Kamala Harris will not be speaking at Bitcoin Conference 2024

Despite rumors circulating that the Democratic frontrunner for the US Presidential Election 2024, Kamala Harris, will be speaking at the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville this week, David Bailey has confirmed that she will not attend.

David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc. and organizer of The Bitcoin Conference, confirmed this decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the Democratic Party’s stance on Bitcoin, crypto, and blockchain technology.

As Bailey reported on Twitter, his team had been in talks with Harris’ campaign about a potential appearance at the conference. However, he later announced that Harris would not participate, stating it was “no surprise.”

Bailey suggested that Harris’ absence may be due to the current administration’s approach to crypto regulation, which has been perceived as hostile by many in the industry.

The Bitcoin Conference organizer also raised the issue of Ross Ulbricht’s imprisonment as a potential stumbling block for Harris’ engagement with the crypto community. Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road darknet market, is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

He noted,

“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.”

For transparency, Ulbricht was not imprisoned under Biden; he was sentenced in 2015 when Barrack Obama was President. He appealed his sentence twice in 2017 under Donald Trump. In 2018, the Supreme Court declined to hear his case.

Bailey argued that commuting Ulbricht’s sentence should be considered “table stakes” for any politician seeking to address the Bitcoin community.

“I gotta be honest, feels like Kamala should commute Ross Ulbricht’s sentence before addressing the Bitcoin community. That’s the tables stakes.”

Although Harris is currently the Vice President and would be unable to commute Ulbricht’s sentence personally, Bailey appeared to be giving an ultimatum regarding a possible invitation. It is unclear at this time whether this was the reason for Harris not attending the conference or if she declined outright. CryptoSlate has contacted Bailey for confirmation but has not responded until press time.

Bailey pointed out that former President Donald Trump and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have pledged to commute Ulbricht’s sentence if elected. This commitment has been well-received by many in crypto. Donald Trump did…