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

I think the million donors should be seen as releasing Obama from any obligation to opt for public financing. This IS public financing.

A campaign fueled by this number of small donations from ordinary citizens is the best answer yet to powerful interests controlling our politics. There are always ways around financing laws. Just look at 527s etc.

Finally the American people are taking control and discovering that, together, we can come up with more money than any candidate has ever been able to raise from an elite of wealthy big donors.

If this becomes the model for the future, small money from millions, there is hope for meaningful democratic participation powerful enough to counteract the influence big money. Obama isn't just saying "Yes we can". His whole campaign model is proving it.

This is perhaps the most important aspect of his message of hope. It's not a pipe dream to believe ordinary Americans CAN be empowered. We DON'T have to roll over.

Felix, Littleton CO (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:20 PM)

You Obama supporters think that winning the nomination will be enough. It is not enough just getting to the Super Bowl; you need to win the game.

I will be sitting this one out, thank you very much.

white_male_democrat (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:22 PM)

I'm one of the million, too! Just matched a donation from another supporter for $13.00. This really tells us something! Forget the Naysayers ... Yes, we can!

And John, Los Angeles .. that line didn't work for Hillary and it's not working for you, either. Barack was named for his father(Barack) and grandfather (Hussein) ... just as many of your family probably have done the same. Get off it ... haven't you figured it out by now?? nobody cares!
And John Doe ... Nobody cares about your opinion of Senator Obama's church ... until you've been there, you are only spouting heresay. Many white people have been there and refuted this nonsense about it being a racist church. Get a life, get educated, get a brain and have it installed...

sunny, nv (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:22 PM)

Folks just remember the general election is in the fall. Save some of the long folding green for that joust.

Phred, NH (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:23 PM)

I can't believe "How could 84 million Americans be that Stupid" is going to happen again with Obama.
Pitiful.

Debbie Little Rock (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:23 PM)

To those who state that they will not vote for Obama in the general, I understand. Because there is no way the Hillary gets my vote. I would vote for Nader before her.

Kelly, Tampa (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:24 PM)

Me too! I'm 955,384 (I think)! The counter was moving up about 200 a tick at the time!

Glad to be on board! And me too, my very first monetary contribution to a campaign in my 34 years of voting mostly against the worst candidate, never "for" a candidate that I believed in. Until now, and it feels so good! I was probably 0.0000000001% of the total 63% he won in Maryland a couple weeks back

susan f (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:26 PM)

I am one of the million. I think last night's debate illustrated that Obama has command of the issues and is calm under fire. I also think that Obama has trescended a lot of old school political rules. That should be exciting for a lot of people yet some people still seemed to be afraid of a fresh young pol.

S Carter, Sacramento, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:27 PM)

We always expected to lose 11 in a row and be vastly out-raised.

Obama hitting the 1,000,000 donor mark is simply further proof that Senator Clinton is just about to lock down the nomination.

Harold Ickes (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:28 PM)

This is an amazing thing! My boyz, Barry Obama and Tiger Woods, have already locked up "2008 Man of the Year" in their respective fields. They are my heros for what they have already accomplished in their lives.

I really pray and hope that those who are posting such negative comments about Obama aren't really that ignorant and bigoted. It's okay to be disappointed that America disagrees with your choice for president, but don't trade disappointment for stupidity. Just relax, relate, release, and register at www.barackobama.com!!!! Donate $20 to the next President of the United States of America.

Tre', Washington, DC (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:29 PM)

How can so many Americans be blind, deaf and dumb about Barack?

Debbie Mayflower, AR (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:29 PM)

BARRACK YOU THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JOHN MCCAIN (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:33 PM)

Why is it that when Hillary is answering a question hObama is writing and then sticks his finger in the air to interrupt?If you don't believe me look at the video---he acts like the guys asking the questions only have their eyes on him.What an arrogant pompous a$$.It has happened in all the debates.And yes he stutters almost as bad as George Bush.Last night when he was going on and on how much he loved the jewish people I took a catnap.Did he pull the chair out from under Hillary like he did in the last debate?

HMT-MI (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:37 PM)

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

Is Hillary now out-sourcing her internet trolls. I find it hard to believe there's a Democrat of voting age in this country who can't spell Democrat.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:39 PM)

I am also one in a million+ and I will continue to support Obama monthly!
OBAMA 08!!

Lisa, Cashmere, WA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:39 PM)

What is the most number of contributors in a campaign prior to this year with Obama? And we are just at the begining.

David - STL (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:41 PM)

Senator Obama,

Thanks for keeping your dignity during the Ohio debate; Hiliary has lost her cool; She is a tirant with to many mood swings; she would be dangerous in the White House!!

Dorothy O, Maryville, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:43 PM)

I feel it. I felt in a year ago when I first got involved in Obama's campaign. I've never seen citizens so informed about politics and personally invested in making our country better. It has become a movement that I'm proud to be part of!

Proud to be one of the million!

Yes We Can. Texans for OBAMA!

Texas Chap (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:45 PM)

Senator Obama,

Thanks for keeping your dignity during the Ohio debate; Hiliary has lost her cool; She is a tirant with to many mood swings; she would be dangerous in the White House!!

Dorothy O, Maryville, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:45 PM)

It seems that Americans had become "Fanatics" toward an empty ship, named- OBAMA. If, I need any type of service, such, as government, medical, etc., I do not need an aprentice without a trade; which, Obama exemplify. I am not an Obama fan; however, I am very empathetic with the Africa-American people on their desire to elect their 1st African-American president; if, they do- that will be a great achievement for then, and I would be happy for then, also. On the other hand, Mr. Obama is not the best candidate, but if enough Fanatics want to make him President- whatever, they get they asked for. My candidate is McCain- a Patriotic man, experience, and with a clear vision of the future.

Mnervil (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:46 PM)

Truly a campaign " of the people, by the people, for the people." I am proud to be an American today because of the Obama campaign. The American people are behind you Barack. YES WE CAN! GO OBAMA GO!

S. Bennett (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:47 PM)

I'm one of the million!!! So happy and proud to be an American and vote for a candidate and campaign that has integrity, honesty, hard work and sacrifice. That's what the spirit of America is all about.

Nothing can stand in the way of millions and millions of Americans calling for change.

Pround mama, Avondale, GA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:49 PM)

Congrats!!! What an accomplishment, and I must say I have donate twice. One of the million!

Just A Mom, Renton WA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:52 PM)

Congratulations,Obama for the way you have run your campaign. I have always voted in the presidential race but never believed the politicians would really work for the people. This year I went to my first caucus,gave my first donation,and was elected as a delegate from my state to attend the democratic National convention in Denver. I believe in the track record of Obama and that with him the people will take back their government. "Yes We Can"
One million now and that's just a start!!
NGL Seattle WA

Nesbia Lopes, Federal Way, WA. (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:53 PM)

No joke... I am a 40 yr old man and this has me crying at work! Wow. Proud is not a big enough word!
@Fortuna - you nailed it!

Yes We Can!

Dallas Democrat (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:53 PM)

I'm one in a million! I've volunteered and donated!!! And will keep doing right into November.

Joy (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:53 PM)

Thias is a movement by the Nationof Islam and obams ties to Farakhaan - the will get obama watch and see - he shouldn't ahv estalled on rejecting Farakhaan, obama will be gotten by the same type hate group that he refused to reject last night. So be it...big money letting him ease through the election in the media so finally something fair...live by the sword die by the sword - i dont have crystal ball but I imagine this to become true withina very short time after his election.

tsg (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:57 PM)

I am one of the million, and I am so proud to be a part of this amazing, positive movement. I have never contributed to a candidate before (not even the $1 on the tax return!), and if you would have told me even three months ago that I would be contributing to a candidate during the primaries, I would have told you that you're crazy! (of course, I also would have asked, "What exactly are the primaries?!") Now not only have I voted in the TN primary, made calls to other states, and donated money, I am keeping tabs on the political process and finding out more about how the whole process works. What an amazing thing - Obama now has me interested in politics! I love the winds of change that are blowing across this nation - and like the wind, you can see the effects of it everywhere and feel its power simply by standing close to it. I have hope - and inspiration - and a new sense of pride in my country! Go Obama '08!

Kathy, Nashville, TN (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:59 PM)

To the person who compared Barack Obama to the current President Bush, let me provide a plain and simple convincing argument against your comparison. George Bush most notable accomplishment while in school was Cheerleader. Barack Obama was President of the Harvard Law Review...Oooh...nuff said.

Pamela Angulo, Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:01 PM)

I am one of the million - and first time contributor to any campaign. I consider myself a conservative/independent African American Female Christian. I was not observing the election until around mid-January. I have only viewed the last three Democratic debates - so I missed the first 17. I have really studied the two Democratic candidates and the comments made by them and others. I became very interested in the church Obama attended and went to their web page. As I thought, it is like most predomantly African American churches where their motto is about empowerment and building a community that has been disinfranchised - not a racist movement-but ministering to those whom they serve. I also do not support Farrakhan, but because I know that we will have disagreements, I am compelled not tear down even when someone's view are contrary to mine, keeping my eye on the big picture. It is common knowledge that the most segregated place on Sunday is church - whether predomonly Black, White or any other ethnic group and all go the distance to meet the need of those we serve. Isn't it great to see Obama breaking down those barriers - and hopefully our differences will not continue to separated us. Its a new day and there is nothing wrong with all of us embracing our heritage as we embrace each other and our country. I am excited, and encouraged! Dyanne SavannahGA

Dyanne Reese (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:06 PM)

I'm on of the million and so is my wife!!!!! Texas For OBAMA!

Mike T (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:07 PM)

Go ahead and donate money to barack hussien. He wants the CHANGE you have in your pocket to. Oh, I forgot,,the change is for after he gets in the whitehouse. I still can't believe the true democrats are going hog wild and pig crazy over this unknown figure named barack hussien. So it must be a lot of the republicans and others that are not thinking straight. A vote for barack hussien is a vote for McCain.

Ann, Hohenwald, TN (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:17 PM)

HC is blaming everyone but herself and her failed ideas. If I have to pay more in taxes for a president that can actually talk, so be it!!!

Jay, wheaton,il (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:18 PM)

Aswini Anburajan like all the others at NBC/MSNBC are a disgrace to journalism. They're incapable of stating "The Facts." They interject their personal opinions in a way that is unethical as journalist.

Obviously anyone that has a mouth and can produce sound when their mouth is open, can be a journalist, or political "Expert" these days.

Opinions are like a** h***s, everyone has one.

unethics in journalism (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:19 PM)

I'm for either Dem who wins the nomination. I'm not going to let Bush Jr. "McCain" Keep us in a war where we should not be. Whichever Dem win's vote for them regardless of your pride.
I'm a white male southerner and I'm proud to be 1 of the million to donate to Obama. I'm tired of the Dynasty of Clinton and Bush. Obama brings new blood and new people. We do not need the same old same old in office bringing back all thier buddies into the white house.

John Charlotte NC (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:20 PM)

what about the report in "Reader's Digest" where they found donations from children in the amount of $2300.00...i think ages 2,7, and 9...that's some well off piggy banks backing obama...can the press investigate that??? i hope you people don't donate all your money to him yet because you will need it to pay for all the tax increases he will implement to pay for all the promises he has promised...maybe we should send word to congress that we no longer the bonus checks in the spring the economy is fine it's just going to obama...hillary or mccain 08

still a book reader, ms library (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:23 PM)

I'm one of the million donors as well, like so many, i've never donated to a political campaign in my life. My first GE, i voted for Bill Clinton, then voted for him again. I have no trust fund, i don't drink latte, and i've never wore birkenstock. LOL...Change is coming!!

One million and counting (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:24 PM)

John Doe and H for P,

Can you actually say something substantive and intelligent that is relevant to the blog, instead of punching your "paste" key and throwing garbage into the middle of an otherwise civil exchange?

jac13 (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:27 PM)

Amy, isn't a parents responsibility to control their kids use of credit cards? Your comment about the donations to Obama was foolish and were you my banker I'd changed banks in the morning.

Lee

Lee Nichols, Plazac, France (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:29 PM)

I thought Hillary won the debate. I also believe that MSNBC is slanted toward Obama and away from Hillary. And she was right to ask why she is repeatedly asked a question first. Could it be that it allows Obama to attack Hillary, while at the same time allowing him to leach off her answer. Did you notice how many times Obama's only response was "I agree with Hillary," then he would attack her? Did you notice how weak he was when answering the question about Putin's successor? Then he of course attacked Hillary. Did you notice that the commentators asked Hillary that question first?
Last night was telling: Hillary is the right candidate, but unfortunately no one in the media wants to cover that story.

Roberta Brooks Martinez, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:36 PM)

No matter who pulls this off in the next weeks, Obama's campaign was brilliantly run with the fundraising and building a grass roots organization on small donors. He has managed to have great numbers of terrific Senators and Governors support him and again, no matter what happens, we will be talking about this election cycle for years.

Barbara C., Pompano Beach, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:39 PM)

Mervin,

Like you, I, too donated as soon as I saw the picture of Obama dressed in traditional African dress. So glad to see that many of us will help Barack and refuse to put up with the negative campaign ads and the 2008 version of "Swift Boating."

Yes We Can, and Yes We ARE!

Renee, Atlanta, GA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:40 PM)

For every Democrat that wants to sit at home, Let go out and get other registered to vote. Give as part of the 1 million, but go beyond giving money and give time, also. get at least 5 people registered to vote, and counter the divided ones who don't want to vote.

yes we can

Rhonda, Oakland, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:42 PM)

Thank you Kathy, Nashville, TN
Thank you Dallas Democrat
Thank you Proud Mamma
Go Obama '08!
I know what you mean Dallas Democrat. 48 year old white male, at work, trying not to let anyone see me fighting back the tears. I can't explain it.

Chris, Dorr, MI (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:48 PM)

I am one of a million!

I also purchased a couple of the shirts.

What gets me is Hillary Clinton supporters are so proud of their candidate. Why don't they put their names by their posts. Some of you do and I respect you and your opinion. But if you want to post as a "John Doe" or "Hillary for President" you seem like nothing but a hateful, spiteful person.

Jerry Wayne Walker, Las Vegas (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:53 PM)

I am always encouraged by you individuals that continue to attack Barack. To ensure he has enough money to fight off your empty attacks, I just donating again (twice in one hour). Keep typing and I will keep donating.

An unwavering Barack Hussein Obama Supporter.

Since when did people begin to fear names? Is Paul ok? Shelly? John? Lashanda? Enrique? Ali? Exactly what part of someone's name scares you?

Lisa, San Diego, California (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:00 PM)

john doe:
alright already, we get your point, we're just not paying attention to you........

deb (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:05 PM)

Julia in Carbondale, as an old Saluki who got "Clean for Gene" 40 years ago, I'm proud to see college students flock to Barack and believe in change. I'm one of the million also and I'm a 50 year white male who can't wait to kick the Repubs patoot in November.

YES WE CAN!!! GIVE 'EM HELL BARACK!!!

Dave, AZ (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:10 PM)

I'm a first time political donor as well. I supported Obama from the start although I was never sure of his chances with the Almighty Clinton Political Machine to overcome. Fellow Obama supporters look how far our campaign has come since March 1st, 2007. Let's keep up the good work, make donations, volunteer or make phone calls.

Obama in 08!

AJ, IL (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:30 PM)

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