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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



Obama raises more than $40 million

Posted: Thursday, April 03, 2008 10:07 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
The Obama campaign has issued a press release saying it raised more than $40 million in March. This amount is less than the $55 million it raised it February -- but it's still a significant haul.

The Obama press release...
CHICAGO, IL-Senator Barack Obama's campaign announced today that more than 442,000 contributors across the country gave more than $40 million in March. More than 218,000 donors contributed to the campaign for the first time, and the average contribution level was $96.
"Senator Obama has always said that this campaign would rise or fall on the willingness of the American people to become partners in an effort to change our politics and start a new chapter in our history," campaign manager David Plouffe said. "Today we're seeing the American people's extraordinary desire to change Washington, as tens of thousands of new contributors joined the more than a million Americans who have already taken ownership of this campaign for change. Many of our contributors are volunteering for the campaign, making our campaign the largest grassroots army in recent political history."
March Fundraising by the Numbers
Total Raised in March: More than $40 million
Contributors in March: More than 442,000
First-Time Contributors in March: More than 218,000
Average Contribution: $96
Total Contributors to Date: More than 1,276,000

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Considering the beating that the average consumer took in March, this is an especially staggering number.  Looks like Clinton will have to show up on Leno daily from now on in order to get some air time.
Fabulous........he did so because people like me send him $25 dollars regularly.....
It is not every presidential election that we increase our chances of success by choosing the high road. Is this year an anomaly? Could it be a beginning?
Obama will be the next President of the United States.  Americans are tired of the same old same old routine.  Unfortunately, Hillary Clinton is part of that cycle.  We need new leadership, new vision, a new conversation, and someone that can show that they know how to manage their money.  It is sad to see Clinton struggle in accepting that she won't be the nominee, but she will need to accept this defeat with the graciousness I'm sure she is capable of.
First :)
I am so happy to be part of that $40 million total. This is the first time in my life that I have ever sent money to a candidate. And I am a 48-year-old Democrat.
Doesn't HRC get it?   The people WANT OBAMA NOT HER!!!
With that kind of grassroot money raising ability, Obama sure sounds unelectable to me! Man, the nerve of that guy and all of his supporters who want to take back the Government for the people, who do they think they are!
The amount of money people are funding to Omaba campaign proves clearly the people are speaking out threw Obama message across the country.
Senator Obama has raised over $122M dollars in his campaign for president according to his numbers. While this is not a criticism of him, it makes me wonder how corrupt government really must be to spend all that money for an opportunity to become president at a salary of $400,000. There must be other perks that the American public is unaware of or the candidates are on such ego trips that they want all this power. Do you think we need to question the process? This is why successful business people don't run for office. They have all the ego and money they need.
First!
Doesn't HRC get it?   The people WANT OBAMA NOT HER!!!
Obama is people powered.
I thought the economy was so bad that no one could spare $96?
I find it amazing the amount of money being spent on campaigns.  We are facing some serious financial issues in this country and all that money could be better spent to benefit those people who need it.(Foreclosures)  We NEED to control the campaign spending so it is more equitable to all.
The amreican peopl are saying we want our country back. They are saying no more politics of the past.
hmmm so 442,000 * 96 would be more than 42million, no?  Pretty good month..
This is amazing. It's one of the many examples that Americans won't be divided and conquered this time after all of the divisive rhetoric from some in the media.

Say no to Divide and Conquer Politics
This is the real indication to the Democratic Party and the Clinton(s) campaign about who should be the nominee. Never mind polls or pundits. Despite the economic downturn, the American People are showing their support for Obama in hard cash. If George Bush was so sure that the US should have invaded Afghanistan and Iraq and that he had the support of Americans, maybe this is the way those decisions should have been funded.
That is what I'm talking about. Power back to the people. Afterall, this is supposed to be a democracy not a government by families.

It's time to choose wisdom and sound judgement. It's not how many years you spend in Washington that matters, its theability to use common sense to make sound judgement that matters. May politicians with years of experience have failed the American public. It's our time to be heard. We want our goverment to listen to us and do the people's job.

How Obama campaingt is funded is an evidence of how he will govern as President. Let's vote for real change that we can believe in.

"Yes We Can"
Go Obama!!!! I think I will donate another $25. Can't take anything for granted, got to keep the pressure up until Bill and Hillary finally quit already!

Obama 08!!!
Senator Obama is shattering all campaign donation records.  No other candidate in U.S. history has ever raised money like this.  We have the movement, we have the money.  THE PEOPLE are taking our government back from the lobbyists and big business.  Look out Washington, here we come.  There's no stopping us now.  The fat lady is humming.
GREAT for Obama.  What is strange to me is, Hillary said she can beat McCain and Obama can not, but she can't beat Obama.
I am extremely happy that this is done on a grass roots level.  It gives a level playing field for someone to run for President who don't have the FAT CATS backing them. I must say this is the Proudest time in my Life not just my adulthood.  Oh yes, I mean every part of what I just said.
The American Political Process is at work.  

Obama '08
Go OBAMA. Clinton's corrupt machine and their fat cats are no match for people's power.
We are one of those contributors. We never contributed to any political-related organization before. However, Sen. Obama has that effect on people that if you have your last dollar left, and you need to invest it in something, he's worth investing - less risky and have the probability of a higher rate of return. I hope he'll win the presidency. I am proud to be an American. With him being the president, I will be prouder.
My husband and I helped with that 40 million.

It is sad that some news organizations like Newsweek are trying to tie Obama to oil companies.  In reality, these contributions are from individuals, not donations from the companies.   I myself work for a large company, and it upsets me to think that my donations to Obama will be misrepresented by the media, and presented like a donation from my company, not me.  I know my bosses are donating to Hillary, and I feel that "worker bees" across the country are being misrepresented in the news media.  

Obama has run a very dignified campaign, and I truly believe in his wisdom to guide our country in the right direction.  I am also shocked that the VP of the 9/11 Commission's endorsement of Obama has not been widely reported in the media.  
Hmm...I guess that old saying about a fool and their money still holds true.
No surprise.  I have given Obama $25 a month per month since Jan.
barack-obama is the light that the world need,no one among the other two can justify that.
barack-obama is the light that the world need,no one among the other two can justify that.
At least these contributions tell the truth unlike the Clintons!  I'm fired up and ready to go!

Obama 08
And none of that money came from lobbyists! Can Hillary say that? NOPE! and she still raises less money!
OBAMA 08!
this proves it time for clinton to drop out
$50 million... a 'significant haul'?

Yep, it STILL breaks everyone else's records--ever.

It's a new day--in more than one way (and this story is the least of it.)

"Change" isn't just a promise and it doesn't come from one person.  ...Can't you feel it already??
I'm a proud first time donor to his campaign - I sent a check in for $100 in March. But my wife when she saw the nice thank-you postcard I received in the mail from the Obama campaign said "Why did you give that man money? - he doesn't need it give it to me!"
I am anxious to see how the numbers look for Senator Clinton...that is if she isn't too busy waiting for the phone to ring at 3a.m.!
I'm so proud of American young people. The future is bright.
I think the American people desire change in our poltical process and I believe the democratic will support Obama as their leader to make this change. With Hillary and John McCain there will be no change, the same ole same, politic as usual. Get the old out and put some new blood in the White House. We don't need anymore Clintons or Bushes there any longer. With John McCain we will have more of the Bush way of government, so get them out, and get some new ideas in the White House.
The american people is speaking loud and clear who they want as their next president.  I am sure that Mr. Obama is paying his employees heath issurance and his need to be president is not bigger the those of his workers health.
The Clintons are on an ego trip. The party is more important than their ambitions. Viva Obama
Is it just me or has our nation gone mad.  I find it absolutely ludicrous that we do not put a cap on the amount a money a politician can raise for a campaign.  40 million in one month while people can't buy gas, are losing their homes and children are starving.  What has happened to the morals of our nation when we find spending on money on this more important.  Try to raise that much money to put towards or deficits, or dwindling social security funds it would never happen. Buts lets give it all to one person who may or may not win a race. I say it its time we put a cap on spending for all politicians running for president let them run with the same amount of funds not some ludicrous amount the could feed nations and let the best man or women win.
Good work. Isn't this the real campaign reform? Not the endless campaign reform in Washington with gaping loop holes.
I've been making small contributions to the Obama campaign for months, but increased my donations after the frightening revelations of Rev. Wright's sermons.  I know Obama isn't perfect, but I believe his candidacy offers the best chance to truly create "a more perfect union."  While I admire Hillary’s tenacity, she along with McCain represent the same old soup.  I am confidant that Barack can lead our nation with intelligence and compassion.
I am getting ready to send another small contribution.  I am one of those small donors and I send a little bit every other week.  Thanks for reporting this. I was wondering what effect "Cable News" and the exhaustive coverage of "religion" would have on his fundraising abilities this month.
Bravo!  I contributed to Sen. Obama a prior month-I bet others are out there like me who may not be a part of the 442,000 in March.  Can you imagine if you add the number of folks who contributed-in aggregate since the campaign began (a list that would include one timers, those who gave other months) the number would far exceed 442,000.  I wish the superdelegates would pay some attention to these numbers-if they don't, we'll be watching for their next election cycle!  Democracy is for the many, not just the few!!!
I am one of those supporters that donates on a monthly basis.  I do so because I think it is a small price to pay for change!  I have never given money to a political campaign before or been involved in politics.  Unfortunately, it took 12 disastrous years to realize what happens to our government when people do not get involved.
The american people is speaking loud and clear who they want as their next president.  I am sure that Mr. Obama is paying his employees heath issurance and his need to be president is not bigger the those of his workers health.


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