The 2024 US elections: Who’s winning, and how does crypto factor in? | Opinion

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As a crypto investor and digital nomad living abroad, I have witnessed the rollercoaster ride that is the 2024 US Presidential election cycle from a unique perspective. The contest between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris has been nothing short of a “Presidential war of perception,” with both candidates skillfully crafting their narratives to appeal to their respective bases.

As someone who has closely followed U.S. elections for decades, I must say that this year’s 2024 cycle has been a roller coaster ride unlike any other. From the shocking attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump to Joe Biden announcing the end of his campaign 100 days before the election, the twists and turns of this election have kept me on the edge of my seat.

With Kamala Harris now the Democratic Presidential Nominee, we’re seeing a shift towards more centrist politics as both contenders compete fiercely for power. This election cycle is shaping up to be a battle for public image, which I’ll refer to as the “Battle of Public Perception.”

Campaign narratives and candidate perceptions

On the right-hand side, you’ll find Donald Trump, portrayed as a shrewd entrepreneur, an outsider from Washington D.C., determined to clean up the political establishment and disrupt traditional ways of doing things in the nation’s capital. His “Make America Great Again” slogan echoes the 1980s, evoking feelings of patriotism with phrases like “MADE IN THE USA” and frequent use of the American flag. His “America First” approach has resonated strongly with voters who feel let down by the system, as they view crime and illegal immigration as harmful to the nation.

On the left side, you find Kamala Harris, a figure who conveys a professional, diplomatic image that suggests she’s equipped to manage both international and domestic challenges. Her campaign slogan, “We’re Not Going Back,” is a clear reaction to Trump’s policies as well as efforts to roll back civil rights protections established by Roe v. Wade and The Civil Rights Act. Harris’ candidacy appeals particularly to a unique group of voters known as the “Double Haters,” who hold unfavorable views towards both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

​​The reality of the challenges for each side

To begin, it’s striking that the Republican party has chosen a person with a criminal record as their presidential candidate, a prospect that many find difficult to accept, given that most ex-convicts struggle to secure employment at places like McDonald’s, let alone aspire to become president. This situation suggests an unfair advantage for the wealthy and powerful, which understandably angers some voters.

One point worth noting is that Donald Trump’s controversial remarks regarding racial issues and repeated criticisms of his opponents during the campaign have resonated positively with his loyal base. However, this approach seems to be having a detrimental effect overall, as it appears to be turning off potential voters.

One common criticism leveled against the Democratic Party is that they’re often perceived as lacking a clear plan or understanding of the issues, dubbed as “The party without a plan or direction.” In contrast, the Republican Party and Donald Trump have been successful in spreading their political agenda across various platforms such as media outlets, conferences, interviews with reporters, and social media. On the other hand, the Democrats haven’t been effective in clearly articulating a cohesive vision for the future that counters the Trump administration’s policies, at least from a perception standpoint.

At a rally in North Carolina, Vice President Kamala Harris presented her economic plan with care, resonating with the Democratic constituency. However, winning over white, working-class men who supported other candidates in the 2016 election is proving to be a significant hurdle for her. Despite showing progress in attracting young and minority voters, it’s these white male, blue-collar workers who could potentially prevent a Kamala Harris victory in November.

Cryptos’ mega influence on elections

As a U.S. expat residing in Paris, I have observed firsthand that the demographic makeup of crypto enthusiasts is remarkably diverse across age groups and ethnicities within the United States. A conservative calculation places the number of crypto holders at approximately 52 million Americans. This year’s U.S. Presidential election is anticipated to be a tightly contested race, reflecting the polarized political landscape. The frequency of campaign ads featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus targeting both domestic and international voters serves as evidence supporting this prediction.

In this election cycle, one of the most significant bipartisan political action committees is Fairshake, a political committee supporting pro-cryptocurrency candidates. Not only does it receive funding from the cryptocurrency sector, but surveys on undecided voters in crucial states indicate that many of them are also cryptocurrency owners. The fact that both candidates are actively seeking the support of these crypto voters underscores the narrow gap between them in the upcoming elections.

How are you voting? 🗳️ #Trump #Harris #Bitcoin

— Altcoin Daily (@AltcoinDailyio) August 15, 2024

Tale of two campaigns: Social media did in Joe Biden

During Biden’s presidential campaign, people have generally maintained a moderately positive but not enthusiastic stance towards him. However, after a less-than-impressive debate showing from Biden, where his cognitive abilities were criticized, Trump appeared to be the more favored candidate as a result of default.

In a swift turn of events, Biden found himself at the center of social media buzz, with debate clips spreading like wildfire online, causing notable Democrats to urge him to resign and hand over the leadership baton. However, it’s important to note that President Biden is not pursuing another term, allowing Vice President Kamala Harris to significantly boost her poll numbers, narrowing the gap between Trump in just three weeks. The addition of Kamala Harris to the Democratic presidential ticket has given the campaign a new lease on life, sparking renewed optimism and excitement. Her campaign events resemble rock concerts more than political rallies.

With just 90 minutes left until the Harris/Walz rally, Phoenix is buzzing with excitement! This 20,000-seater stadium is filling up quickly – it’s going to be a fantastic event! #KamalaBringsUsJoy

— Skyleigh Heinen-Uhrich (@Sky_Lee_1) August 9, 2024

Conclusion

As someone who has closely followed elections throughout my life, I can confidently say that the battle for public perception is always intense and crucial, but ultimately, it’s the election results that truly determine the winner. At this moment, it appears to me that both candidates are neck-and-neck in the race, with neither one clearly ahead. However, what stands out to me is the growing influence of the crypto voter bloc, which I believe could play a significant role in deciding the eventual victor. Having witnessed various elections and their outcomes, I am well aware that the unknown can often lead to unexpected results, so it’s essential for both candidates to stay focused and strategic in their approach.

Courage Kimber

Kimber Courage, with a decade of experience under her belt, serves as both a web3 strategist and blockchain consultant. Her extensive career in the digital realm has equipped her with expertise in managing web strategies, e-commerce, and digital transformation. Lately, she’s been delving into the blockchain sector, offering counsel on content strategy and management to corporations and top-tier executives. Her dedication to her profession is unwavering, and she takes great satisfaction in assisting others.

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2024-08-20 14:12