Your post reads like someone who is interested in politics on the side, and has done a lot of reading on US issues, but hasn't really worked in the field. Is that accurate? If so, can you start there, working for campaigns (maybe as a volunteer/intern at first) or think tanks or NGOs/NPOs? You'll get paid a pittance at first, but it's a way in...
I don't think anyone will care about your crypto or software background, though (like maybe don't bring it up...?). Politics is its own bubble full of makers and shakers. Frankly I think you'd have to prove it to them (someone) that you're worth it, people aren't just going to care about your personal politics unless you can do something for them.
As an aside, I've met a few political types in D.C. when I was there visiting. I'd just found them on LinkedIn or on their company pages (various advocacy agencies/nonprofits) or even on dating apps, and wrote them asking if I could buy them lunch just to hear their stories, how they got in the field, etc. -- making my agenda clear upfront, that I'm just a nobody curious about the field, can you tell me more if I get you lunch? These people were genuinely impressive... friendly and willing to talk to me, despite being very busy and extremely well educated and connected.
>Your post reads like someone who is interested in politics on the side, and has done a lot of reading on US issues, but hasn't really worked in the field. Is that accurate?
I worked for a major K Street NGO. I was removed for refusing to weaken web standards.
I took a pause from all assistance to civil society during Trump, to make folks think and reflect about the consequences of their decisions.
(As I like to joke at open mic: your post Columbine models are broken, I don't need to be a weatherman to know which way the Solar Winds blow, and it is my inaction that will be the death of you.)
I don't think anyone will care about your crypto or software background, though (like maybe don't bring it up...?). Politics is its own bubble full of makers and shakers. Frankly I think you'd have to prove it to them (someone) that you're worth it, people aren't just going to care about your personal politics unless you can do something for them.
As an aside, I've met a few political types in D.C. when I was there visiting. I'd just found them on LinkedIn or on their company pages (various advocacy agencies/nonprofits) or even on dating apps, and wrote them asking if I could buy them lunch just to hear their stories, how they got in the field, etc. -- making my agenda clear upfront, that I'm just a nobody curious about the field, can you tell me more if I get you lunch? These people were genuinely impressive... friendly and willing to talk to me, despite being very busy and extremely well educated and connected.