Obama's million

Posted: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:16 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
The Obama campaign crossed the one-million-donor threshold today. The ticker on their Web site reads: 1,002,842 people.

At last night's debate Obama said that 90 percent of his money is raised online in small-dollar donations, an average of $109. Aides have said that the campaign barely needs to work the phones, making fundraising calls anymore. Most of the work is done online.

Speculation on the Internet is that the campaign may have raised as much as $50 million in February alone. Staffers smile smugly when you ask about numbers, but have been tight lipped about when they will announce their February figures and how much it might be.

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Comments

What a historical campaign. I don't think it really matters who wins the general election. Obama has set out a blueprint for all future candidates to follow. The days of public ignorance towards politics are long gone. This is the new generation of politics where people are held accountable for their actions and then some. Its time to bring in the american people to the political arena and I am proud to have lived to see this time.

Johnson, New Orleans, LA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:32 PM)

This is a movement owned by the American people. Yes we can.

Jason, Visalia, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:36 PM)

Obama has many questions to answer about why he has been a membe for 20 yrs. of this "racists toward whites" church, with a Pastor who supports and praises Farrakhan, who by the way is the leader of Nation Islam.

John Doe (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:36 PM)

As one of the million who donated to Senator Obama's campaign (my first time ever donating to any campaign)I think this demonstrates that his campaign truly is "publicly" financed. People are happy to donate even just $5 or $10 to be part of something they believe will make America a better place. Those who aren't able to donate make phone calls or canvas. I've never seen or heard of anything like it in my 47 years. I must say I am truly proud of all the Obama supporters for what they have accomplished. All because we believe in the power of hope and change.

Janet, Manchester, NH (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:36 PM)

YEAH!! So proud to be one of the million! One of the million who has donated at least a dozen times and still has a couple thousand $ to go before hitting that 4,600 ceiling.

Congrats to the Obama campaign for running such a smart, sound operation!

Jade (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:37 PM)

As a banker I used to get calls from parents very upset about their children charging things on a credit card or visa check card. I wonder how much of this money is being financed by younger voters and paid for by their parents.

amy (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:38 PM)

Absolutely amazing - a million donors. Unprecedented. Think of it this way; there's 360 million Americans. That means one out of ever 360 have contributed to his campaign. That's .27 percent of the population. Have we ever seen that percentage contribute to all campaigns in a single race combined?

And he doesn't accept money from kids. Most candidates do, and its a way for wealthy parents to get past the limits - donate $2300 per spouse, and then another $2300 for each kid. Obama claims not to take those donations. So the percentage is bigger. Just checked on-line - 20 percent of the population is 14 or younger. I don't know Obama's cutoff (assuming its 18), but if we take just 20 percent off, then its .34 percent.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:39 PM)

Heads up...the Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting John Lewis will endorse Obama today! The nail in the Clinton coffin?

Sue (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:39 PM)

What you fail to mention is; These are first time donors since February 5th.

Jim , Eugene,Oregon (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:40 PM)

Clinton won the debate. I changed my mind and my vote is for Hillary. Barack several times, seemed to stutter. It seemed as if he had a speech impediment marked by involuntary repetitions and pauses.

Roman (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:42 PM)

Of the People and by the people.

The rest of you, come on in, the water's fine.

One of the Million, Everywhere, USA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:44 PM)

I would like to know how the million donors compares with previous presidential campaigns, just how significant is it?

I am told that this is unprecidented - but I would like to have some context.

That said, the million donors demonstrates that Barack is not just all talk. He has mobilized this many people to donate to his campaign, think about what that kind of movement would do for change in this country...congressmen and senators have to answer to their constituencies - if a President can inspire that kind of support, he can bring the change of which he speaks. This is still a democracy.

MKD (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:44 PM)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2oPys_5iXc

This shows you the real change Hussein Obama is all about... kust copying someone else... Change you can Xerox.

John, Los Angeles (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:44 PM)

Thank you for not taking money from special interests and lobbyists Barack. I will donate another $5 as soon as I get paid on Friday.

I am a college student living off of around $430 a month and I will continue to donate everytime I get paid.

Nate, A Midwestern College Kid (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:45 PM)

Congrats Obama! You have proven yourself to be the people's candidate.

TX and OH...PLEASE put an end to this primary...it is within your power to do so. Vote Obama because he is the stronger, smarter, more humble, more tactful, more personable, more genuine, and more electable choice. Obama '08!

Kevin, NM (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:45 PM)

Hey, hey hey, I am one of those 1 million+ and it really feels good to know that I have done my part!!!

Dante (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:46 PM)

I am one of the million or so voters who have contributed to Obama's campaign (several times over this year)$25 or $50 as I've been able.

I voted for Bill Clinton both times and am 62, white, female, and would like to see a woman in the Whitehouse in my lifetime. It's taken some time, using the internet, checking both Obama's and Clinton's website, voting records, etc. and I have made my decision to vote (and volunteer) for Barack Obama. This is the first time in my life as a Democrat that I've donated or volunteered to any political campaign.

I believe our country is in BAD shape after the last 7 years of Bush. Bush's war has cost us lives, and billions of $$$ that could have been spent helping America with poor schools, homelessness, people losing their jobs, retirement, devastation by an illness in the family with no affordable health insurance .....

I feel WE are blessed to have a candidate in Barack Obama. I just watched the full video of Chris Dodd's endorsement speech (found on Obama's website) and my faith in our government is already being restored. (I recommend it).

Change begins with hope that we don't have to accept the way things are.

SharonAustinTX (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:46 PM)

Im one of the million!!!

Naeem (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:47 PM)

No one said change is easy. One million people against the Washington establishment, it's looking more and more possible every day! To all the haters, denouncers, and rejectors, I urge you to keep your hearts AND your minds open, we need every last person. Every last person will inch us closer to forming the largest public coalition in history to actually GET THINGS DONE!

OBAMA '08!

Ron, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:53 PM)

I thank it is great that so many contributors big or small are contributing to the senators campaign. I as an American citzenship of slavery desent am reminded that the fight isn't or the dance is not over until the last opponent fall. With so small of a delegate lead once must not become so capitalistic over money, money. As the old song goes money can bring you love and also trouble. the larger question is who own Barak because he did not have the personal wealth/money the Hillary had entering the race?Did his book sell more than Hillary? Instead of goating self one better begin to ask the hard questions and stop being so anti hillary. Someytimes what you wish for is not always what you thought it wouldbe and thats how I as a democractic vice zone chair feels about what has happen to the lack of questions [hard] being asjked of Barak. So for so many of us that feel like I do , I guess November vote is a McCain vote if Hillary is not on the ticket. So gloat, praise and farwelll because you guys/women are truly wrong on the pulse of our 50+ Afro American women odf slavery desent. Secondly remebe that blacks except for those who are here from Africa just want a black in office and feels that the time is now. They do not care about the economy, all they care about is some one identifying their depair and I am still trying to figure out what Barak is saying TO ME BECAUSE i AM NOT DEPAIRED, i WORK I WANT THE ECONOMY TO BETTER, AND TO BE SAFE HERE AND ABROAD. SO MY FRIEND WRITE ON AND REMEBER YOUR BETTER WITH THE WATER YOU KNOW IN TIMES OF TROUBLRE THAT THE WATER YOU DO NOT KNOW.

C. HUNTER, BUFFALO, NEW YORK (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:55 PM)

Feels great to be one of the million!

Obama's campaign trajectory has been stunning. I understand that people from the Right will always try to tear down those on the Left and vice versa...but I really do believe that Barack, as a person and a candidate, transcends that sort of "politics as usual" knee-jerk partisanship.

Either he is completely genuine and sincere or he's the best salesman I've ever seen. Either way, I'm buying.

Joe, San Diego CA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:56 PM)

Wow! This is the most exciting thing I've ever been a part of! No matter who wins...this is history!

Thed Weller (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:57 PM)

I'm one of the million!

Ben, Nashville (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:58 PM)

To the banker who says she gets calls from angry parents whose kids charge 'unauthorized' campaign donations on their credit cards, I would say that not only is that not Barack's problem, but any parent who is stupid enough to leave confidential financial information where their children or anyone else has access to it (mine is always locked in a firesafe and my cards themselves in my purse, w/ the 'security code' blacked out, as I have it memorized), deserves to be rooked and any banker worth his or her salt should figure out a way of nicely informing them so.

reality check (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:59 PM)

I hope Obama is s good as his acting skills indicate. Too good to be true. The spirit is there , but the ability to follow thru & understand his commitments are not. We don't need a president in the training program. Give him 5/10 more years he'll be great. He is a shmoozer to the max... No much knowledge to back it up.

Jnelson, Sacramento, CA. (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:59 PM)

I too am one of the million donors. I've always been interested in politics but never to this extent. I think Obama and his dedicated staff are to credit for rejuvinating America's interest in politics. We've all taken the reins of this election because we never again want to be duped. I'm proud of my country and the fact that we are again using the power we're granted under a democracy. After Bush's 2nd win I was one of those people who entertained the idea of moving to Canada. My boyfriend is from New Zealand and we entertained the idea of moving there too. Now I can proudly say we have a democracy like no other. Where people fund elections, we reject dynastic politics and that if you have to goods and work hard you can be and do anything in this country.

Jennifer, Seattle, WA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:02 PM)

Amy,
I'm one of those college students you wonder about. On my part, unfortunately my parents can not afford to give me credit cards or pay my tuition. What I donate to this campaign is usually $5.00 that I decide to spend for the campaign instead of going out for the night or buying the more expensive necessity. I'm sure your question was more out of curiousity and not meant to dismiss anyone, but there has been a lot of talk about trust fund babies supporting this campaign, and frankly I would just like to stand up and ask WHERE MY TRUST FUND IS? If Hillary's supporters are out there, know that this is one regular coffee sipping, beat up car driving, old navy flip flop wearing, daughter of a truck driver...

Proud to be part of a million! Yes We Can!

Julia, Carbondale, IL (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:03 PM)

Change is coming, thank God. With these phenomenal statistics, what I'd love to see is Obama so secure by November that he takes part of these donations and tells America he will not spend the money on campaigning but as a foundation to finance his goals. Let's see how the Republican rich folks react to that! Hillary must step down and unite the party. She is refusing to accept that Obama is moving Americans like never before! Rise above the nastiness of Hillary and McCain and DC politicians, we LOVE you!

Susan, Pittsburgh PA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:03 PM)

please keep donating----I donated to Edwards and Dennis------what a waste it was.I have donated to Hillary and will continue to do so unless she ends her campaign.She won the debate and i will not vote for obama in the general---lots of people resigning fom the democratic party and I will probably do the same.That should make it much easier for the obamanoids to control the race to the whitehouse.and not have to worry about us poor,stupid,uneducated voters getting in your way.

HMT-MI (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:03 PM)

Well, I must confess, finally. I am an Obamican; a Repulican who has kept up with and more versed on this Presidential campaign than my democratic colleagues. Yes, I donated. I will likely donate "again". Why? It's simple; Sen. Obama represents a "new" direction. I have voted for the past 30 years, every primary and major election and for the "first time" (uh oh , here it comes) for the "first time" in my "entire" life I see a candidate who embodies what JFK did for my parents generation; Uunity. You can "fight" agianst unity, Hillary; you must fight "for" it. It's in our DNA (although as Americans, we many times fail to show it). People really do want "one" America. It's an new day in "politics" and it belongs to the poeple again. Finally.

Tamara, Beverly Hills, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:04 PM)

The status quo is NO LONGER ACCEPTED as Obama's campaign has become an incredible grass roots movement across this great country;however; battles will still be important vis-a-vis ignorant Americans who will continue to use race, gender and different religions and orientations to continue to put a wedge between us. Case in point John Doe's idiotic "rascist towards whites" comment. The McCain apology I hope is the beginning of national campaign based on ISSUES not character assassination. We can only hope!

juan,ft lauderdale, fl (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:04 PM)

A couple of corrections.

It's 1,000,000 distinct individuals donating since
January 1, 2008.

And there are about 300,000,000 Americans, not
360,000,000.

JP Massar (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:05 PM)

Wow can you believe 1 million people were duped?

No, I don't think that's the case. More like 1 million people are willing to put up their hard earned money to support a candidate with a positive and well thought out message.

Clinton sites her experience as a reason to vote for her. Experience should have taught her to count her pennies (and not her eggs before they hatch) instead of believing she was already the nominee. She blew a lot of money on extravagant purchases like the best hotel rooms, the best drapes, and food. Why should experience count if you don't learn from it or use it? Wasn’t Bill’s first election done on a shoestring budget?

Our country is in a financial crunch from the war and a sluggish economy. Shouldn’t we take into consideration how a candidate manages his money and from whom the candidate is getting his money? I believe these two questions are quite valid and point to Obama and the organization that he has put together. Their attitude and planning has better prepared them to get Obama’s message out, can Hillary say the same thing?

Grey Notch, Helena MT (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:06 PM)

After seeing that photo of Obama dress in that traditional African Dress I donated another 10.00 to help him win. I wish I could donate more , but I was recently layed off at my job. If this is the photo that the oposition is trying to connect him to muslim extremit with , its as shame that people will stoop that low to twist the truth .
I clearly see Mr. Obama being a statesman respecting the traditions of his hosts on a 2006 visit to Africa.
I hope this photo printed for the world to see finally ends to internet rumorsssssssssss.

Now all over the world there is hope that America will have a leader that not afraid to step ia another country's moccosins or relate to them on their own level.

mervin (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:06 PM)

I have donated several times and will continue to do so. I haven't felt this excited about politics since the days of John F. and Robert F. Kennedy (which gives an indication of my age). My children are just as excited and want to be a part of changing the way things are in our country.

Wayne English, Broomfield, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:07 PM)

This historic accomplishment deserves more coverage than just a small blurb in First Read.

MKD (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:08 PM)

Clinton has proven she is ready to be POTUS.
She won the debate handily. Obama's support
comes from people who like the look of the
"package" but are too lazy to look deeper.
Obama surrounds himself with separtists,like
Jeremiah Wright(his spiritual "mentor")who in
turn supports Louis Farrakhan,a racist. Throw in
his Weather Underground pals and we have ourselves
a candidate that represents the people of this
country with lofty rhetoric and pulpit appeal?!
Barack is lost without Michelle or his teleprompter.
America, wake up! Hillary Clinton is the person
we need to lead us out of this quagmire!

Nora Gleason, Desert Hot Springs,Ca (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:10 PM)

"TX and OH...PLEASE put an end to this primary...it is within your power to do so. Vote Obama because he is the stronger, smarter, more humble, more tactful, more personable, more genuine, and more electable choice. Obama '08!" Kevin, NM (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:45 PM)

Kevin, I'm doing my best. I've already early-voted and all of the Obama supporters I know have done the same. All but one of those supporters also plan to caucus on Tuesday. I personally do not know 1 single Clinton supporter (and I'm a 50-year old white woman). I've lived in Houston for almost 27 years and this is the first time my primary vote for president has been anything more than symbolic. I think that Obama is going to destroy Clinton in Houston based on the excitement I'm seeing. Last week, I witnessed complete strangers at the grocery store talking about politics - people are truly engaged in the process. And here in Republican dominated Houston, the early voting in the Democratic party has been more than 3x as much as that in the Republican.

fortuna, Houston, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:10 PM)

Wow!!!! I am so pleased with myself and the candidate I've chosen. I can't remember the last time I've been this engaged in the presedential process. I made my donation without hesitation and will do it again in a heartbeat. You rock OBAMA!

OBAMA '08

OBAMA '08

Shawn, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:10 PM)

OBAMA IS A fake. WAKE UP AMERICA. WHAT WE GOT HERE IS GEORGE BUSH IN A DEMOCRATE SUIT.

SALLY WOOD J.C. KANSAS (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:10 PM)

I am 46 years old and have never donated to any election, other than the $1.00 thay ask for during tax time. This is truly the first time I have ever felt the desire to make a contribution. I am planning on contributing $500.00 of my income tax return.

Change Yes We Can!!!!!! Change Yes I Have!!!!!

Dianna Wingo-Camp, Stockton, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:14 PM)

I'm one of a million, too!!

MaryannInVirginia (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:14 PM)

I'm one of the million---and I'm a registered Republican-----until now!

a of cincinnati (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:15 PM)

Roman, are you actually Bill Clinton? nice try man, if you think Hilary won the debate you need to lay of the "sauce" my friend. its only noon man, at least wait till you get out of work.

xbarretx (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:16 PM)

I am one of the million who have donated. I believe in his message of change and no matter what happens he has made this country stand up and take notice. We don't want a president like Hilalary who will throw a tantrum evrytime something is not going her way. I am so proud to say that I supported the next president of the United States of America.

Jacqueline Thompson, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:16 PM)

MAU (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:16 PM)

I am going to be one of the second million. To help him defeat McCain. 48 year old white male with no college degree and just over 50k year. Thank you for your comments about being one of the first million. It makes me so proud, I have to fight back the tears of hope. President Barack Obama!

Chris, Dorr, MI (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:16 PM)

John, Los Angeles

Take a look at this past Sunday's episode of Meet the Press and see how Hillary's final lines in the Texas debate were 1st part: Bill Clinton & 2nd part: John Edwards. Hypocrite!

Plus, who uses a Xerox anymore? The newer term is Copy & Paste.

Jay, Philadelphia (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:17 PM)

He has an incredible power to draw people to himself and to his ideas. They call it Charisma and I tell you he is an icon in that.

After his 8 years in the White House he will not be able to cope with speaking engagements, worldwide.

ChiChi, Atlanta, Ga (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:19 PM)

John Doe,
THank you,It is nice to see someone on this site looking for answers instead of drinking the koolaid...

Wipe the drool from your chins and WAKE UP!!!!

OH and by the way I am proud not to be one of the million donors.....

Hillary for President,Oh (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:19 PM)

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