Crypto Campaign Bus Tours Battleground States, Pushing for Debate Question and Voter Turnout
A purple bus emblazoned with "AMERICA ❤️ CRYPTO" is traversing five key swing states, aiming to galvanize crypto supporters and influence the upcoming presidential election. This campaign, spearheaded by the Stand With Crypto Alliance, born out of an initiative by Coinbase, seeks to ensure crypto takes center stage in the political arena.
Key Takeaways:
- The Stand With Crypto Alliance is on a mission to secure a crypto-related question at the upcoming presidential debate, and is organizing 2,500 watch parties nationwide.
- The group has also initiated a letter-writing campaign, gathering over 2,000 signatures urging ABC News, the debate host, to address crypto’s role in the economy.
- Donald Trump has positioned himself as the pro-crypto candidate, pledging to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler, a figure seen as hostile to the crypto industry.
- Vice President Kamala Harris has yet to declare her official stance on digital assets, leaving an opening for Trump to capture the crypto-enthusiast vote.
- The campaign is also supporting crypto-friendly politicians in Congress, aiming for a more favorable legislative landscape.
- Crypto companies are heavily investing in the 2024 election, with nearly half of all corporate donations coming from the industry.
A Focus on Voter Turnout and Advocacy
While Stand With Crypto is pushing for a debate question, the bus tour is primarily focused on maximizing voter turnout. The group has already registered over 104,000 voters through their online and in-person efforts, organizing concerts and speeches for crypto enthusiasts.
The bus tour, which commenced in Phoenix last week, has already stopped in Las Vegas, with events planned for Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and culminating in Washington, D.C. on September 18th.
A Bipartisan Approach and Industry Engagement
While the Stand With Crypto Alliance has been vocal in its support of Trump’s pro-crypto stance, it has also engaged in dialogue with the Harris campaign. Coinbase policy head, Faryar Shirzad, has described these discussions as "constructive."
Democratic representatives, including Wiley Nickel and Ro Khanna, have also indicated that the Harris campaign is engaging with the crypto industry, signaling a potential shift in the Democratic Party’s approach to digital assets.
A Shifting Political Landscape for Crypto
The growing involvement of both Democratic and Republican politicians in the crypto space reflects a broader shift in the political landscape. In August, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the potential for a crypto bill to pass through the Senate, further highlighting the increasing political attention being paid to the industry.
The 2024 election presents a critical juncture for crypto. The outcome could have significant ramifications for the future of the industry, shaping regulations and policy, and potentially influencing public perception.
The Stand With Crypto Alliance and the crypto community at large are actively working to ensure that their voices are heard, and that crypto’s role in the 21st century economy is acknowledged by the political leaders who will be shaping its future.
