Kamala Harris Discusses Blockchain Technology at Pennsylvania Event
During a September 25 campaign stop in Pittsburgh, Kamala Harris made some unexpected comments on the United States maintaining its dominance with blockchain technology. Speaking to attendees at The Economic Club of Pittsburgh event, the Democratic nominee laid out her vision for an innovation-driven agenda that includes fostering emerging technologies, including digital assets.
We will invest in biomanufacturing and aerospace, remain dominant in AI and quantum computing, blockchain, and other emerging technologies, and expand our lead in clean energy innovation and manufacturing,” Harris said.
A Push for Pro-Crypto Regulation
Harris’ comments also marked a beat of a willingness to consider friendlier regulation around crypto, though she stopped short of specifics. Ahead of releasing her full economic plan later this week, Harris said that the way forward lay in striking a balance between innovation and consumer protection.
We would foster innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting consumers and investors”, she added. “We will create a safe business environment with consistent and transparent rules of the road”.
Trump’s Pro-Crypto Platform
These comments come in the wake of Harris in her attempt to contrast her position against that of her opponent, Donald Trump, who has positioned himself as crypto-friendly. Fresh from unveiling his family’s new crypto platform called World Liberty Financial, Trump has promised to be a friend to the blockchain space by reforming the regulatory environment.
He has particularly lashed out at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for what he sees as overzealous enforcement activity against digital asset companies, even going so far as to say he will fire current SEC Chair Gary Gensler if he is re-elected.
Election Race Heats Up
As the presidential race heats up, the polls in recent days have narrowed. Harris has been gaining traction among key players in the blockchain industry, including billionaire investor Mark Cuban, who attended the same event at Carnegie Mellon University.
Meanwhile, Trump has continued his campaign, even holding a rally as recent as in Mint Hall, North Carolina—a key battleground state. His rhetoric on the campaign trail has been heavy with promises of a pro-crypto policy change, further electrifying his base.
This juxtaposition in thought on the issue of cryptocurrency regulation between the two candidates may have deep effects on how blockchain technology will continue to build out in the United States, making the issue quite critical for voters interested in the nation’s technological and economic trajectory.
