Obama fund-raising down
Barack Obama reported this evening that he raised $22 million in May -- barely more than Republican John McCain.
It is his lowest total in months -- he raised $31 million in April, $40 million in March, and a record $55 million in February -- and does not necessarily show off the fund-raising advantage that helped persuade him to opt out of public funding. For the entire campaign, however, it brings his total to about $287 million.
He had $43 million in cash on hand, his campaign said.
In his Federal Election Commission filing, McCain reported raising $21.5 million in May -- his biggest month of the campaign -- and having $31.6 million in cash at the end of last month.
For the entire campaign, the presumptive Republican nominee has raised nearly $110 million, and also has borrowed $39 million.
If Obama is counting on squeezing his previous donors then he may find this tactic severely lacking. His $25/ $50 prior donors will look at those requests for more of the same and debate whether or not to fill their gas tank for the week or send money to Obama.
Those were mostly one-time contributions by people who were not ordinarily inclined to contribute to a presidential campaign. They got caught up in the moment in a messianic campaign but generally feel that's all they have budgeted for such a cause. Hey Obama - it's kind of like those poor white voters clinging to their religion and who only budget so much for the Sunday church plate.
This is a rookie campaign financing mistake by a rookie politician to forego the public financing option. Or is it more a reflection of an ultra pretentious politician?
I just sent my 2nd $25 contribution. I must still be caught up in that messianic moment.
I'd rather send my money to Hillary.....GO HILLARY
I guess the GOP decided it was time to stop sending Obama $$$.
My second contribution was processed on June 30....we're just getting started.
He made a big mistake bypassing public funds. His arrogance seems to get the best of him.
How about if we elect a President the old fashioned way, through fair and honest elections, based upon the candidate's actual patriotism, experience, judgement, and contributions made to America ... instead of who is more of a showman, or who can raise more money ... and therefore buy the Presidency ... like Barack did in the primaries ... and Obama is trying to do in the general election.
Opting out of public funding can hardly be called arrogant. If anything, it shows his fiscal responsibility. It gives me more faith, that unlike John McCain, he will not waste our budget solely on funding this war and tax breaks for the richest Americans. Obama continues to prove that he is more qualified to get us out of this sinking economy.
"He made a big mistake bypassing public funds. His arrogance seems to get the best of him."
I contribute 5 dollars every time someone refers to him as Barack Hussein Obama.
It's his name... get over it. Mr. Hussein hay day has passed.
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