Crypto Divides US Bankers as Trump Gains Support, But Harris Seen as Likely Winner

Banking Sector Split on Trump’s Pro-Crypto Stance and Harris’ Tech Consumer Protections

A recent survey conducted by American Banker has revealed a surprising split among US banking professionals when it comes to the 2024 presidential election. While many within the industry favor Donald Trump’s pro-business stance, a significant majority believe that Kamala Harris will ultimately win the race for the White House. This divide underscores the growing political importance of cryptocurrency regulation, a key issue that has attracted contrasting opinions from the two candidates.

Trump Gains Support for Pro-Crypto Policies

According to the survey, 58% of bankers view Trump as the more favorable candidate for the financial sector. His shift towards a pro-crypto agenda has resonated with many professionals in the industry, especially those who are looking for more regulatory clarity in the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market.

Trump, who once criticized Bitcoin, has now rebranded himself as a supporter of digital assets, promising to make the US a global leader in the space. His administration, should he win, is expected to take a less restrictive approach to crypto regulation. He has called for the end of what he terms as an “unlawful crackdown” on cryptocurrencies, positioning himself as a champion of decentralized finance.

Harris’ Consumer Protection Focus and Tech Alignment

In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris has emphasized the importance of consumer protections when it comes to new technologies, including cryptocurrency. Her support for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing has not gone unnoticed, but her stance on crypto remains more cautious than Trump’s.

With Silicon Valley’s backing, Harris has long been associated with tech innovation, but her focus leans more towards protecting consumers from potential risks posed by unregulated digital assets. This approach, while praised for its prudence, has not gained as much favor among banking professionals who are eager for more aggressive reforms to support the industry’s involvement in cryptocurrency.

Despite these differences, 59% of bankers surveyed believe that Harris will win the election. Her established ties to Silicon Valley and her broader tech agenda could ultimately sway voters, even if Trump enjoys stronger support from the financial sector.

Ripple CEO Predicts Crypto Reset

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse weighed in on the debate, predicting that a “crypto reset” is inevitable, regardless of who wins the election. Garlinghouse, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, believes that both candidates will need to address the evolving digital economy in a more comprehensive manner.

Speaking at Washington DC Fintech Week, Garlinghouse noted that the current administration’s stance on crypto has been “hostile” but expressed optimism that a change is coming. He also commented on Trump’s pro-crypto position, saying that the former president has emerged as a vocal supporter of the industry. Meanwhile, Harris’ track record in tech offers some reassurance that her administration would not ignore the burgeoning crypto space, even if her policies prioritize consumer safety over rapid deregulation.

Political Divisions in the Crypto Sector

The survey results also highlight a growing trend within US politics: the increasing importance of cryptocurrency in election discourse. Former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney observed that crypto doesn’t fit neatly into traditional party lines, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing varied opinions on the issue. Mulvaney predicts that cryptocurrency will play an even larger role in future elections as more interest groups and political action committees back pro-crypto candidates.

This trend is already evident, with political action committees like Fairshake and Bitcoin Voter PAC funneling resources into campaigns supporting candidates who are favorable to crypto. Ripple’s Garlinghouse and co-founder Chris Larsen have also made significant contributions to pro-crypto candidates, further cementing the industry’s influence on the political landscape.

As the 2024 election approaches, the division between banking professionals on Trump and Harris reflects broader debates about the future of cryptocurrency regulation. While Trump’s pro-crypto stance has garnered significant support, Harris’ expected victory signals a more cautious approach to the industry. With key figures like Brad Garlinghouse predicting a reset, the future of crypto regulation in the US remains uncertain, regardless of the election’s outcome. However, one thing is clear: the intersection of politics and crypto is only beginning to heat up.

 

Polls Indicate Trump’s Surge: A Path to a Possible Landslide Victory in 2024 Election

Unexpected Momentum Builds for Trump

As the 2024 election approaches, former President Donald Trump is witnessing a surprising surge in his chances of achieving a landslide victory. The dynamics of the race are shifting, with Trump needing to secure at least 100 more electoral college votes than his opponent, Kamala Harris, to win decisively. This feat has only been accomplished seven times in the last 50 years, underscoring the significance of this electoral battle.

Trump’s pathway to victory hinges on winning all seven battleground states while also flipping a traditionally Democratic state, such as Minnesota, where he is currently within striking distance. Polls in key swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—historically pivotal in determining election outcomes—indicate that Trump is making incremental gains. After narrowly winning these states in 2016, Trump lost them to Joe Biden in 2020. However, recent polling data from FiveThirtyEight shows that Trump has gained momentum in these areas over the past week.

Key Battleground States in Play

The stakes are high, as securing victories in battleground states is crucial for Trump’s electoral strategy. Speculation is growing that Trump could flip Minnesota, where recent polls indicate Harris is leading by just 5.9 points. If he can secure Minnesota along with the seven battleground states, Trump could potentially amass a substantial lead of 322 electoral votes to Harris’s 216. Such outcomes, once deemed improbable, are now within the realm of possibility according to reports from Newsweek.

Polling organizations like Fabrizio McLaughlin and ActiVote suggest that Trump currently leads in several critical battleground states. However, national polls tell a more complex story. The latest NBC News poll, conducted from October 4 to 8, reveals a dead heat between Trump and Harris, with both candidates receiving 48% support from registered voters. This marked a significant shift from Harris’s earlier lead, largely fueled by Republican voters rallying back to Trump following a rough debate performance. The NBC poll also highlights the various challenges that both candidates face in the run-up to the election.

Challenges Ahead for Both Candidates

Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt observed, “As summer has turned to fall, any signs of momentum for Harris have stopped. The race is a dead heat.” Trump’s advantage stems from voters’ positive evaluations of his previous term, which could sway undecided voters in his favor. Conversely, Horwitt pointed out the pressing question for Harris: “Can she meet the moment and fill in the blanks that voters have about her?”

On the other hand, Trump faces his own challenges. “The challenge for Donald Trump [is] can he make the case that the chaos and personal behavior that bothered so many about his first term will not get in the way of governing and representing America?” Horwitt suggests that the next month will be critical for both candidates as they attempt to navigate these challenges and solidify their bases.

As the election date draws closer, one notable trend is the widening gender gap reflected in the polls, with women tending to favor Harris while men lean towards Trump. Additionally, the issue of abortion remains a crucial talking point for many voters, and how each candidate addresses this topic could prove pivotal in swaying undecided voters during the final stretch of the campaign.

In a race that has become increasingly competitive, Trump’s resurgence presents both opportunities and obstacles as the 2024 election looms on the horizon.

 

Election Countdown: Where Do Harris and Trump Stand as the Race Tightens?

With 23 Days Until the Election, Who’s Leading?

The 2024 United States presidential election is fast approaching, with only 23 days left until November 5. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are in a heated race, each campaigning vigorously to sway undecided voters and shore up their bases. With the national polls showing Harris holding a slight lead, this election is shaping up to be one of the closest in modern history.

Where Do the Candidates Stand in the Polls?

As of October 11, Harris leads the race with 48.5% support, compared to Trump’s 46%, according to polling aggregator FiveThirtyEight. Another source, 270toWin, also shows Harris with a marginal lead at 49.3%, while Trump trails with 46.5%. The battle for key demographics, however, is where the race becomes interesting.

One major surprise comes from Harris’s increasing support among suburban voters, a group that Trump dominated in previous elections. A Reuters-Ipsos poll from October 10 reveals that Harris now leads 47% to 41% among suburbanites. Yet, despite this gain, Harris faces challenges elsewhere, particularly among Black voters. A poll by The New York Times and Siena College shows Harris capturing 78% of the Black vote, a significant drop from the 90% that Joe Biden achieved in 2020.

Hurricane Milton and the Spread of Disinformation

As the election looms, natural disasters such as Hurricane Milton have become political battlegrounds. The powerful Category 5 storm tore through Florida, and as it did, misinformation swirled. Former President Trump falsely claimed that the federal government, led by Democrats, was deliberately neglecting Republican areas. President Biden and Harris pushed back hard, with Biden condemning Trump’s statements as “un-American” and Harris urging for unity during such crises, rather than political division.

These exchanges highlight the contentious nature of this election, where even natural disasters are twisted for political leverage.

The Media Blitz: Harris and Trump Face Off in the Press

The candidates’ relationships with the media have also taken center stage. Harris, initially criticized for avoiding the press, has stepped up her appearances in recent weeks. From podcasts to late-night talk shows, Harris is making her case directly to the American people. In contrast, Trump has pulled back, even refusing a scheduled interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes due to concerns about fact-checking.

Trump’s friction with the media is nothing new, and this latest spat only adds fuel to the fire as both campaigns continue their battle for favorable media coverage.

Health and Competency: A Key Election Issue

Health has been a recurring topic in this election, particularly after the withdrawal of President Biden, who at 81 faced concerns about his ability to lead. Trump, at 78, has also come under scrutiny for his mental acuity, with recent reports analyzing his longwinded speeches and erratic behavior. Meanwhile, Harris, at 59, has used her age and health as a political asset. A memo from her campaign highlights her “physical and mental resiliency” as a key advantage over her older rival.

Trump, however, remains defiant, with his campaign spokesperson insisting that he is in “perfect and excellent health” and more than capable of serving another term.

Looking Ahead

As the election approaches, the race remains fluid, with shifts in key demographics, the impact of natural disasters, and personal attacks all playing critical roles. With Harris holding a narrow lead in national polls, the next few weeks will be crucial for both candidates as they make their final pitches to the American electorate.