Obama raises $30 million-plus in April

Posted: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:24 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
Just a couple of minutes before Clinton began speaking from Louisville, KY, the Obama campaign announced that it had raised $31.3 million in the month of April -- about $1 million a day. In addition, it raised about $600,000 in funds that can be used only for the general election.

Obama's April haul was down from the approximately $40 million it raised in March.

Other numbers from the campaign: there were 200,000 new donors in April; 94% of the month's contributions were under $200; by the end of April, 1.475 million Americans have donated to the Obama campaign; and the campaign's total cash on hand is $37.3 million (plus an additional $9.2 million for the general).

By comparison, the AP is reporting that McCain raised $18 million in April and has nearly $22 million cash on hand.

The Clinton campaign has yet to release its April fundraising numbers.

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Comments

That last sentence in the First Read report
says it ALL about the Clinton campaign.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:28 PM)

The Clinton campaign doesn't release negative numbers.

Heidi in Houston (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:31 PM)

I got a fundraising call from the Clinton campaign before 5% of the votes were reported in KY tonite. I can't believe NE1 is still giving them money! That's pretty much what I told them too.

Liz in SD (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:32 PM)

Thanks Mark Murray for bringing us Obama supporters this wonderful ray of sunshine.

I think the money has spoken that Barack Obama is the most electable candidate in November. As Stephen Colbert says "the market has spoken!".

Very telling that "Bag Lady" Hillary didn't fare so well and is probably even further in debt than the month before. If she isn't reporting then she hasn't got anything to brag about on the money front. Just speaks volumes to her complete incompetence to handle money. Good thing she has Bill to cover her back on the money she's wasted.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:35 PM)

HRC's victory speech is absolutely pathetic! I have been torn in the past weeks since the NC primary but I will never sway with my emotions again. I feel NO sympathy for HRC anymore. She is attempting to divide the party and it is absolutely sickening. She is straddling both sides of the fence - saying that she is best ready to lead the country and on the other hand she will support the democratic nominee! Incredible. I'm basically out of words. She is done and I will never vote for another Clinton for the rest of my entire life!!!!!

NC for OBAMA 08' (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:37 PM)

Wake Up America! Now isn't Barack Obama the next president that you want handling our country's finances? Just look at the brilliance of his financial performance this primary campaign and think what he'll do for our country with his "PayGo" financial philosophy.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:37 PM)

Do the McCain cash on hand numbers include general election cash?

Mark, Camrbidg , MA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:40 PM)

My guys, and gals are genuises. I love them. I will keep my shoulder to the wagon 'til the deed is done.

My donations are my joy in this campaign. Cash on the barrel head is the proof of sincere support born of faith, that only purity can muster.

That is why Obama is rich.

Pulling for Obama '08

donna (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:40 PM)

I just mailed another $25 contribution to Obama today. Whenever hillbillary's campaign calls I keep telling them no and not to call me again, but they don't listen, just like Hillbillary. Hear me now Hillbillary, go away and quit embarassing yourself.

justthinkinoutloud (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:41 PM)

what's obama doing with all that money? 30 million tell him not to spend it all in one place.

ge`pa`` (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:42 PM)

Other than the FIGHT/UNITE changing themes in Hillary's victory speech (I'm convinced she's bipolar - she's pivoting her stance all over the stage!)...here are the highlights from Hillary's KY speech:
-"Go to Hillary Clinton dot com and give me your money" - what else is new
- "As Kentucky goes, so does the nation" - just like every state she's won
- Bragging about taking money from a baby again. An 11 year-old sold his bike and video games to contribute to her campaign and she's has $109M in her personal coffers. For her to brag about taking money from a kid who has no clue about politics and now has nothing to do in his spare time... you shocked me with that one once in WV and NOW you've brought it up AGAIN, Hillary! It is shameless that your campaign is so BROKE, you would accept this kid's money, this kid who knows nothing about politics. Sickening!!

At least they didn't grab the token black man, in a bright yellow shirt, away from his meal in the restaurant across the street, and throw him behind you on the stage like you did in WV.

This woman is priceless!

Heidi in Houston (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:43 PM)

If Hillary steals this nomination, I will not vote for her, nor will a large number of friend, relatives and co workers. We will all work to see that she is not elected. Colorado for Obama

sam (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:50 PM)

Senator Obama probably would have gotten more, but there are donors who will not give any more until they know FOR A FACT that our hard earned money will NOT go to Clinton.

Clintons Campaign Fraud Case (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:54 PM)

John McCain’s chief media adviser said Tuesday he is stepping down rather than campaign against Barack Obama. Report the news MSNBC

Eric (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:56 PM)

Good to see the REAL Dem base still supports the next president of the United States in a very tangible form.

Alan, NJ: Union members often vote Republican (a party's base votes for the party or stays home). Liberals can be over 30. And people other than blue collar whites work hard. I own my own business and I can assure you I work my ass off.

Ian (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:59 PM)

Like MOST of Obama's supporters, I have given and am committed but can still give more.. ..and will. Our well is deep. Clinton has had to create these other committees to raise money from her contributers who have maxed out in what they can give her legally. Now they are asked to give to The American Leadership Project which is manned by former clinton aides etc.
Obama does not have to circumvent campaign finance laws because he has a broader base of contributors not just the same old deep pockets. Go Obama.

The Simpsons Portland Oregon (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:59 PM)

Quite simply, attrition warfare is the only way you can fight against an emboldened enemy and the old guard of the Democratic party. Did you honestly expect the Clintons go to graciously? They don't play fair. They never have. You can see that as tenacious and bold or utterly classless.

The other issue that no one wants to talk about is the fear of the black man in power. That is what is shaping the Appalachian primaries. No matter what spin you put on it, this race is forcing us to confront the truth. Identity politics and race matters to the vast majority of voters. Bemoan it if you wish, but refusing to acknowledge it as fact will only delay our refusal to confront the ugly truth.

Let's call it out, deal with it, and then unite this country. Please. We've been intellectually constipated long enough.

Comrade Kevin, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:59 PM)

Whenever she report it, there will be a negative sign in front of it. She is not paying her bills. How on earth does she expect to run a country with financial problems and she can't run a campaign. She will do a worst job than Bush.

Ruthie, GA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:05 PM)

Barack Obama is the best canidate for President. We don't understand why some Hillary voters can't see her ability to handle her own campaign funds and always in debt? How could Hillary handle the entire Country and other Countries funds? Questions many need to ask before voting for her again.

Monique Marietta, GA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:07 PM)

I went into Super Tuesday prepared to vote for Ron Paul. I wrote the checks, attended the rallies, and sported the bumper sticker, because the same old ways of doing business just aren't working. Then this hard-working white American came home on February 4th and heard Bill Clinton's voice on my answering machine. On February 5th, I voted Democrat for the 1st time in a presidential race with a completely blind vote for Barack Obama.

After that, I started listening to Democrat debates. I started paying attention to what the candidates - on both sides of the aisle. Barack Obama has more integrity in his left pinky finger than both Clintons combined.

Our nation needs drastic change, now! I am female, pro-life, and fiscally conservative. But I will agree to disagree with Barack Obama on certain policy issues if it will bring our troops home, help the uninsured who want healthcare to get it, and change the direction of the destruction of our planet.

Someone needs to call up the former president and repeat some words from this campaign - "She cannot win, Bill, she cannot win."

I don't begrudge Hillary supporters, I begrudge the Clintons. We all have the right to support who we want - that's what makes this America. But I for one am tired of the vitriol and lies from the Clintons and their cronies.

Write a check to Obama. He will use it wisely.

Elizabeth, Nashville, TN (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:07 PM)

With all the money he got - amazing could not get WV or KY.

Lisa S - Phila, PA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:08 PM)

Eric,
MSNBC already reported this earlier today on First Read. You just need to go to the next page of First Read headlines:
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/05/20/1044179.aspx

Great news, I know!

Heidi in Houston (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:10 PM)

Monique Marietta, GA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:11 PM)

'Po Hillary...rolling pennies for gas money broke! Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Um, if Hillary can't manage her own finances, how can we expect her to fiscally manage the country?

Smick, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:15 PM)

How exciting the 2 to 1 victory for Hillary with nearly 400,000 votes in KY to BO's 182,000. And, as expected, the funeral parlor of MSNBC has not only trotted the Obama mouthpieces of Andrea, Chris & Keith out to put yet another "presumed" death nail in the Coffin. And all you in FR can talk about is the release of BO's fundraising announced as Hillary started to speak. Do you really think all of you are going to be able to continue to drown out Hillary's incredible victories and BO's humiliating losses in these days when he is allowing his surrogates to call him the *presumptive nominee* and take victory laps in the face of defeat??? How revolting! Hillary has done this with her supporters, Bill and Chelsea. She has received 0 help from the party establishment, namely, Nancy Pelosi, Clair McCaskill, and many other congressional women (disgraceful!), the congressional men in droves - the latest of which is Senator Byrd (that has got to be blatant sexism - there is no other rationale with his state of W.VA. going overwhelmingly for Hillary.) Hillary has gotten no help from any of these officials who prefer a complete unknown rather than the incredible qualities she brings to the presidency. All of this because of fear of her getting ahead of them. Should HC, after all of this not win the nomination (which I think she will!), this is why I, under no circumstances, will NOT - NOOOOOOOOOT - vote for BO. He is clearly out of his league, but primarily my republican vote (life-long, liberal democrat here)will be AGAINST the Democratic Party establishment and the way they have tried to ignore HC out of this race. Then the insane racism they have been accused of is next in line for my wrath. Unity - No Way in hell! FranSC

Fran Wells, N. Myrtle Beach, SC (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:16 PM)

Congratulations to Senator Obama on the contributions received in April. I'm proud to say that I was one of the millions of people who donated to Senator Obama's campaign. However, I did inform the campaign that although I remain an avid supporter, I will withhold making any additional monetary donations until they make clear formally and in writing that donations will not be used to pay off Senator Clinton's campaign debt. Of course, campaign donors typically give with the understanding that they cannot dictate how the money will be spent. Senator Obama's campaign has continually demonstrated fiscal responsibility. I am a hard-working American and I feel the economic crunch so many other hard-working Americans feel. I give what I can afford to support Senator Obama. However, I can't in good faith, donate my well-earned money to pay off Senator Clinton's campaign debt via Senator Obama's campaign. I have my own debt to worry about and wholeheartedly refuse to have one dime of my money used to pay for the fiscal irresponsibility of Senator Clinton's campaign. Many other supporters relayed that same message to the Obama Campaign. Perhaps that's why there was a drop in the amount the campaign received last month. Still, $31.3 million is impressive.

TD, Wilmington, DE (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:16 PM)

Obama legally CANNOT pay off Hillary's debt out of our donations. The only way he could help her is to have a special fundraiser designated for her.

Terry, IN (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:19 PM)

So who care if the "Chicago style politian" raises tons of money, mob money probbaly. I just don't trust this boy, and I sure don't care for a chicago mob polititian to be president of the free world. Not much better than a want to be cowboy.
Great speach Hillary, great win,keep it up, you can beat the snot out of this youngster, take it to the convention and send Obama home unless you want 4 more years of bush style rule with Mccain.

Union Baby, Tennessee (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:19 PM)

you have not stated that with the $30m, obama has beaten the record for TOTAL previously held by George Bush.

sem, va (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:20 PM)

Looks like all you Anti-Clinton People out there want a Moslem running our great Country, you had better do a little better research on the Obama man !!!!!! He was born a Moslem, raised a Moslem & by his own words said if things got too bad he would stand on the side of the Muslems!!!! We would all be better off casting our vote for John McCain !!!! Think about it, who of the three really has the experience, and I am not a republican !!!!

W. Keeton Fayetteville, Ar, (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:20 PM)

Well Clintonites,the support that you show your candidate is sending her to the poorhouse. keep up the good work! Your vote is meaningless without the support.

Go Obama! 08 09 10 11 12

feedup in Va. (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:26 PM)

I wonder if Tony Rezko helped Obama to raise all that money???

Can Obama beat McCain w/o large portions of white people??

CowboyJack (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:31 PM)

She raised only $22 million in April..not much especially after her so called, "Earth shattering" victories...

Yaj Dor. Miami. FL (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:33 PM)

I just donated another $25 today!

Obama '08/'12!

K., Seattle, Wash. (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:34 PM)

"John McCain’s chief media adviser said Tuesday he is stepping down rather than campaign against Barack Obama. Report the news MSNBC" --Eric

It was reported Eric; scroll back a few topics.

nuanced (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:37 PM)

To date I have contributed $238.00 to the Obama campaign and I am one of those that could easily give the full $2300.00 but won't give him another dime until he assures me that Hillary Clinton WILL NOT BE PAID OFF!!! She has taken enough money from hard-working people who can barely afford gas money. I am a retired Data Processing manager who lives in the SF bay area who happens to be african-american but very independent. My politics are a bit to the right of middle but I wanted to see what this young man from Illinois was capable of so I've sent him a little money. With it and that of many others he has run a brilliant campaign against the second oldest political family in this country behind the Kennedys (Hang in there Ted, we love you) and is on the verge of making history. I will give him my full support once he pledges that the Clintons are on their own with their debt. I am a pay-as-you-go kinda guy and I won't support free-loaders.

Ben, SF Bay Area, California (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:37 PM)

Eric... they were a few hours ahead of you:

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/05/20/1044179.aspx#comments

brian, dallas, tx (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:37 PM)

MSNBC - you just can't stand for Hillary to win, can ya? Gotta try to push your guy down everyone's throats, well go ahead, I'll spit him back at ya in a heart beat. Obama will not win Tennessee, you can't win the White House without Tennessee, so I guess McCain has promised Chris Matthews a position as White HOuse Correspondent or something else he knows nothing about.
Go Hillary!
Just say no to Obama, his pastor, his silly wife, and shril supporters! Remember, Obama can't win without typical, white, educated (yes, I am!) women and our husbands who don't want to sleep in the dog house with John Edwards!
Hillary, if you don't get the nomination, please run as a third party candidate with Jim Webb as your running mate!

Union Baby, Tennessee (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:38 PM)

All that money and Obama is barely closing the deal, if he does at all.

Jane, NC (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:39 PM)

This type of fundraising and running of a campaign (not one red cent in debt) is just a small glimpse as to how he will handle our nation's economy and run his administration. Superdelegates, what are you all waiting for??? Jump on the Obama wagon as so many of us already have!!!!
As far as Clinton releasing her numbers.....as one of you already stated.....they don't like to release negative numbers.

KathyfromPA, Carlisle, PA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:41 PM)

thank you heidi for the synopsis, now i don't have to go to youTube. (what you wrote ws as much as i could have stomached anyway.

Say yes to democracy, .... no to CLINgONs!

teopa (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:50 PM)

65% to 30% osama. oh well nbc and first read your dislike of hillary hurts you so bad that you rather show those phoney humbers of fundrasing to cover his ass being kick bad in kentuckey...sicko!! osama WILL NEVER BECOME PRESIDENT...DREAM ON...GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SINA PAGO AS (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:54 PM)

Based on the results of Obama's fundraising numbers I would say he's been a pretty darn good steward of our money. He has spent it and used it wisely. If you combine his ability to manage our money througout this campaign with his economic policies I would say we could very well be looking at much better economic times ahead. He has brought together an outstanding staff of fundraising managers!!!

Heather, WA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:55 PM)

And how did this money help Obama in West Virginia? Kentucky? Pennsylvania? Ohio? Loss upon loss upon loss.

Yancy Greer, Norman, GA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:56 PM)

Bill Clinton lost IA, NH, MD, VT, CT, RI, MA, CO, KS, and AZ. Based on Hilary's reasoning, Bill would be unelectable in the general election. But what really happened in the general election was of the ten states Bill Clinton lost in the primary, he won eight of those states in November. It just shows that the primary results don't equal general election results!!

Also, keep in mind the Democratic turnout has far exceeded the Republican turn out almost across the map. Please!! It is hard to believe that Obama will not benefit from the huge numbers of democratic voting that has been taking place in the general election!!

Becky, New Jersey (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:58 PM)

I donated today, twice, I hope y'all did as well!!

Mary, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:58 PM)

To Union Bay Tennessee: Jim Webb has enough sense not to bite the hand that feeds him...too bad Hillary doesn't.

GO OBAMA '08

Heather, WA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:58 PM)

CONGRATS HILLARY!!!
Even with obama's Millions$$ - and the "expected" nominee - he still cannot seem to just WIN!
Seems like MILLIONS are voting for Hillary Clinton -
WHY can't he Just Win - we would all go away!

Molly (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:01 PM)

She fights, we fight!

Go Evita!!

--p.

Philip (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:02 PM)

i hope all this money we are spending to get these candidates elected is not in vain. i'd hate to think that american politicians, who are notorious promise-breakers, duped us into giving them our money instead of starving children in ethiopia or any number of other worthy causes.

May God Guide us all, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:02 PM)

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