Bitcoin-Bullish Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Announces Independent Presidential Campaign
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a strong supporter of Bitcoin, has declared his candidacy for the President of the United States as an independent candidate. Kennedy made the announcement during a rally in Philadelphia, where he emphasized his independence from the two major political parties and their corrupt interests. Although Kennedy ranked second in the Democratic party primary last month, he faced significant competition from incumbent President Joe Biden, who enjoyed 71% support.
Kennedy’s Favorable Stance on Crypto
Kennedy’s views on cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, have drawn attention and controversy within the Democratic party. At the Bitcoin Miami conference in May, he expressed his belief that Bitcoin miners may not be as harmful to the environment as commonly believed. He also announced that his campaign would accept Bitcoin donations over the lightning network. Furthermore, Kennedy has invested in Bitcoin for his children and proposed exempting Bitcoin investors from capital gains taxes to encourage wider adoption of digital currency. He even suggested backing the U.S. dollar with Bitcoin and other hard currencies like gold and silver.
Comparison with Other Presidential Candidates on Crypto
Kennedy’s crypto positions align more closely with Republican candidates such as Ron DeSantis, who have vowed to end President Biden’s “war on Bitcoin” and oppose central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) due to concerns about surveillance and financial control. However, both Kennedy and DeSantis face tough competition within their parties, with Donald Trump leading polls among Republicans with 60% support. Despite previously criticizing Bitcoin as a scam, it was revealed in August that Trump owned $2.8 million in cryptocurrency.
Hot Take: A New Contender With Strong Support
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to run as an independent presidential candidate brings a fresh perspective on cryptocurrency to the political stage. His favorable stance on Bitcoin and proposals to boost its adoption have gained attention, particularly among those who share concerns about the current financial system. While Kennedy faces challenges from established party candidates, recent polls indicate that he has significant support among voters, surpassing any previous independent candidate in modern political history. This unexpected surge of popularity suggests that Kennedy’s campaign could make a substantial impact on the upcoming presidential race.