At the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, three US Senate candidates made their case to crypto enthusiasts, emphasizing their support for digital assets and criticizing their opponents’ stances on the matter.
The panel, moderated by former US Representative David McIntosh, featured Bernie Moreno, Sam Brown, and John Deaton, all running on pro-crypto platforms.
Bernie Moreno, GOP nominee for the Ohio Senate race against long-time incumbent Sherrod Brown, didn’t hold back in his criticism.
He labelled Brown as “Elizabeth Warren’s useful idiot,” accusing him of being out of touch with modern financial technology. Moreno emphasized the need for fresh leadership, declaring that voters must “get rid of these people that want to die in office.”
Sam Brown, a West Point graduate and former US Army officer, is challenging incumbent Jacky Rosen in Nevada.
He painted a picture of a nation veering too far left and positioned himself as a candidate who can restore balance.
Brown highlighted the government’s stance on Bitcoin mining, arguing that it should not be unfairly targeted under the guise of energy policy concerns.
John Deaton, vying for Elizabeth Warren’s Senate seat in Massachusetts, presented himself as a fighter ready to take on the political elite.
Raised by a single mother in Detroit, Deaton drew parallels between his personal story and the resilience of the crypto community.
He vowed to defeat Warren, who he described as anti-crypto, asserting, “I’m going to beat Elizabeth Warren who wants to ban the self-custody of Bitcoin in the United States.”
The candidates stressed the importance of supporting Bitcoin and other digital assets as part of broader economic freedom.
Moreno cited the belief that politicians should not dictate personal choices, including financial decisions involving Bitcoin. He called for reclaiming the nation’s direction from career politicians.
Sam Brown criticized the bureaucratic targeting of Bitcoin miners under energy regulations, insisting that such industries should not face unwarranted government interference.
He urged for a reevaluation of energy policies that unfairly target specific sectors.
John Deaton captured the essence of the debate, framing Bitcoin as a symbol of self-determination and economic liberty.
He declared, “When you look at me you’re looking at the living embodiment of the American dream and everything that’s possible in a great and free country. At the end of the day, it’s about self-determination. I look at Bitcoin, I look at economic freedom.”
