Only 6% of voters want crypto discussed at presidential debate

As Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump prepare for their first 2024 U.S. presidential debate on September 10, a recent poll reveals that few voters are eager to hear their views on cryptocurrency.

Conducted by Benzinga from September 9-10 with 133 adults, the survey found that only 6% of respondents were most interested in hearing Harris or Trump discuss digital assets during the debate.

Most respondents prioritized more traditional economic issues, with 45% wanting the candidates to focus on topics like jobs and the economy.

Immigration was the second most requested topic, with 24% of respondents favoring it for discussion.

The debate, which could be the only one in this election cycle, will take place at 9:00 p.m. ET on ABC News, just 56 days before Election Day and six days before early voting begins in Pennsylvania.

Trump, who has described himself as a supporter of Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) and cryptocurrencies as part of his 2024 campaign, contrasts with Vice President Harris, who has not clearly stated her position on digital asset policies.

There is no indication yet whether the debate moderators, Linsey Davis and David Muir, plan to include cryptocurrency in their questions or if the candidates will bring it up on their own.

The advocacy group Chamber of Progress has called on the moderators to give voters a chance to "know where the nominees stand on crypto before they head to the ballot box in November."

Vice President Harris, who launched her campaign after President Joe Biden chose not to seek re-election, has talked about prioritizing innovation and ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in new technologies, but she has not explicitly mentioned cryptocurrency in her policies.

Meanwhile, Trump’s stance has evolved.

While in office, he called Bitcoin a “scam” and directed his Treasury Secretary to regulate it strictly.

Yet, after announcing his run for re-election in 2022, Trump embraced a more crypto-friendly platform, supporting Bitcoin mining and opposing central bank digital currencies.

As of September 10, polls show Harris and Trump running closely nationwide, with key battleground states leaning toward either the Republicans or Democrats.

Crypto-backed political action committees may also impact several congressional races in 2024, potentially influencing the balance of power in the House and Senate.