The United States is leveraging an asset to counterbalance a weak dollar, an asset that has the potential to address many of the financial issues faced by the middle class. Bitcoin first emerged over three election cycles ago. However, the 2024 U.S. presidential election marks the first time Bitcoin (and the broader cryptocurrency) is approaching being considered a key election issue. The fervent advocates of the ideals proposed in Satoshi Nakamoto's white paper have become an influential subset of single-issue voters, and despite the impact of recent bear markets and broader industry turmoil (such as the collapse of the once highly praised cryptocurrency exchange FTX), they remain committed to the cause. Recently, the situation for the industry and its supporters has changed, with Bitcoin prices remaining stable, and institutions like BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, claiming that Bitcoin is a store of value for this generation. As the election heats up, the question now is: what role will this modern form of currency play in the future of the world's most powerful economy?

The Federal Reserve has indicated that by 2024, the purchasing power of the dollar will be reduced to only 3% of its original value, leading many developing economies to consider trading in currencies other than the dollar. There are also concerns that the current monetary policies designed to avoid recession may actually lead to hyperinflation and economic depression of the dollar. In recent years, the economy has oscillated between explosive growth catalyzed by loose monetary policies and an impending debt crisis that exacerbates economic collapse. Escalating geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the past few years have further intensified this volatility.

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This chaos has led to an ever-widening wealth gap, with the wealth of the upper class multiplying while the wealth of the middle class continues to decrease. Since its inception, Bitcoin has been seen by many as a potential hedge for the middle class against economic volatility. It is expected to be an inflation-resistant asset that can bring economic independence to the increasingly declining middle class, but the dollar remains the pillar of the global economy. Despite the continuous decline in the purchasing power of the dollar, it still retains the trust of many retail investors.

Today, the United States finds itself facing an unprecedented dilemma: on one side, a depreciating dollar, and on the other, an asset that has the potential to solve many of the prominent financial issues faced by the struggling middle class. How to discuss and resolve the latter will have the greatest impact on the development of the world's most important economy 25 years from now.

Change almost always takes longer than expected and happens in ways that differ from plans. Bitcoin is no exception. The mission and message behind Bitcoin may be the most powerful signal of liberating forces in several centuries. However, if the core principles of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are realized, the institutions that hold power will suffer the greatest losses.