Obama’s on the Money (The Nation)

Obama’s on the Money

Ari Berman

The way that money has come to define politics is truly sickening. That said, raising $25 million from 100,000 people without taking a dime from lobbyists--as Barack Obama announced today--is pretty darn impressive.

The Clinton's have long been masters of the money chase. Now Obama has sent a message to political insiders that he can match Hillary's campaign, if not one up her. In the first quarter of this year, he raised money from twice as many people as she did. More intriguingly, $6.9 million came from 50,000 donors online. Ninety percent of that money came in the form of $100 donations or less. Half of those people gave around $25.

That means Obama has amassed a sizeable grassroots donor base. He's not just raising money from well-heeled fat cats, although I am sure there is some of that as well. We'll know exactly who raised what from whom--and how much the campaigns spent--when the full fundraising numbers are released on April 15.

Hillary hoped to blow her competitors out of the water this week with an unprecedented infusion of cash. That didn't happen. The race is very much on.

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?bid=45&pid=182208

....Obama is the Dean like candidate in terms of grassroots donor support. Trippi said in his experience a lot of these small money donors who give $25 to $50 will give five or ten more times by the time it's all said and done, and in the end they benefit your campaign by providing you with the necessary cash when you need it. Their donation may be small, but it adds up. And Obama is paving the way for grassroots fundraising.

Edwards is also doing well. Didn't 80% of his come from 100 dollars or less donors? Absolutely wonderful. Edwards and Obama are quite impressive IMHO!!

I think either Obama or Edwards would be great candidates.

By even implying the spin that Obama is like Dean in 2004, it's as though his candidacy will be all for naught. It's too early to tell, but I would suggest that Senator Clinton will have to resort to Plan B to stop Obama...and it won't stick...

n/t

I think that Howard Dean had about $5 million, but don't quote me on that.

not just the media darlings....

The greater number of them want, prefer, Obama. :thumbsup:

Not much of a "race" if you ask me. That's a very distinct and clear message I see.