(Jake Turcotte)
Obama breaks the bank - raises $150 million in September
By Jimmy Orr | 10.19.08
Joe the Plumber doesn’t have to worry. Barack Obama doesn’t need to raise taxes. All he’s got to do is continue to raise money personally.
On Friday night Obama jokingly announced that his real middle name was Steve. He should change it to Guinness. As in “world-record” Guinness.
Lotta dough
For the month of September, cool-hand Barack raised a staggering $150 million. To put it in perspective, that broke the prior record (also owned by Obama) of $67 million.
No wonder he’s bought up some infomercial time at the end of the month and he’s putting ads on video games. Where else is he going to spend it? Is he going to start advertising in Utah now?
Good morning
Supporters were greeted by an email early this morning from Obama’s campaign manager David Plouffe with news of big, big crowds greeting Obama in St. Louis and Kansas City (even larger than Sarah Palin crowds) and word of positive fundraising efforts.
“Supporters like you have completely transformed how political campaigns raise money, so I wanted you to be the first to know how we did in September,” he wrote.
Webcam
Then, astutely like the Obama campaign continues to do, they included a link to the video where Plouffe discusses where the campaign stands and even asked for more money.
“You’ve probably seen, if you live in a battleground state, the ‘robo-calls’, the mailpieces, the nasty ads and the nasty radio ads,” Plouffe explains. “They are just going to increase in intensity. And we have to have the ability to fight back against that.”
“We also have to be able to put up ads and send out our own calls in response to the slime we’re getting from the McCain campaign,” he said.
New battlegrounds
Plouffe announced they were expanding their operation in newly minted battleground states such as West Virginia. Plouffe also mentioned tightening polls in North Dakota and Georgia.
“We’re always on the lookout for expansion,” Plouffe added.
Ready for some football
Where else is the money going? It’s Sunday. Turn on the TV. Obama’s buying up time on NFL games. He’s bought baseball (and there is sure to be a big audience tonight.
He’s even doing two-minute ads now. And according to Advertising Age, he’s all over the most popular cable-TV shows.
Within the last two weeks, the Obama campaign has run ads on the Weather Channel, ESPN, Discover Channel, Animal Planet, History Channel, VH1, Comedy Central, True, Military Channel and A&E. It’s also running ads on all the broadcast TV networks.
So far Obama has raised more than $605 million during the campaign and has 3.1 million donors. The campaign reports that the average donation is $86.
McCain’s reaction
Not surprisingly, John McCain mentioned the fundraising efforts this morning in the context of public financing. Earlier this year, Barack Obama announced he would opt-in for public financing as long as his opponent did as well. McCain announced he would. Obama backed away and has received much criticism from McCain thereafter — including this morning.
“[Senator Obama] broke his word to me and the American people when he signed a piece of paper when he was a longshot candidate that he would take public financing if I would. He signed a piece of paper,” McCain said appearing on FOX News Sunday.
“Then, twice on national television he looked into the camera with Senator Clinton sitting there and said, “I’ll sit down and talk to John McCain before I make a decision on public financing or not.” He didn’t tell the truth,” he added.
Buying the election?
As for the record amount, McCain said a case could be made that Obama is buying the election before adding, “We’re not going to let that happen.”
McCain’s concern? First this election and then the future of campaigns.
“The dam is broken,” he said. “We’re now going to see huge amounts of money coming into political campaigns, and we know history tells us that always leads to scandal.”
<< Palin appears on Saturday Night Live — no, the real Palin | MainComments
2. Kyle | 10.19.08
Great job Obama!
This is an astounding achievement for our future president. Barack Obama is a who the people want, and they are showing their support with donations to the campaign.
Obama/Biden ‘08!
3. jane | 10.19.08
Go Obama!!
McCain needs to retire. He is old and tired and does not know what he is doing. He is jus grasping for breath and says whatver comes to his miond at any given time. He has never really worked hard for anything so is it a surprise that he does not know how to win this election? It’s no cake walk?
Obama is self made .. he raised himself like every immigrant. He is typyfies the imnmigrants.
Go Obama!!
Go home McPalin!!
4. MSTRAN | 10.19.08
“Which candidate do you think it more likely to break that stranglehold?”
I don’t like either plan very much. We all seen how taking taxes from one group to give to another with no question asked is a handout “charity”
Goverment was to big roads and make coinage, Goverments roll was to make business growth. Not take frrom the taxes to just give out as handouts, but use taxes to make growth possiable.
If both sides would come togather they could fix the economy in one shot.
Energy, health issues, jobs, and the market. just image this with out me going into to much detail
5. cbmtrx | 10.19.08
Yes, John, but the $150 million figure is from people like me (and Joe); average donations of just $87. We’re not talking about corporations or special interests “buying elections” like, oh, you-know-who.
Besides, the McCain campaign itself undertook $4 million in loans during the primaries, secured in part by the promise of federal matching money, only to back away from public financing altogether. Needless to say, the Federal Election Commission had something to say about these maneuvers.
Oh, and speaking of mavericks, how about Colin Powell’s endorsement of Senator Obama?
Now THERE’S a maverick.
6. RM23 | 10.19.08
Yeah, funded by real Americans, like “Test Person” and “efgj kllt” and the like that are printed on thousands of dollars of the contribution forms that were photographed and shown recently on television. Please…if you can’t win by the rules, you didn’t win the game, because you weren’t really playing the game.
This, combined with ACORN and his other rather dodgy affiliations will eventually combine to help even the less-informed to pierce the veil surrounding this candidate, and see him for what he is: I manufactured, liberal, Axelrod, Brand, and not a lot more.
7. erik | 10.19.08
Proud to be part of that 150 million… I sent $250, and really glad to see so many people supporting one guy in this way. McCain sold himself out a long time ago and has a gimmick as a VP… I look forward to President Obama
8. UTooSouthZone | 10.19.08
It’s funny that McCain and company keep whining about how much Obama is raising and how they can’t compete and I keep getting requests for donations for them. They’re just begging for it and, when it comes, having it sent to the Republican Campaign instead. The truth of the matter is that not nearly as many people WANT to donate to the McCain campaign because not nearly as many people believe strongly that they’re the right people for the job. I have never donated any money at all to a political campaign and I’m almost 50 years old but my small business has suffered for so many years under the Republican administration that I’m ready for a change and ready to help make the change. My family has proudly donated $100.00 we didn’t really have to the Obama-Biden campaign.
9. MKP | 10.19.08
Wow, McCain is too old? Sheesh…will you still believe that when YOU are 72? LOL! Here are some individuals who might disagree with you:
Warren Buffett (BRKA) turns 78 the day after McCain turns 72.
Walter Zable, CEO of electronics manufacturer Cubic, (CUB) is 93.
Marriott International (MAR) CEO Bill Marriott is 76.
News Corp. (NWS) CEO Rupert Murdoch is 77.
Kirk Kerkorian, CEO of Tracinda, is 91.
Financier Carl Icahn waded into the fight between Microsoft (MSFT) and Yahoo(YHOO) at 72.
T. Boone Pickens is weighing in on the energy quandary at 80.
Sidney Harman, 90, retired at 88 as CEO of audio equipment giant Harman International, (HAR) where he had long been the dean of S&P 500 CEOs. The oldest five S&P 500 CEOs left are 77 to 79, practically wet behind the ears. Harman says he walks 18 holes of golf, sometimes 23, and travels every other week between Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, where he teaches a business course at the University of Southern California.
Still think he is too old???
LOL
10. Pat | 10.19.08
I’m one of those 3.1 million people who have contributed to the Obama campaign, not just once, but every single month, sometimes twice a month. Why? Because I think this is the most important election we have ever faced, and we simply cannot afford a tired, old, cranky Republican like John McCain after the past eight years. Barack Obama brings a fresh face and fresh ideas to the stage, not to mention that he actually cares about people like me. GO OBAMA.
12. Samy | 10.19.08
Poor McCain who is regretting for his Palin choice. McCain doesn’t even understand the difference between the revenue and profit when he foolishly brought Joe the Plumber to the debate and destroyed him. So we can’t expect McCain to understand that Obama is really collecting from the public and not from the lobbyists. So don’t blame McCain. Stupid as it is stupid as it does.
13. owlafaye | 10.19.08
I am proudly “One of the Million” I could see that Barack Obama is what the country needs. I hope that this is only the beginning of a huge wave of change in America. A change from the repeated disasters of the Republican Party. It would be wonderful if a huge commission with unlimited powers of supoena were formed to pursue and prosecute the inevitable fraudulent vote tactics we will see by the Republican machine in this election. The will of the majority in America has been constantly thwarted by the moronic, uneducated supporters of the dishonest and rabid policies of the Republican Party. Education is needed in America…we are heavily burdened by the ignorant and ill-informed, bigoted and intolerant, the superstitious and fearful. I hope for radical change in our future, change for the good and enlightenment of all Americans.
14. Dennis Knicely | 10.19.08
Senator Obama deserves this support. His endorsement this morning by Colin Powell indicates how much correct change in out political system is needed. Getting such a good response with huge financial support just shows how much an effort is needed to change our Government.
For more on this, and other pertinent information, go to:
http://www.RootsofDemocracy.com
To find out how we can get true health care reform, go to:
http://www.HealingNews.com
15. Rmh | 10.19.08
Campaign finance leads to scandal?
Oh yeh like when the oil companies and haliburtan pay you to turn on the American people?
When right wing religious groups pay to sacrifice our freedoms, for their hatred, prejudice, vitriol?
16. Zordnum | 10.19.08
I challenge each of us to rethink the meaning of this choice in November, and after, to remember that those voting differently are still our neighbors, our friends, and family. They are exactly like us in our hearts. We need to choose, and we need to heal.
As individuals, we must not be led by image or fear, but work through the mental process of reaching a decision based on principles that really matter.
One tenet of morality, deontology, has long held that the end NEVER justifies the means.
Most psychologists agree that many politicians are high-functioning narcissists. Some fundamental characteristics of people with NPD are a profound lack of compassion, outrageous arrogance & hubris. Even more salient, the pathology of their thought process will not allow them to admit to hypocrisy, to being wrong. Narcissists will say & do anything, regardless of how evidently crazy or dangerous, & feel justified.
Unfortunately, history is replete with dictators of like ilk.
That’s why I find McCain and Palin’s candidacy very troubling. I see this thought process in nearly every dangerous word they speak. They divide people, creating FEAR, anger and hatred. And, they believe this is justified. Yes, people on all sides give in to this temptation. But, those in control of the GOP seem alone in their excessive use of these fanatical, Rovian tactics.
I hope that Obama will lead us in a better direction. This is why his image of integrity & his message of bringing people together & healing the nation, is so welcome to many, regardless of some differences in policy & issues.
Of course, we pray that this impression is in line with the reality, because the alternative offered by the Republicans seems unacceptable this election.
Under the rain of rhetoric, I will remember that those voting differently do so because, like me, they care about getting this right.
17. RMH | 10.19.08
If the republicans hate government so much, (well except the military and the police, and the NSA, and anyone else who tortures, blackmails, imprisons, steals, and extorts), why don’t they change their name to the Anarchy party.
18. skmami | 10.19.08
Taking money from public , the ones who are deciding their president is going to be, is real democracy. I don’t want big corporations and the lobbyists choosing/buying the president so they can charge the public like us later without our representation.
I think public financing is REAL DEMOCRACY.
19. MIke | 10.19.08
I think Bush started the money wars by outraising his primary opponents so that he had only token opposition and was coronated to the GOP. then flushed kerry with swiftboat attacks that he was unable to respond to without money.
So the tables are turned and soon McCain will be defending himself against charges of indiscriminate bombing in ‘nam, consorting with the enemy, grade inflation at the academy, Tailhook ‘72, but Obama is too cool for that stuff. He’s gonna win 45 states and a supermajority of popular vote.
20. Michael | 10.19.08
Again, McCain made a strategic mistake.
You may recall that he got into trouble with the FEC earlier this year over his own campaign financing. It appeared that he was trying to game the system when he took out a loan to finance his own campaign, using the promise of receiving future federal funding as his collateral. I believe that, once the FEC called him on that loan, he was stuck with accepting federal funding.
Clinton used her own money; McCain should have borrowed it from his wife. If he had done so, he wouldn’t have painted himself into a corner.
21. Bankrupt | 10.19.08
Let me see, 3.1 million divided by $86, not making it with this math, as usual the ROCK STAR and his left wing handlers have mastered the trick of Carl Rove, lie, cheat and steal and when the other side approaches your wagon, you state they are the source of the problem, let me make sure, 605 Million is ok and more, to become President, do any of you geniuses wonder why a job paying #300,000 plus per year is worth spending $600 million and growing, wake up America! Stop the name calling, Dem rats are doing it in spades to Palin, but if it were them, it would be anti feminists….there will never be a participating America as long as the far left and far right are runing the show as it now appears. Dem rats controlled Congres gets less approval ratings than the Bush, omg… those of us who are hard working Americans have had enough of Bush, and the last two years of Dem rats running the show, throw out all the Reputians and Dem rats,vote out all incumbents…. our system is broken
22. PJC | 10.19.08
STATISTS - THE BOTH OF THEM….
Both voted for the Bailout Swindle that was not needed. Markets still crashed.
Both support high taxes.
Both support the estate tax.
Both very ignorant on free market economics.
Both BELIEVE in the powerful of this evil government to “fix” things.
Both would not withdraw troops from Iraq immediately.
Both have been bought and paid for by fascist corporate America.
Both support the action of the Fed in printing unlimited amounts of money
which will lead to inflation the likes of which we’ve never seen.
Both Republicrats. Vote either way fools.
23. American | 10.19.08
It is not amazing islam and other groups out to destroy the U.S. all have money.
24. jimbo | 10.19.08
There are many stories out on Obama and his foreign money sources. It is only a matter of time before they are fully investigated and all you Obama cult members will look like the fools that you are for supporting this Pied Piper and his tap dances. The Mainstream media may elect this imposter to office but that doesnt mean he will remain there. In the meantime keep thinking that it is you who are sacrificing to give to Barry - hes loving it and sending it to Odinga and Hamas and everyone else he owes favors to for his meteoric rise in less than 2 years. We are all sick of Bush but we are not about to let some fraud like this con hard working American people into thiunking he is anything more than the charlatan that he is and we wont give up.
25. Katharine | 10.19.08
This is a different kind of campaign with a different kind of financing- not from lobbyists or pacs but from ordinary people like me-a 51 year old school teacher. McCain will obviously try to make this into another scandal, but the truth is, we are millions strong, and we are donating for the first time to a political campaign in order to take the country where we want it to go.
26. Dr. Greg | 10.19.08
This is interesting…
It seems almost impossible to believe that Senator Obama can raise so much money. $150 million in September is about $5 million per day. Also, $605 million divided into 3.1 million doners is actually about $200 per doner, and if the average donation is $86, then each doner has given, on average, about 2.5 times.
This makes sense to me, because I’ve met many people who donate $100 at a time. I’ve donated $50 several times, so the math says it’s believable.
P.S. - From what I’ve heard, there were talks between the Obama and McCain campaign early on regarding public financing, and supposedly it just fell through right away. Besides, I think Senator Obama is correct to say that there are too many loopholes in the system, and if McCain isn’t going to play fair, then backing off on his word is not unreasonable, given the circumstances.
27. Will | 10.19.08
Grass roots funding at its best. This is a perfect example of how American’s can decide what the policy is, not lobbyists.
I hope this idea of grass roots funding, of small donations can fund other projects. here in Colorado, the Colorado Railroad Museum is restoring Rio Grande Southern number 20, a steam locomotive built in 1899 was funded by a donor who gave some $500,000 dollars. About 2/3 of the money we need to finish the project.
Would be nice to see projects like this funded by the average Joe giving only a small amount. But perhaps that is too local. Maybe something on the scale of the Steamship United States, once a national icon of American strength, now a rusting shell of her former self. I have a dream of seeing her restored as a Hotel, would be great to see grass roots funding put to a good use like restoring a National Icon. Funding presidential campaigns is one thing, but let me tell you, $150 million is well more then enough to buy the ship, get a location picked, and start a restoration.
If your gonna dream, dream big.
29. nobama | 10.19.08
1. want to fix the economy? Stop giving your money to Obama and spend it on something worthwhile.
2. Obama is not funded by real Americans. He took $33,000 from an Arab militant organization, he raises money by hosting $50,000/plate dinners for celebrities.
3. If you have enough money to be giving Obama a hundred dollars every month, then you had better stop, because under his tax plan you will be considered a rich elitist who needs to give all of your money to fund his massive welfare-i mean, healthcare- plan
30. Molly | 10.19.08
McCain has the nerve to claim that “now” money is going to pour into presidential politics?! He has been a complete hypocrite in every way, including claiming to be a tortured POW, despite approving of torture techniques when used against our “enemies.”
As far as I’m concerned, it should be just as hard to donate money to a campaign or to spend money on political ads as it is to vote. Then we could document exactly where the parties get their financial support. It would cost a big chunk of their raised money to pay for all the people they would have to hire to verify the exact identity of donors, but that just means more people employed and fewer tv ads. Double bonus.
31. CM | 10.19.08
Hey MKP,
That is an impressive list of 72+ year olds that have achieved significant accomplishments. However, if any of those folks up and died I would not be stuck with their replacement impacting my life (running our country). Of all the possible running mates, McCain’s choice of Palin is an insult to our country and an expression of his hunger for power at any expense. It shows his willingness to pander to special interests despite what is good for the country in the long run. McCain’s age becomes an issue in the election since he has chosen such an inferior running mate. If his number two was worthy of being honored with the running the highest government position in our nation then his age or history of cancer would not be an issue.
Everyone should watch the Colin Powel endorsement. He really summarizes the difference between Obama and McCain quite eloquently, appropriately complimenting McCain along the way but making it astoundingly clear why Obama is without a doubt the better choice.
33. BenjaminF | 10.19.08
If lower taxes for the rich and less regulation for corporations are the answer to creating a good economy, why are we in so much trouble? The Republican party has been in power for 8 years, and these policies have all but wrecked our country’s economy. Now McCain proposes to lower the taxes for the rich yet more, and to pay for a huge givaway to fat cats in Wall Street, paid for with your tax dollars.
McCain hoped to harness an ugly, slavering beast comprised of far-right paranoia, hatred, fear, prejudice, and ignorance, and ride it to victory, but now he is starting realize that many Americans dislike his substitution of slander for an actual discussion of the issues.
His zig-zagging on slandering Obama is just one more example of his increasingly erratic behavior and poor judgment, and yet more proof that he has completely lost his moral center–the result of selling his soul to the Karl Rove faction of the Republican party. He is retracting some of his slanders, not because he has repented of them, but because he sees that they have backfired by alienating the undecided voters that he needs if he is to have any hope of winning.
34. greengold | 10.19.08
Sure, a populist army of poverty-stricken “small donors” just can’t wait to pour $ millions into the campaign of another smoke-blowing McGovern, Carter, Mondale, Dukakis, Clinton, Gore, Kerry tax-eating socialist. The only “change” he has EVER effected is the story he tells. When can we expect the LameStream Media (LSM) and its self-vaunted investigative journalists to trace down the source of Obamarama’s donations and its roll in financing the massive voter registration fraud perpetrated by ACORN and other liberal racketeers? Obviously, it will be the 32nd of Never. Even an obtuse 2-year-old can see Soros and a variety of other foreign maggots (read governments and socialist orgs) are trying to buy this election with illegal, laundered and untraceable money using the facade of bogus “small donors”.
35. CM | 10.19.08
Tax eating? Are you bushie’s dilustional? Sure high tax bracket earners pay less under Bush but you may have noticed that your local taxes have gone up, way up… property taxes, sales tax, state and local income tax, public transportation costs, and so on. And their wasteful spending has created the largest federal deficite ever. And thier poor management of the war has cause a massive waste of money, unless of course you are one of Bush and Chenney’s pals who have profited hansomely from being awarded these war contracts given out wihtout any bid competition.
36. RPF | 10.19.08
You go Obama. Americans get ready to lose your jobs. For what, a lousy $1000? American business is ready to move more to the low cost producers overseas. With Obama’s plan, watch American jobs run to Asia. Ya you go Obama.
37. Greed | 10.19.08
The name says it all this man is pure greed and dishonesty, everything we have been trying to get away from for the last 8 years. No way - we want what your trying to sell but have none to offer - change.
The only way there will be change is with John McCain.
McCain voted with Bush 90% - yes and so did Obama
Obama’s tax plan - start out where you are now on taxes but in 2011 hold on the taxes will be going way up again - look at any news site, you will need to dig but its true.
He is calm and inspirational - eh this is the president - not professor. Remember in school the people who did not know the answer sit quietly and don’t say anything so they do not get shown as incompetant.
We need a man of action more than ever, we need someone who does not exist on greed, who looks to end the war and secure America, not start another war in Pakistan.
Is there any question here Americans?
Democrats for McCain
38. Reform | 10.19.08
Guess that’s what you get for being for Campaign reform - why set rules on candidates when they can raise enough money to cover the national debt. Hey Obama - how about you do the bailout, but you can only do that after you pay the now over $10 million in bills for Hillary Clinton, no 1/2 hour commercial for you. We are not going to do the Obama campaign bail out.
39. Willard | 10.19.08
YES!!! OBAMA!!! I’m going to donate another 25.00 today. It really does add up. A maverick idea!
40. Matt | 10.19.08
in response to MKP post # 10.
According to the CIA Factbook the life expectancy of a male is 75.29 years, the median age for a male is 35.4 years and 12.7% are above the age 65. McCain is 72, just over twice the median age. Yes McCain is old.
41. Lisa | 10.19.08
It is amusing to hear Republicans complaining about all Barack Obama’s money. You know, that he didn’t previously own this money? He’s not some billionaire who financed his own campaign. He started out with virtually nothing. He then built an aggressive grassroots campaign, and folks from all over, young and old, black and white, started donating in droves. Yeah, I know it’s frustrating being on the losing team. Particulary when faced with an opponent so much smarter than you it’s not even funny. But there we go, America has spoken. They’ve decided on their President, and thank God, for the first time in eight years they’ve not been fooled by dirty Republican tricks.
42. Randy | 10.19.08
$150,000,000.00 … that’s a lot of money to raise in one month!
I’m so disgusted with this political system it maybe beyond repair.
Let me leave you all with a quote from Thomas Jefferson (you know, the guy that was the lead architect of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution).
“Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence”. – Thomas Jefferson
43. David | 10.19.08
“We the people” suddenly has new meaning. Through the technology of the internet, Barack Obama (and Ron Paul) have made participatory democracy possible for the “little guy”.
Yes we can!
44. dom | 10.19.08
How much money is donated and spent during the campaign is a good indication of how much money will be ‘donated’ and spent after the election.
Spend, spend, spend. The trouble in Washington is that too much money was spent in the last five-plus years because of Bush’s make-daddy-proud-of-me Iraq war.
Bush ran up an astronomical bar tab with a highly-questionable war. Consequently democrats and republicans alike in Congress went, “CHA-CHING! If Bush can run up the tab with HIS pet war, championed by Colin Powell no less, we can also run up an astronomical bar tab with OUR pet projects — and we don’t even need a Powell to do that. What’s Bush gonna do about it, huh? Veto us? He’d be vetoing himself and funding for his pet war.” Hillary in ‘12.
45. dom | 10.19.08
How much money is donated and spent during the campaign is a good indication of how much money will be ‘donated’ and spent after the election.
Spend, spend, spend. The trouble in Washington is that too much money was spent in the last five-plus years because of Bush’s make-daddy-proud-of-me Iraq war.
Bush ran up an astronomical bar tab with a highly-questionable war. Consequently democrats and republicans alike in Congress went, “CHA-CHING! If Bush can run up the tab with HIS pet war, championed by Colin Powell no less, we can also run up an astronomical bar tab with OUR pet projects — and we don’t even need a Powell to do that. What’s Bush gonna do about it, huh? Veto us? He’d be vetoing himself and funding for his pet war!”
And now years later at this critical decision point for the American public, the democrat Machine is turning to the American people with a polygraph-passing straight face saying, “It’s all Bush’s fault, we’re innocent. And John McCain, he has two legs, just like Bush. So McCain is Bush, and it’s all McCain’s fault too.”
McCain has more than owned up to his portion of the republican blame for our current economic mess. Obama the democrat continues to just blame Bush, and McCain by proxy, as the culprit. Everything else aside, bottom line, who has the Washington-changing political guts there? McCain. Who’d rather win an election by selling his soul? Obama.
Should Obama win the election don’t expect spending change, but do count on income tax increases and more job losses coming to your neighborhood through a drastic lowering of that magical $250K threshold with a democrat-controlled House, Senate, and Presidency. Capital-preservation firms must already have anti-Obama packages ready to go for wealthy clients in terms of new, completely-legal tax-reduction schemes. Think the ‘wealthy’ are stupid? And expect a lot of market- and 401K-crashing stock dumping ahead of any Obama capital-gains tax increases.
It’s time for some real voting guts now, and getting past being snarky with all the ‘old geezer’, ‘caribou-Barbie’, and ‘elitist Harvard snob’ comments, and realize, it’s all about spending. McCain/Palin though arguably flawed, is a better way to go here and now — till something better comes along, like maybe Hillary in ‘12.
46. JohnnyG | 10.19.08
What a waste ! Hundreds of millions of dollars that could have given hundreds of millions to American citizens who desperately need it to survive. So much for the bleeding liberals who pretend to be so “liberal” in doling out taxpayers money, “spreading the wealth” from the “haves to the have-nots” ! The American Presidency is now bought by the highest bidder. Abraham Lincoln must be twirling in his grave. Add to the above money spent on commercials, millions of airline miles, banquets…it’s mind-boggling !
47. L.B.E.G. | 10.19.08
This former Republican, 50-year old current Independent has given money to a presidential campaign for the first time ever: Obama. Multiple times in $25-50 parcels. Despite unemployment in the non-profit sector with resulting tight finances for my family. I am giving away money that I can’t really afford to give away.
Why?
1) Because I’ve been given a chance to join up with other individual Americans in this choice for president as a grass-roots team effort rather than a presidential win funded by big entities wanting to buy influence over this country’s top executive branch.
2) Palin. Her lack of presidential qualities and non-grasp of issues plus an arrogant aggressiveness is deeply disturbing.
3) Because I do believe that Obama will genuinely try to unify this country and grow it forward responsibly. This is exactly what’s needed for the USA at this point in time. I haven’t been reassured that McCain truly understands what that will require or that he will consult with others to find that out in order to make appropriate decisions (see #2).
4) Because I want my 10-year old son to see that basic human decency, sorely absent from the Republican modus operandi during this election, is what America and her political landscape should look like and also what it can further accomplish for this nation and its dealings with the world. I feel that Obama and his campaign have provided far more examples of that decency than the McCain campaign.
5) This country needs a genuine turn-around with 2008-appropriate solutions on many fronts SOON. Like Colin Powell has noted, it seems to many of us that Obama can provide more of that than McCain.
Reading posts here assuming that Obama’s money is coming from or going to the likes of Hamas insults the sacrifice my family is choosing to make to let our voice be heard as supporters of Mr. Obama. We’re WASPs, not terrorists from the Mideast, and this time around, we’re voting Democrat and putting our precious dollars where our vote is.
48. the future is now | 10.19.08
Bankrupt wrote:
“Stop the name calling, Dem rats are doing it in spades…”
That is priceless! I had to laugh out loud when I read this. Is there a better example of a complete lack of self awareness?
Education and the expansion of alternative energy are my primary concerns. If we focus on these two things- then the future of America will be very bright. Provide education to any student willing to work for it. Ideally getting a 3.0 or better in high school should guarantee a college education (as long as that performance continues). This funding can still be considered a loan- with a very low interest rate. For those that are not willing to work, drop them off at the nearest exit. Lead, follow or get out of the way. No society worth its salt should tolerate ignorance.
GO OBAMA GO!!
49. Mom in Virginia | 10.19.08
Palin made me do it. Last month, every time she spewed more hatred and lies, I donated to the Obama campaign, in small amounts, which I could afford.
50. John | 10.19.08
It would be very interesting to see how much of his on-line fundraising came in from other countries and which ones it came from. Non US allies perhaps? He has already demonstrated a willingness to benefit financially from the use of his position by accepting financial support from questionable persons - AKA - Tony Resko Land Deal. Interestingly enough, had he been a Federal employee or a Hill staffer, there is a 2 year mandatory prison term tagged for this type of benefit. Congressmen actually are above this particular law. They passed the law, but are not required to comply with it. Why not repeal the law, and let all 2.7 million Federal employees profit from their positions? I wonder how corrupt the entire Federal system would look if all of them were allowed to engage in such nefarious acts - it’s only a “boneheaded move” after all.
51. tmar | 10.19.08
I never responded to a blog post before, but then I never was an active participant in an election before. Oh yeah, I am a 61 year old blue collar white guy who has always voted, but never put any more energy than that into the process.
Barack Obama first caught my attention with his speech at the 2004 convention. Later, I heard an interview with him on NPR. I was so impressed with his reasoned responses that I “clocked out” (I’m self-employed, and bill clients by the hour) to pay full attention. He was then, and is still, the most thoughtful, knowledgeable, and eloquent politician I have ever seen (and yes, I can remember JFK).
I have given probably $150 to his campaign in small segments as I can afford it, and each time I pull out the credit card for another $25 or $40 I feel like I am part of the best that America can be. It is beyond awesome that his fundraising includes so many small contributors like myself.
I honestly believe that the future of our country rests on electing Obama, and to that end, I am also volunteering to drive voters to the polls on election day. I am optimistic that this year we can take back America, in spite of the smarmy campaign that the McCain/Palin ticket has run.
52. brkdckdwg | 10.19.08
i find it hard to believe that some amongst would find fault with the capitalist,free market pay as you go campaign that sen obama is running especially sense theres no government handouts or affirmative action,equal opportunity,blur the line between the haves n the have not,socialist agenda that is government assisted campaign finance.how they rant and rave about how sen obama wants to spread the wealth,provide health care for those that want it&say that they’ve already got parents and arent looking for more.that if they want something they will get it the ole fashion way ..earn it they arent looking for or expecting government handouts is beyond me. but if i had to guess i would say its probably reality disconnect which seem to affect a certain portion of the population who live and breathe the talking points of multi millonaire conmen posing as talk show host who pretend to feel the pain of the middle class while they live the la vida loca yep i find it hard to believe
55. John Coffey | 10.19.08
My reasons for not voting Obama are too numerous to mention here: http://www.entertainmentjourney.com/election_2008.txt . In the debates, he admits that his tax cuts are just redistribution of the wealth, giving tax credits to people who don’t pay taxes. It is a handout. A form of welfare. His justification for this is “I don’t mind paying a little more.”
56. Geek | 10.19.08
Its ironic. For years the Republican candidates (cough Bush) was flooded with money from PAC’s and all the shadow organizations.
This year the money people knew they would be throwing good money to bad and stayed on the side lines.
The political backers and monied folks know that Senator McCain had too tough a road to travel. I would like to see the statistics 10 days after the convention when it became clear that Palin was a liability and that caused the cash flow to go to a trickle.
57. BetterThinkAboutThis | 10.19.08
This is totally a marketing thing.
Who buys ads–ADS–on every single channel, during every single sporting event, during every single time period?
Someone who really wants to sell a product.
It’s proven that 2% of the people will buy anything. What is 2% of 4 Billion?
Is it enough to swing an election? The sheer numbers involved– over half a billion dollars –for a little known, first-term, junior Senator? The law of probabilities doesn’t flow here. They used to refer to the ‘brand’ obama. Now they are marketing it like Tide or toothpaste. Except ‘it’ happens to be a president of our country.
59. Tania | 10.20.08
As another of those in Obama’s camp who’s given hundreds of dollars (I actually don’t know how much exactly), I can say that yes, we are giving in increments of $10, $20, whatever we can afford at the time. Over the last year I’ve tried to put my money where my mouth is, as have most of my friends. I know people who have only been able to afford giving $5, but man, they are *proud* of that five dollars.
Obama/Biden ‘08!
60. TJ | 10.21.08
I remember Obama said way….back then that he was keeping his options open about public financing agreement with McCain because he knew he would be facing “Swift Boat” and other Rovian dirty tricks and he needed lots of money to fight it. That, McCain, is why he did not sign up with you. From what I have learned of McCain, he cannot be trusted on anything.
If all these contributors vote for Obama, we should do ok, right?
I am trying to keep my spirits up but, frankly, I find all of this amateur, filthy, erratic, hateful campaign by McCain very disrespectful and exhausting. It is like being the caretaker of an unruly child. Every 4-5 days they are spouting something new, then, cast it away after it has not worked but only after it has been out there long enough to plant in the minds of their abject followers.
I really believe McCain thinks he will be all forgiven when he returns to the Senate after he is defeated, as the conquering hero who fought the good fight. By then, the Congress should be under full investigation by the media for those anti Americans that Congresswoman Bachmann spoke about. He and she will be at the top of the list. This perpetual bad boy Peck, glorified fly boy who never grew up, thinks he will get a pass because of some notion of honor and respect for his service to country. That disclamer needs to be dropped. It’s like a parent tells an indulgent child: “You are a good boy, Johnny, but you musn’t swing the cat by the tail over the fence.”
No more disclaimers and he should be shunned.
61. Karen Coons | 10.27.08
If the economy is the “worst since the Great Depression” then where do people who have no money for shoes, clothes, groceries, etc get enough money to send Obama 150 million in one month? It doesn’t make any sense. Many of his contributions are untraceable and may be illegal, but who cares about facts when we are on the verge of electing a man who has NO experience and questionable judgdment. And to all of those clamoring for change from the last eight years I didn’t hear the masses complaining when they were linimg up for i-phones,playstation, and x-box.I heard no complaints when their property values doubled and tripled. To compare what we are going through with the Great Depression is insulting to those who lived through it. The ecomomy fluctuates it always has. To raise taxes will plunge us into a eep recession, and I believe Obama wants that so he can “save us” with government handouts so we can surive but not thrive.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Mia | 10.19.08
I LOVE IT!!! GO OBAMA!!!
This is a great American success story! A US President funded by real Americans - not just crooked lobbyists - FINALLY!!!
President Obama is funded by and will answer to people like me… millions and millions of voters sending small amounts of cash ($100 or less) each month…
This is REAL public financing!