Obama Campaign Raises Over $51 Million In July

CHICAGO — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama raised more than $51 million in July and the Democratic National Committee reported $27.7 million in donations last month, putting Obama in a strong position for the fall campaign.

Obama began August with $65.8 million on hand and the DNC had $28.5 million available, according to statements released Saturday. His July total was slightly less than the $52 million he raised in June but still eye-popping because he was off the fundraising circuit at home during his trip to the Middle East and Europe.

Obama's Internet-powered fundraising efforts have shattered all previous records for a presidential campaign, bringing in a total of $390 million so far. The Illinois senator has announced he will forgo public financing for the general election, giving up $84 million in taxpayer dollars for the final two months of the campaign and committing himself to a steady pace of fundraising.

By contrast, Republican candidate John McCain has raised just $140 million and has agreed to accept public financing for the general election and the spending restraints that come with it. Unlike Obama, McCain will not feel the intense pressure to raise money in the fall.

Though lagging Obama in fundraising, McCain has remained competitive because of the Republican National Committee's success in attracting donations.

On Friday, McCain's campaign said the presumed GOP nominee had raised $27 million in July, his biggest monthly haul since clinching the party's nomination. McCain's campaign reported having $21 million available to spend.

The RNC said Friday it had brought in nearly $26 million in July and had $75 million on hand to compete with the Democrats. Much of that money has come through fundraisers by President Bush, unpopular nationally but still a potent draw among those who donate to the GOP.

Obama campaign manager David Plouffe said Saturday that 65,000 new donors contributed to the Obama campaign in July and that more than 2 million had now given Obama money for his presidential bid. The large pool of donors also means a larger number of people to ask for more money in the future.

McCain's campaign said it has logged 600,000 donors.

Comments

[johnnygoodwud]

out raised mc sturgis by 2-1. i smell landslide in nov. and remember in politics a 'landslide' is considered winning by 10 pts

[patwal]

Actually, a number of elctoral vote landslides have been recorded when the national poll has been 3-5%

[patwal]

Aug. 16 (Bloomberg) -- Democrat Barack Obama, belying the talk of a tightening presidential race, maintains a steady lead of 3.5 percentage points over Republican John McCain, according to averages of six national polls this month compiled by the Web site RealClearPolitics.com.

More sobering for Obama is that at the same stage four years ago -- a week out from the Democratic National Convention -- Massachusetts Senator John Kerry was ahead of President George W. Bush in the polls. Kerry's average lead in six polls taken in weeks before the 2004 convention was narrower, however, at a single point.

Still, recent surveys in a dozen states that voted Republican last election show Obama running slightly ahead of McCain or only a few points behind.

In Alaska, for example, a poll by the Democratic firm Hays Research Group last week showed Obama ahead by 5 percentage points. In Virginia, another so-called red state, three recent polls show Obama and McCain tied. In 2004, Alaskans gave Bush 61 percent of their votes, and he got 54 percent in Virginia.


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aKrAWdfLmMNk&refer=us
There are no states that went Democratic in 2004 where Arizona Senator McCain is ahead.

[CindyM2008]

"We're starting to take tracking the poll results for each of the candidates a bit more seriously and we have found that John McCain is dropping in almost every category that we track.

McCain has dropped to below 50% in the southern states for the first time since he was the eventual nominee. He is below 40% for the first time in the Western states. He is below 45% for the first time in the Red States... Dropped to below 40% in the blue states... And at his lowest point ever in the midwestern states. "
http://www.usaelectionpolls.com/2008/articles/john-mccain-polling-numbers-dropping-everywhere-072208001.html

[badfluffy]

I was raised there, and I gotta say...
If Alaska votes D for prez, the gop(uke) is doomed. That canary in the mine is a goner.

[veteran1964]

These polls are manufactured by the media and certain elements to make sure that they are close. If the race was a blowout, the media would not get as much attention. I am 62 years old, A Veteran and have had a landline for 40 years and been registered as a voter since 1966 and NEVER received a POLLING CALL. So also what about the tens of thousands of people with only cell phones? They are not polled either. Also all the younger generation that are working for Obama NATIONWIDE and organizing events also carry cell phones and are not called....Also, the college students by the hundreds of thousands that are ready to vote carry CELL PHONES only and have not been polled. So take these polls and put them where the sun doesn't shine.

[harriscrl3]

Obama doesnt seem to have trouble raising money even though the DNC does. That should be a clue to them. I for one will never forget how the DNC treated this candidate even though he has bought more new voters in the process than anyone. Not to mention his uncanny ability to raise money. Yet they treated him like he was a second class candidate. My money will continue to go to the Obama campaign and Moveon.org

Carol

[closetodemfection]

If it goes to O, then he spends it on himself. That is the problem, no one is donating to the DNC - the convention and the down ticket coattail races i.e. keeping a majority in congress are what will suffer.

[k6007]

Well shouldn't you be busy doing something about it, instead of spitting your sour grape juice all over the blogs everyday?

Oh, and hil's debt..Hop to it!!!

[barackobama4prez]

whe SHE is officially out..they can raise some cash.

[williamg]

Wrong! The DNC raised $27 million last month - more than the RNC for the first time since 2004.

[PAposter]

Okay, what are these candidates doing to race money for their campaigns? Everybody has to appeal to their constituents, they can't expect one party member to pull the load for everyone.

I'm in PA, but when Robert Wexler needed money, I received an email. If a candidate I like needs money, I need to know that.

[williamg]

I guess you have decided to post without checking any facts. You are WRONG. The DNC is raising more than the RNC. and the DSCC is CRUSHING the RNCC. Get your facts together.

[UCFJayBird]

in July they came through though! They outraised the RNC, and if that trend holds Obama will definitely have the financial edge after the conventions.

[williamg]

Even more, that spells doom for downticket Republicans. They are putting everything into the Presidential race, and forgetting about the rest of the party.

[chitown8]

I agree Carol. They really labeled him the "Black Candiate" yet they can raise any money. I agree I will donate to Moveon.org and Obama campaign.

[justwaitandsee]

It doesn’t matter as long as we all give.

It is truly time for change and the amount we give should never be a discouraging factor.

There are going to be times we can give more and there are times we have to give a little less but it is all worth the cause because we can not have John McCann and his associates as our next president and we much keep that in mind.

[hydenorhare]

From O's rules Governing Criticism By Media and Opposition ...

12 You musn't ask me about breaking my commitment about public financing.
There are several reasons for doing so. You can choose the one that makes you laugh the least.
a) The system is broken. It became broken since earlier this year when I committed to it.
b) I have to fight back against the 527's the Repubs will marshal against me since I have no support from 527's or independent groups or unions or far left web sites.
c) I just can't bring myself to take money from hard working taxpayers. (I'd like to recommend to my people that they use this one)
d) If I take $200M in small donations that's like public financing so, um, it's public financing.

[psfurlong356]

i think you should vote for McCain and enjoy the rest of the summer

[hydenorhare]

Too much fun watching you guys dismiss your objectivity along with anything negative about this guy.

[Kally]

Where just where in the heck, with the economy as it is, the so called supporters of obama are the kids and lower middle class are they getting the money. I for one would love for CREW to question it, but as per usual when obama does something no matter how outrageous it is A OK>

[k6007]

I guess you have a problem with simple addition. (Hint: If 2mil donors donate $25......)

[chitown8]

As an unemployed worker I have already donate 2000 bucks. I brought the tickets to his party here in Chicago at 500 a pop. Me and my hubby will be there in Nov win or loose. Also I brought item like shirts, buttons and posters. Lastly I donate any where from 5 to 100 a week if I have extra cash. I do not go to church so my tithes money goes to something I believe in. I am honored to be part of both campaigns. One I willingly participated and the other unwillingly. Remember when John opts for public financing we will all be part of the negative campaign against Obama.

[PennP]

Kally, college kids tend to have discretionary funds, but I believe the bulk of small-donor cash is coming from people like you and me. Obama's strong suit is among college-educated voters, not "lower middle class," and his citizen base is more affluent than, say Hillary Clinton's.

Obama's campaign also puts out good pitches for donations. They often ask for $25, which makes it easier to give. We donors tend to give multiple times, once or twice a month on average for me. That adds up. I'd rather give to Obama and forgo a treat; I consider the donations an investment in my country and future wellbeing.

I think his August numbers will top these, because of the birthday money.

[draba]

This "so called supporter" has given a total of about $125. It's not easy, but I give $25 at a time when I can. It is important to me. I look at it as an investment in the future for my two young children.

[justwaitandsee]

Okay what is your point. Are you going to donate or what

[CindyM2008]

OMG great rules! Thanks for posting!

[hydenorhare]

You're welcome, Nina.

[chitown8]

He only said he would take it if the RNC candidate would take it with terms. John boy never go back to him SO Obama made his move.

[flymic]

exactly, we need to do be civic minded. Go out take ownership of this campagn and register people to vote in battleground states prior to the respective registration deadlines.

I believe Virginia voter registration deadline is end of september so i am going there for a week to help register Obama supporters.

We all have to make a major push in the closing months of this election. Espacially these next two months when the window for voter registration is open.

Its our civic duty to do this for not just Obama but for a better america. Lets not let this moment slip away. Its ours, lets own it!

[Bobzmcishl]

It's fun to see the Republican's whine about all the money Obama is bringing in from average citizens and even a few fat cats. They must think they are the only ones allowed to raise all kinds of cash from their rich friends in oil.

[yvonne61]

I JUST GAVE AND IT FELT GOOD EVERYONE SHOULD DONATION 5 DOLLARS NOW TILL NOVEMBER OR GIVE WHATEVER YOU CAN. I WILL KEEP GIVING TILL NOVEMBER.. JUST KEEP ON GIVING AND YOU WILL SEE THE OUT COME IN NOVEMBER.

[roshni]

I just donated too. Thanks for participating in this.
Could I please request you not use caps? Makes posts harder to read and it is interpreted as shouting on line.
Obama'08

[bwither]

Folded into the news is yet another victory for democrats.

The DNC out-fund raised the RNC for july.

[LASteve]

Do as I say, not as I do, is that the new Obama message?

From today's LA Times

WASHINGTON -- Facing a large deficit in the Democratic National Convention budget, officials from Barack Obama's campaign have begun personally soliciting labor unions and others for contributions of up to $1 million. In exchange, donors could get stadium skyboxes for Obama's acceptance speech and other perks.

Obama has regularly criticized politicians seeking large donations outside the framework of campaign finance regulations -- so-called soft money -- while touting the virtues of relying on small donations.

[Cookie100]

Shut up! Donate to Obama right now. Back to Drudge for you LA Steve. Neo cons must be told, just shut up. They gave us Bush for the last 8 years and they've ruined our country.
PROGRESSIVES ARE AMERICAN TAXPAYERS, SO JUST SHUT UP STEVE AND ALL THE REST OF YOU!

[closetodemfection]

Uh, that's in the LA times. Face the facts. Invesco is nothing but a corporate fundraiser!

[LASteve]

Cookie100

OK...no criticism allowed of "The One", is that it?

And if he's elected, then "Sit down and Shut up", that's the Democratic Liberal way?

OH MY!

[justwaitandsee]

So what is your point. Are you going to donate or what?

[CindyM2008]

Good for them. Small donors, large donors. Whatever it takes to beat creepy Cain.

[PennP]

I make a big distinction between raising funds for convention expenses, which are a DNC responsibility, and raising funds for Obama's personal campaign. The goodies Obama is giving big donors appear to be up front and convention-related. They could have a silent auction and fancy sit-down dinner, but this is quicker and cheaper.

I don't see a conflict.

[AtlantaBill]

LASteve - sounds like you are really concerned so i suggest you whip out the check book and make a contribution to the DNC. Nah, that's expecting too much of a TROLL so just stick around and keep talking/posting to yourself.

[FebM]

Thats enough to swift boat Corsa. GO BO

[jazzman]

I've been giving every month and I plan to keep on.

Go Obama '08'

[razorblade]

"Mc Cain's campaign says it has logged 600,000 donors."

I wonder how many of them actually know that they donated to him?

"600,000 donors" = 5 bundlers, 5 Oil companies, 5 retirement homes in Arizona, and President Shaakashvili

[closetodemfection]

O is the one who's taking soft money now... you people are unbelievable in your blind will to defend him.

[olivia]

We gave money to him in the primary when it was really over and we should have been able to donate to the party.

I'm not giving to the party until I see how they handle things in Denver.

I don't want a penny to end up supporting her attempt to sabotage our one chance to take our country back from the neocons. If the convention starves, so be it.

They could cut out a couple of nights and save money, hint hint.

[justwaitandsee]

Are you going to donate or what

[barackobama4prez]

yay for soft $$$ !!!!!

[Seattlelite]

"O is the one who's taking soft money now... you people are unbelievable in your blind will to defend him."

No defense necessary. What you fail to realize is we don't care. LOL. If it gets us a progressive President who will move this country in the right direction, be a President we can be proud of, hell he can rob a bank for all I care.

[olivia]

Obama just surpassed TWO MILLION individual donors. Not donations, donors.

[joselopez]

I read somewhere else McCain is planning to run ads during commercial breaks of the Democrat Convention. I woul dhope the Obama Campaign plans to do the same during the Republican Convention.

[justwaitandsee]

I am really hoping they do the same because all John McCain would have left is public financing.

[Jess27]

Ha Ha, thanks for making me smile!

[hydenorhare]

This is fun to watch.
Bill had one Nina Burleigh.
O'bama has a bunch of them.
Even guys.

[jakie]

I HAVE BEEN DONATING FIFTY DOLLARS A MONTH SINCE JANUARY AND WILL CONTINUE TILL HE IS SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT GOOD JOB OBAMA SUPPORTERS LETS DO IT AGAIN NEXT MONTH

[barriosbabe]

Money is not enough! I respectfully feel we are being too insular. I live in the Midwest and daily meet undecided voters who are very suspicious of him. I chat, educate, grassroots, but how do we fight the big media? Please, folks, we will lose if we don't convince the nebulous middle ground undecideds. Stop isolating. What can we do? Where's our to do list?

Obama '08
(sorry but the current Iowa Obama campaign is not winning minds!)

[hydenorhare]

"...fight the big media?"

You'd just better hope the big media doesn't get shamed into exposing a little of this guy.

[k6007]

I know you'd prefer their examination of O, as compared to what they'd find in mc's putrid closet.

[NER]

I agree that money isn't enough. Keep up your good work, barriosbabe, and thanks from this former Iowan. If many of us make the effort you are, we're doing our part. I trust Barack Obama to do his!

[harriscrl3]

You fight them with your ground game you do so by educating the voters not just on where Obama stands on the issues but equally important is where McCain stands because unfortunately there are many people still under the illusion that McCain is ProChoice. You have to get to those low information voters.

Ignorance is not an easy thing to fight there are a lot of folks still out there that think Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and that we invaded Iraq because they had ties to Al Queada. This is the kind of ignorance you are up against. Obama's ground game is what is going to be pivotal in this election not only informing the votng electorate but also getting people out to the polls in record numbers and ensuring that their votes count because you also have to deal with voter fraud.

Its interesting that people say well how come Obama isnt doing better that this is the year of the democrats they should be up by 10 really. The last time it was the year of the democrats and they won was Clinton and was BEFORE 911. Obama needs this money there is fears smears lies, bias in the media that he has to fight. This is why I believe no matter what the outcome he is the better candidate to win over Hilary.

Carol

[FACINGREALIT]

You have to look at the State by State race because if the media TOLD THE TRUTH they would lose advertising monies which is determined by ratings. How many people do you think would 'watch' they news if they were told how 'un-close' this election really is and imagine how much money the MSM is going to make after the election when they are able to tout - 'NO ONE SAY THIS COMING - OBAMA WON IN A LANDSLIDE AFTER STRUGGLING IN THE GENERAL' - more ratings; more monies from adverstising - it is all a game but because they are 'banking' on the ignorance of the electorate - THEY WIN!

[olivia]

Does these people like McCain??????????

Sorry but I am baffled sometimes.

[GuyFawkes]

The good news is he's fairly far ahead in Iowa polling, and has been consistently so.

Iowa was where that congressman complained about the "optics of an Obama presidency", right? There are always going to be racists out there who are going to hide behind policy issues to cover up the real reason they're not voting for him. I'd respect them more if they just came out and told the truth (like John Edwards or Bill Clinton).