Kamala Harris has made her first official statement regarding her U.S. presidential campaign, pledging to champion emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital assets. Speaking at a Wall Street fundraiser in Manhattan on September 22, Harris emphasized her commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring consumer and investor protection.
“We will encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting our consumers and investors,” Harris stated, signaling her support for the digital economy. This is the first time the vice president has addressed cryptocurrency directly in her campaign, a topic that has been closely watched as industry stakeholders await her stance.
Harris’ remarks hinted at a more balanced approach compared to President Joe Biden, who has been perceived as less favorable toward the crypto space. She also stressed the importance of creating a safe regulatory environment for businesses, alongside investments in semiconductors, clean energy, and efforts to reduce bureaucratic red tape.
While her comments were welcomed by some in the crypto community, calls for clearer policies remain. Faryar Shirzad, chief policy officer at Coinbase, described her position as “important” but noted that it lacks the boldness of Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance. Trump, her Republican rival, has been vocal in his support for digital assets, having launched NFT collections and pledged to remove SEC Chair Gary Gensler if elected.
As the 2024 election heats up, Harris holds a slim lead with a 52% chance of victory, compared to Trump’s 47%, according to Polymarket data. The race is set to intensify in the coming months as both candidates lay out their visions for the future of technology and finance.