Tech org urges crypto clarity at the presidential debate
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ABC News anchors, David Muir and Linsey Davis. Photo: (left) Heidi Gutman/ABC via Getty and (right) Michael Le Brecht II/ABC via Getty.
A center-left tech coalition is urging ABC News' Sept. 10 presidential debate moderators to ask the candidates about how they will foster the blockchain industry while protecting consumers.
Why it matters: A question in the debate might be the only way that Vice President Kamala Harris sheds some light for voters on how she might lean on the topic.
- The organization, Chamber of Progress, sent a letter to moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir Thursday urging them to bring up the cryptocurrency issue.
What they're saying: "Both candidates should shed more light on their positions and explain how we can nurture digital assets while also providing greater consumer protection," Kyle Bligen, director of financial policy, writes in the letter.
- They cite an NBC News Poll that shows 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. have invested in cryptocurrency at some point.
The big picture: While the number of people for whom cryptocurrency is a voting issue might not be that large, there could be enough to make a difference in a race this tight.
- And there could be a real difference in the approach from the two sides.
Between the lines: We know where former president Donald Trump stands.
- He made a big pivot on cryptocurrency this year, and he's only doubled down since then.
- Harris' stance is far less clear. One of the Vice President's aids gave a vague comment on fostering the technology during a reporter roundtable during the Democratic convention, but it was enough to give left-leaning crypto fans some hope.
The Biden White House has often said it's interested in financial innovation, but most that has come out of it has been hostile to decentralized technology (from sanctions, to banking restrictions, vetoes and enforcement actions).
- On the other hand, Bitcoin and ether ETFs were approved during his term, even if the courts helped play a hand in that.
What we're watching: Harris hails from the Silicon Valley region, and her staff includes some veterans of its industry — so she might be more open to technology than her predecessor.
- Either way, Democrats in the industry are getting more and more organized.
What's next: The Chamber of Progress will launch on online petition for voters to let ABC know that this is a topic they would like to hear about.
Reality check: The moderators are likely getting many similar letters right now from other organizations with an issue they believe to be urgent.
- Bitcoin and its like seemed like a timely topic ahead of the Biden/Trump debate, but it never came up.
