- Kamala Harris has declined to speak at the Bitcoin Conference after earlier talks to have her appear, according to the CEO of conference organizer Bitcoin Magazine.
- The CEO stated that Harris actively imprisons developers, forces the crypto industry overseas, and attacks proof-of-work consensus, making her appearance a “disaster” for her.
- Both Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have promised to commute the sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht on their first day in office, which the CEO suggests should be a “table stakes” for Harris to address the Bitcoin community.
Democratic presidential favorite Kamala Harris has declined to appear at the Bitcoin Conference after talks with the organizers, according to Bitcoin Magazine CEO David Bailey. Harris’ decision comes as no surprise, with Bailey suggesting her appearance would have been disastrous given her stance on crypto issues.
Kamala Harris Declines Conference Invitation
In a tweet, Bailey said Harris decided not to speak at the Bitcoin Conference. He added that “What can she say to us when she’s actively imprisoning developers, forcing our industry overseas, attacking PoW? It would have been a disaster for her.”
Earlier, Bailey had suggested Harris’ campaign was still deciding whether she would speak at the event. He said her appearance would allow her to “reset the Democrat positioning on the fastest growing voter block in the country.”
Bailey also said Harris should promise to commute the sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht before addressing the conference, calling it “table stakes.”
Reaction from the Crypto Community
The crypto community has expressed its views to Harris, who recently secured enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee. On Monday, the Digital Chamber urged Harris to have an open dialogue with industry leaders and take a pro-crypto stance.
Billionaire Mark Cuban told Decrypt that Harris’ team has already asked him multiple questions about crypto, a potentially positive sign. Donald Trump has also courted crypto executives, raising millions in campaign funds.
Conclusion
Harris’ decision to decline the conference invitation highlights the ongoing divide between mainstream Democratic politicians and the crypto industry. However, her reported outreach suggests a willingness to engage on digital asset issues as the Bitcoin community continues to grow.
