, hasn’t made her stance on crypto clear yet, however, the Biden team’s been tougher on the sector. This difference gives Trump a chance to win over crypto fans.
The Stand With Crypto Alliance isn’t just about the presidential race. They’re also supporting crypto-friendly lawmakers in Congress, pushing for bills like the Financial Innovation and Technology Act, which passed the House in May with both parties on board.
According to recent data, nearly half of all corporate donations in the 2024 election cycle have come from crypto companies, emphasizing the sector’s growing influence in politics.
Crypto’s Moment of Reckoning
The Stand With Crypto campaign is gaining momentum, with more than 104,000 people registering through its voter tool. The campaign’s bus tour continues through key battleground states like Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. The final event is planned for Washington, D.C., on September 18, where top Coinbase executives will speak, and The Chainsmokers will perform.
While Trump has built strong ties with the crypto community, the movement remains open to engaging with the Harris campaign. Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase’s policy chief, has had discussions with Harris’s team, describing them as productive. However, Harris’s position on crypto remains uncertain, as her team continues to meet with industry figures.
As the crypto movement seeks political influence, the upcoming November election could shape the industry’s future. The community’s involvement highlights the significant legislative and regulatory issues at stake for digital assets in the US.
Coinbase-Backed Lobby Pushes for Crypto in Trump-Harris Debate
