Cyber Squatting: A Gamble with Political Domains

For those who keep a pulse on the political landscape, the race for the presidency is an endless source of fascination. In 2020, Jeremy Green Eche purchased the domain HarrisWalz.com for a mere $8.99, hoping to capitalize on the potential Democratic nomination of then-Senator Kamala Harris and a Minnesota governor as her running mate. Four years on, if Harris does indeed select Governor Tim Walz, Eche stands to cash in.

The Art of Cyber Squatting

Eche is not alone in this venture. He identifies as a “cyber squatter,” a person who buys domains featuring the names or brands of individuals for little money in anticipation of selling them for a considerable profit. This practice, also known as domain investing, has the potential to yield lucrative returns.

A Past Success and a Cautionary Tale

In 2011, Eche purchased ClintonKaine.com, speculating on the possibility of Hillary Clinton selecting Tim Kaine as her running mate. His prediction proved accurate, and he offered the domain to the campaign. However, they declined, and Eche sold it to a digital marketing firm for $15,000, unaware that it would later become a vehicle for anti-Clinton propaganda by the Trump campaign.

The Harris Slate

Eche has strategically acquired at least 15 websites tied to Senator Harris and potential running mates, including HarrisWalz.com, HarrisPritzker.com, HarrisEvers.com, HarrisFetterman.com, HarrisWarnock.com, and HarrisPeters.com, among others. Despite not having been contacted by the Harris campaign, he is optimistic that his domain collection will attract their attention.

A Calculated Gamble

Eche acknowledges that his business practices may raise ethical concerns, especially given the potential for his websites to be used for political mudslinging. Nevertheless, he maintains that he is not motivated by partisan interests and believes that his actions are simply a matter of market opportunism.

The Power of Negotiation

In the event that the Harris campaign reaches out, Eche is prepared to negotiate the sale of his domains. He is mindful of the substantial financial resources at the campaign’s disposal and believes that they should be willing to pay a fair price for the valuable assets he possesses.

A Comparative Advantage

Eche believes that Walz is the most suitable choice as Harris’s running mate. He credits the Minnesota governor’s experience and reputation for competence and believes that Harris would benefit from his presence on the ticket.

A Future in Politics?

Eche’s domain acquisitions extend beyond Harris and her potential running mates. He also owns several websites featuring Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s name, anticipating a possible presidential run in 2028.

The Value of a Domain

Ultimately, Eche contends that websites are valuable properties, no different from billboards or other marketing assets. He argues that if a campaign chooses not to purchase their own domains, they are responsible for the consequences of that decision.

A Response from Harris’s Campaign

The Harris campaign has yet to comment on whether they intend to purchase the domains owned by Eche. The outcome of these negotiations remains to be seen.