The $52 Million Dollar Man
Last week the Wall Street Journal irked the Obama campaign when it estimated the presumptive Democratic nominee pulled in an “underwhelming” $30 million in June.
“The Wall Street Journal was wildly off in their estimates – I have no idea where they got their numbers. I think you guys should wait till we release our numbers to make a decision as to how underwhelming they are,” Obama told reporters on board his campaign plane last week.
Today the campaign announced those numbers in an email to supporters.
“We have some big news we want to share with you,” wrote Obama’s campaign manager, David Plouffe. “Because of your generosity and commitment, we’re reporting to the press today that this campaign is in a very strong financial position. In the month of June, supporters like you helped raise $52 million.”
Just shy of Obama’s record-breaking $55 million February, June is Candidate Obama’s second best month to date, and follows his lackluster $22 million May. Good news for Team Obama, which recently opted out of public financing.
The campaign touted the most impressive aspect of its far-from-underwhelming numbers: the average donation was $68.
Read Plouffe’s email to supporters below the jump.
Friend –
We have some big news we want to share with you.
Because of your generosity and commitment, we’re reporting to the press today that this campaign is in a very strong financial position.
In the month of June, supporters like you helped raise $52 million.
But more impressive than the number is how you did it. Hundreds of thousands of ordinary people contributed to building our campaign for change. Many were first-time donors, giving only what they could afford — and the average donation was just $68.
You continue to prove what ordinary Americans committed to change can accomplish, despite the Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs funding so much of our opponents’ campaign.
But we can’t stop now.
It’s going to take everything we’ve got to defeat John McCain and the Republican National Committee in November. And we can’t do it without your continued support.
Can you make a donation of $25 now to strengthen our movement for change?
https://donate.barackobama.com/junenumbers
I also wanted to share with you another promising piece of news.
The Obama campaign and the DNC ended June with a combined total of nearly $72 million in the bank. It’s a healthy number. But McCain and the RNC together still have a huge cash advantage, and we need your help to close the gap.
As I mentioned in my video message to you earlier in the week, we’re facing a Republican machine with unprecedented resources at its disposal. The McCain campaign and the Republican National Committee finished June with nearly $100 million in the bank.
Our campaign does not accept donations from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs, and neither does the Democratic National Committee. But John McCain and the RNC have no such standards.
Along with the vast amounts of unregulated money being raised by shadowy outside groups, there’s no telling how much they’ll spend running attack ads.
We must work together and fight back against their efforts.
Please make a donation of $25 now:
https://donate.barackobama.com/junenumbers
I know this isn’t the first time we’ve asked you for money, and it won’t be the last.
We have developed a strategy — a very aggressive strategy — that will only work if our millions of supporters continue to contribute their time and their money.
We are now on the air with TV ads in 18 states — including 14 that George W. Bush carried in the 2004 election. And in each one we’re also building extensive grassroots field organizations.
It’s all part of our strategy to spread Barack’s positive message and compete in all 50 states.
That strategy will work, and it has to. The stakes are too high and the need for change too great. We are thrilled to be on this journey with you and thank you for all you have done so far. But victory is only possible with your continued help.
Please give $25 now:
https://donate.barackobama.com/junenumbers
We can’t do this without you.
Thanks,
David
David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America
Tags: 52 million, Fundraising, june, numbers, obama, underwhelming
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go hillary
What ever the true amount is Obama will need every penny since his organization as a whole is greatly more expensive than McCain’s and he has turned down public financing…as he promised he would not do…..so much so for a “truthful politician”. So what are we to really believe…why does he want Clinton’s supporters so much if his money coming in is so good….I think there is another story here of lack of candor and truthfullness. It will take alot more on the part of Soros and the moveon.org crowd to basically continue to turn the voters off to McCain….everytime Obama says one thing it is not soon after that he “changes” or morfs again. Is this type of behavior what is expected for this office…seems a double standard is at play…OK for Obama to “change” back and forth but no one else is allowed to???
I’m glad to see that the Democrats have taken over as the party of the RICH!!! Isn’t it nice that they are able to raise such large sums while we are heading toward the “Great Depression”.
Yes, Go Hillary!! Oh, that’s right, she did go…..AWAY! Yes, we can!! Go Obama!!!
All this proofs is dat Hilary is teh stronger canadate!!!!
Mccain ‘08
Hillary ‘12
Great job Obama! there is a lot more money on the way. Its only fair since McBush has Fox News endorsement 24/7!
party of the rich? the avg donation was $68
Wonder how many Dead people sent money to the Obama camp? prolly same amount that voted for him in the primary. The Election Board needs to check this man out something stinks about this. Everyone i come in contact with cant stand this man and yet he raises millions upon millions so make your contributions public BO so we can see just where its comeing from I bet there is more to this then we are being told ( And no Im not a Dam Republican either)
I know Fox news will down play this and put a negative spin on it like always….. they are so bias towards McCain its comical. Obama will continue to get large campaign donations because people don’t want another 4 years of what we had in the past.
Way to go BO. …. I am donating AGAIN this month $100.00 and I have managed to convinced my parents who are Republican to donate $100 each to BO. Bring it on McSame– y dont McSame use some of his money to take computer lessons.
HillRaiser1337, LMAO!!!! That has to be a joke! Lets go Obama!!!
LMAO!!!!
There are many things people do not know about BARACK OBAMA. It is every American’s PATRIOTIC DUTY to read this message and pass it along to all of their friends and loved ones.
Barack Obama is a PATRIOTIC AMERICAN. He has one HAND over his HEART at all times. He occasionally switches when one arm gets tired, which is almost never because he is STRONG.
Barack Obama wears a FLAG PIN at all times, even in the shower. One time he DROPPED THE PIN down the drain, and he PATRIOTICALLY disassembled his entire plumbing to retrieve it.
Barack Obama says the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE every time he sees an American flag, and he has an American flag in EVERY ROOM in his house. Some days it takes him OVER 45 MINUTES to get out of his house. He also ends every sentence by saying, “WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.” On the INTERNET there is video of Obama quietly mouthing the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE in his sleep.
Barack Obama has the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE tattooed on his stomach. It’s upside-down, so he can read it while doing sit-ups. He does FIFTY SITUPS every morning, which is the same number as OUR FOUNDING FATHERS did to commemorate our FIFTY STATES.
Barack Obama take his daughters HUNTING every weekend — HUNTING LIBERALS, that is. Liberals are ALWAYS IN SEASON.
Barack Obama is a DEVOUT CHRISTIAN. His favorite book is the BIBLE, which he has memorized. His name means HE WHO LOVES JESUS in the ancient language of Aramaic, which is the language JESUS SPOKE before he learned English. He is PROUD that Jesus was an American.
There’s only one artist on Barack Obama’s iPod: FRANCIS SCOTT KEY.
Barack Obama goes to church every morning. He goes to church every afternoon. He goes to church every evening. He is IN CHURCH RIGHT NOW. If elected, he has pledged to build a MEGACHURCH inside AIR FORCE ONE.
Barack Obama’s skin is the color of AMERICAN SOIL. His blood is the color of the AMERICAN FLAG. His fingernails are the color of APPLE PIE. He rubs AMERICAN SOIL on his chest every 20 minutes, then cleanses himself with HOLY WATER.
Barack Obama buys only AMERICAN GOODS. His sole possessions are a FORD PICK-UP TRUCK, a GEORGE FOREMAN GRILL, and HALF THE STATE OF MONTANA. He drinks only APPALACHIAN MOONSHINE, eats only FREEDOM FRIES, and travels exclusively by JOHN DEERE TRACTOR.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW! SPREAD THE TRUTH ABOUT BARACK OBAMA!!!!!
Thats because Fox News is Fair and Balanced.
Go back to MSMBC with your dirt.
An average donation of $68, that is hardly rich.
Gooooo OBAMA !!
Just donated another $25.00
BARACK THE VOTE AMERICA !!!
Obama lied about public financing. He is swimming in money.
Such amazing change. Wow, alot of change here.
I’m taking this change to the laundrymat.
Obama the lying lier who lied and keeps lying like the lying lier he is.
Change. wooo.
Hope. woo woo.
Yeah. Right.
Funny how he’s changed his position on taking public funds. I want to know when he is going to release his birth certificate to the public?
Well not only can you buy the nomination but it looks like you can buy the presidency…what a proud america we have become
WOW!!!!!! 52 million!!!!!!
It feels like History is about to be made.
For this first time in my life, a blackman has won the nomination to be president.
More people have voted in during the nomination process than ever before.
More money is being raised in this election than any other.
52% of the Obama supporters are really excited about their candidate in California.
Whereas only 17% of the McCain supporters are really excited about their candidate in California.
It seems to me, despite the obvious flaws of Obama, this country is very excited about his election.
Whereas, the Obama detractors are asking themselves, how could this have happen?
The Republicans have even nominated a Liberal candidate. What does all this mean to Conservatives? SHEER ANGER!!!!!
I smell a modern revolution coming….
Advise to all republicans, distance yourself from McCain and Bush… Learn to work with the Democrats and really work. Remember you are hired by the people, for the people..
His name is GEORGE SOROS!!!! The money machine!!
This is truly a sad day for America when Fox New allow a blogger to use the N-Word in their response to this subject. I always knew you were racist but I didn’t think you would allow this type of comment thank for making up my mind for me.You can kiss my patronage Good Bye and SUTHRN!!! you know what you can kiss………………..
Obama promised to stick to public funding IF McCain would do likewise and not accept private funds. As McCain has continued to receive privately raised funds, toward his campaign, Obama has every right not to opt out as the CONDITIONS of his statement were not met. This is not FLIP-FLOPPING.
Some people on this site are so filled with hate, prejudice or stupidity that they are blind to the truth. But, then again, this is the Republican biased FOX NEWS website so I’m not surprised.
Land of the free indeed! Your minds are still in bondage!
Katherine -
Fox news is fair and balanced? Pshhh sister please, who are you trying to fool with that garbage?
Fox news leans heavily toward the conservative party,
and stations like CNN and MsnNBC lean the liberal way.
All have their fair share of news anchors trying to stuff their own agenda down your throat, and my friend Fox News is definitely no exception.
Don’t donate money to the O’bambi man. Save it. Your going to need it to fill up your vehicle & Buy food.
The big change is on it’s way. The audacity of hope is vanishing in great strides. He will never make the changes that he didn’t tell us about. Change what? He will probably hold the record for the most lies by a polititcion.
McCains the way Obama go away
Show of hands…Who is really better off today than they were eight years ago??
Yet you will continue with the same failed plans. Not me, not anymore. I’m a lifelong republican who voted for Bush eight years ago and have been regretting that decision for over six years now. I chose not to vote for either candidate four years ago, but will not make that same mistake this time. I am fearful of the middle class eroding for another four years and I want to ensure my children have a future in this country. If that means I have to vote dem, I will. My parents are going to be rolling over in their graves, but I’m choosing Obama this year. At least he is talking about change. All I hear from McCain is the same old rhetoric and it disgusts me.
And the more I read posts like the one from Suthrn, it makes me think I am making the right decision.
Lifelong Republican for Obama
I’ve enjoyed reading the responses. I am glad to see that several people have said they sent money to BO. This means fewer people to complain about the ecomony.
Don’t donate money to the O’bambi man. Save it. Your going to need it to fill up your vehicle & Buy food. Money money money will buy anything. THE NOMINATION & THE PRESIDENCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The big change is on it’s way. The audacity of hope is vanishing in great strides. He will never make the changes that he didn’t tell us about. Change what? He will probably hold the record for the most lies by a polititcion.
McCains the way Obama go away
M.S. Indiana….Yes a revolution is coming but I can tell you if obama is elected it will be in an aggressive process to reduce my taxable income so as to pay less in taxes. This will be the time that others currently working and the “buyers” in this economy will greatly cut back spending and even stop that second job…that new car…that trip…..why???…. because I pay enough taxes and I do NOT support Obama’s wealth re-distribution. I will early retire, work part-time and protect my assets. I care not to support Obama’s desired “changes” and I will not ….by simply cutting back and earning less…..many think like me too. There is nothing bad about early retirement and alot to be gained…kids out of school. Try to take from others and the rest of the middle class…I will retire!!! I will not work harder to support Obama’s socialism!!!
Puma voter.
JOHN McCANN 08.
Of course Nobama doesn’t want public financing. That way he can out do McCain just like he did Hillary. Whats this thing about being connected to special interest groups. I guess Moveon.org isn’t one. Democrats (liberals) bought and paid for by Moveon.org. You need to count the money he doesn’t need to raise for the all the bad ads that will be sent out against McCain (millions). I still can’t figure out why he won’t do a simple town hall meeting. Oh, must be because of real people, real questions that won’t be memorized or telepromped and even for both candidates. I’m very much for change but not the type he wants….
Please post. We the people have a right to know!
It really confuses me as to why the press keeps saying that Obama gets the majority of his contributions from average Americans from $20-$50 donations, but they don’t mention the closed door fundraiser’s he continually holds (that the average American could never afford to attend). Are the donations he recieves. from these closed door fundraiser’s tallied in with the small donations when figuring his average contribution? I would like to see a complete breakdown of the funds he has collected for his campaign. Who is to say he isn’t promising favors for these large thousand $ donators?
Barack Obama spoke shortly before 7 p.m. To a crowd of about
700 donors from a stage set up in the mezzanine lobby of the Dorothy
Chandler Pavilion. Most stood just in front of the stage; a couple
Hundred watched from behind glass railings on two upper balconies. Three
Giant crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling………………….The fundraiser was a two-tiered event. Tickets were $2,300
Per person. VIP tickets were $28,500 per couple. VIP guests were able to
Attend a dinner with Obama before the general reception.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Oprah Winfrey rolled out the red carpet Saturday for Barack Obama at a gala fundraiser attended by high-wattage stars that was expected to raise $3 million for the Democratic presidential candidate.
The most powerful woman in show business celebrated her favorite candidate with 1,500 guests at her palatial estate in this coastal enclave south of Santa Barbara Tickets to the sold-out private event went for $2,300 apiece, keeping them within campaign finance limits.
Obama Rakes in $$ at Chicago Fundraisers
At his $28,500/head White House Victory Fund engagement,
On April 6, 2008, Barack Obama visited the San Francisco region, zipping from event to event all day long, from one end of the Bay Area to the other.
What? You might ask. How did I miss that? If only I had known, I would have gone to see him.
Well, there’s a reason you didn’t know about it. Obama didn’t want you to know about it. Because the events he was attending weren’t for people like you.
They were for people with lots and lots of money, who use that money to gain access and influence with politicians — especially politicians who might become president.
So although the San Francisco Bay Area is probably the most pro-Obama section of the entire country, with Obama signs and stickers visible everywhere you turn, when Obama himself actually visited his electoral home base, he ignored the hoi polloi — all the little people who swoon over him — and instead, he spent the entire day with the rich.
No media eyes allowed on the collection kettles; when the gifts are big, the press is barred.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/03/us/politics/03donate.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin
McCain would kill to have funds like this coming to his campaign. Of course people like Jeannie are spreading lies as usual to underscore Obamas success. The fact is Obama is rolling just fine and will continue to do so in spite of hate filled rhetoric from the racist right. McCain and his cronies can’t compete with Obama on the issues so they use anything they can against him including positive things which they turn into negatives. It cracks me up to hear Fox News complain that all the new media is coverage Obama’s trip overseas but guess what…. They will be there too! Once again McCain would love to have such coverage…..on second thought maybe …. it may oppose more gaffes and flip-flops which we all know McBush doesn’t do…..lol
I don’t get this. Someone who is financing their campaign with donations from the American public with an average donation of $68 is turning down “public financing?” Yet someone who is accepting taxpayer dollars from the government to finance their campaign is accepting “public financing?” Who really is accepting public financing here? I’d have to say it is Senator Obama.
Hey Mike from Atlanta,
I bet you don’t mind Jessie the media pimp Jackson use the word. Why is it ok for a black man to use it?
Why would any one donate money to someone to be President thats has no experience of managing even a nickel and dime candy store much less a whole country..Save your money you’d be better off in the long run then supporting Obama…Yankee Trader
southern dem, sounds like your job is getting shipped to China… And if you earn more then 250.000$ a year you are not a commoner… So you do not have to worry about your kids, their school or health. but 95%, us on the other side, needs a little help, so we can get jobs like you, education and have health care…
But it is ok for the Republicans to wage war, with money coming from China, and dont tell me they will want something in return and not just cash… While our bridges and highways are falling a part..
More places will export their work to other countries under McCain, since he promotes more open borders for free trade…
McCain nor the republican party wants women to have equal rights to men.. Nor do they want any minority to become equal to the whites…
If you were a democrat you would pay off Hillary’s debt, but oh well
I find this hard to believe as many Obama supporter have jumped and asked for their donations back, just log on to some of the web sites and their are so many, great news, and things you need to know.
Well, it looks like Obama is going to buy the Presidency of the United States … just like he bought the democratic nomination.
I can’t believe there as so many idiots in the U.S. Maybe our education system does need help! It’s as plain as day to me that if Obama is elected we’re in a heap of trouble. He doesn’t have the backbone to stand up to terrorism nor the intelligence to manage our taxes. HELP!!! I know I don’t want all my income and savings to be in his hands. It might just end up in his pocket. I don’t trust him. I think he’s a worm!!!
Obama needs to make full public disclosure of who & where all this money is coming from. I bet the sources will be shocking!!!
Hopefully when he goes overseas he will stay there permanently….maybe disappear out there…I cannot stand this FRAUD…never obama…
MS Indiana…..I’m not exactly sure what you mean by Republicans waging war, but yes, you’re right. They sit around and think of who to attack for no reason on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. You are also correct in that the Right Wing discriminates against minorities and women, obviously your proof must be found in the hundreds (maybe thousands…?) of policies that have been implemented in the past century. You seem severely misguided. Welcome to 2008.
Comment by Karl
July 17th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Hey Mike from Atlanta,
I bet you don’t mind Jessie the media pimp Jackson use the word. Why is it ok for a black man to use it?
################################################################The “N” word is offensive no matter who says it.