Trump vs. Kamala First Face Off In US Presidential Election 2024 Debate, Will Crypto Be The Hot Topic?

With the U.S. Presidential Elections 2024 just two months away the spotlight is on the first debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Among various issues, cryptocurrency might emerge as a key topic of discussion. Will Trump leverage his pro-crypto stance to score points against Harris, or will crypto remain on the sidelines?

Trump & Kamala US Presidential Debate

Scheduled for Tuesday night at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, this second general election debate of 2024 will see Donald Trump and Kamala Harris square off for the first time. 

This will be a crucial moment, as both candidates try to win over voters, each presenting their strengths and attacking weaknesses.

Kamala Harris is keen to demonstrate that she can make the Democratic case stronger than Biden did. Trump, on the other hand, will aim to portray Harris as an out-of-touch liberal, while positioning himself as the best option to lead the country once more.

Trump’s challenge, however, lies in adapting to Harris, who brings unique political and personal qualities as the first Black woman to serve as Vice President.

Will Cryptocurrency Dominate the Debate?

Amid the debate, there is speculation that cryptocurrency might take center stage. According to Ron Hammond, Director of Government Relations at the Blockchain Association, crypto isn’t a top priority for most voters. 

However, Trump’s proposal to make the U.S. the “world capital” for Bitcoin might attract significant support from major donors and dedicated crypto enthusiasts. In contrast, Harris has shown limited support for the crypto industry.

Meanwhile, a recent poll conducted by Grayscale and Harris Polls reveals growing voter interest in crypto, with 47% expecting Bitcoin to feature in their investment portfolios. 

Interestingly, the divide between Republican and Democrat crypto owners is narrow, with 18% and 19% respectively, signaling that cryptocurrency may yet be a shared interest among voters.

Crypto’s Growing Influence, But Not the Main Focus

While cryptocurrency is gaining traction among voters, it remains a secondary issue in the 2024 elections. The introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs and Bitcoin’s upcoming halving in 2024 have increased its appeal as an investment option, but as Hammond pointed out, crypto is not at the forefront of the election conversation. 

Even if Trump pushes his pro-crypto message, it is expected to remain overshadowed by more pressing topics in the debate.