In First, Harris Vows Support For Digital Assets At NYC Fundraiser: Report

Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has finally, in what is known as her first public statement about cryptocurrencies, said she will "encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting our consumers and investors."

Her statement was made during a fundraiser in Manhattan, New York City, Bloomberg reporter Jennifer Epstein revealed Sunday. She said the Democratic frontrunner promised to unite labor, small businesses, founders, innovators, and huge players to "invest in America's competitiveness, to invest in America's future."

Multiple crypto players, lawmakers, and tech groups have urged Harris in recent months to establish a forward-facing approach toward digital assets. Since becoming the vice president and ultimately being nominated as the Democratic Party's, she has not publicly addressed the industry, raising doubts about whether she will be good for crypto if elected.

A 'Big Deal' For Crypto

Harris' first public comments about the burgeoning industry drew mixed reactions from the space, but some key figures have labeled the development as a step in the right direction.

Rep. Wiley Nickel, D-N.C., said the vice president's words of assurance were "a big deal for crypto and blockchain technology," noting how a "policy reset that turns the page on (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair) Gary Gensler's failed approach of regulation by enforcement" will put Harris in line with Democrats who supported the FIT21 bill.

The said proposed legislation was overwhelmingly passed by the House of Representatives in May. More than 70 Democrats backed the bill seeking to provide regulatory clarity for the crypto sector.

Coinbase Exec Approves 'Constructive' Take

Coinbase's Chief Policy Officer Faryar Shirzad shared his thoughts on the development, saying it was "an important constructive statement" from the Democratic presidential candidate.

He acknowledged that it was "not nearly as forward leaning" as the "concrete and visionary positions" taken by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Still, he believes it signals that Harris now understands there is a route that both promotes innovation and consumer protection.

"Kamala Harris going out of her way to mention crypto should send a clear message that the Biden/Warren era of destruction is over," he reiterated.

Acknowledging That Slow Progress is Progress

For prominent fintech analyst Adam Cochran, progress has been slow, "but it does move." He said Harris' first formal statement on digital assets proves "that the naysayers who thought it not being in her platform was some evil plan, had no idea what they were talking about."

As many crypto users took to the comments section to disagree with Cochran's stance, the investor pointed out how he deems "Harris is far more centrist than people lean on" when it comes to the economy and U.S. monetary and technical supremacy.

Is It Too Late?

For entrepreneur Michael Rosmer, Harris' statements were only made in an effort to gain more votes. "People need to be much more wary of truth default theory as a cognitive bias," he said.

Retired attorney Nuclear Herbs pointed out how Harris is currently in office and has been serving as the top leader for nearly four years, but hasn't done anything in the crypto space. "This post is pure hopium, based on nothing she's done, said, or could have done for almost 4 years," he said of Shirzad's post.

There were some crypto users who had more neutral views about Harris, including a Texas attorney who agreed that Harris' words can be considered "progress."