April fundraising: Obama's $31 million

Posted: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:24 AM by Domenico Montanaro

The New York Times: Aided by his army of small donors, Senator Barack Obama bested Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain in April fund-raising, taking in $31.3 million and ending the month with more cash on hand than either rival. While fund-raising for Mr. Obama dipped slightly from the previous month, when he raised $40 million, he still outraised -- and outspent -- his Democratic opponent, Mrs. Clinton.”

“But Mrs. Clinton’s tally for April, $22 million, was an improvement over March, when she took in $20 million. And nearly half the April money, $10 million, came in online on the day after she won the Pennsylvania primary. Mrs. Clinton also had several days during the month in which she raised $1 million through online donations. On the Republican side, Mr. McCain, who was once spending more money on his campaign than he took in, raised $18.5 million in April, his best month ever.”

The Republican National Committee points out to First Read, however, that McCain ($22 million) plus the RNC ($40 million) has more cash on hand than Obama ($37 million) plus the DNC ($4.5 million) has.

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Comments

Does any of Clinton's 22 mil include the 6 million she loaned her campaign? If so, that means she only raised 4-5 million over the course of three weeks.

Ron, TX (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:31 AM)

I think that it's telling that, while the post-Pennsylvania primary haul for Hillary Clinton was indeed impressive ($10 million in one day), the rest of the month of April only garnered her and additional $10 million.

In the scheme of things, $10 million in an entire month really is that much money.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:31 AM)

Clinton owes $31 million and she takes money from a kid from the sale of his bike and videogames?

I leave that out there .. think about it

Steve B. NewYork NY (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:32 AM)

I see the RNC has adopted Billary's "new math"

HOPE (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:33 AM)

As usual, Chris Matthews hit the nail on the head when he alluded to the fact while speaking to a Clinton supporter that people in WV, Kentucky, PA, etc. ARE indeed voting according to race and not issues. Naturally, the supporter (I forget her name)TRIED to dance around the fact, but Chris held his ground and also went so far as to state that Clinton COULD denounce the racists who are fueling her campaign if she wanted to...

But, in my humble opinion, it is crystal clear that SHE DOES NOT WANT TO DENOUNCE THE RACE BAITERS/RACISTS/BIGOTS OF HER CAMPAIGN AND OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, but is actually fueling the flames.

Clinton is straddling the fence in so many ways. She supposedly wants to bring the party together, yet she doesn't denounce or try to extinguish the views of her racist/bigot followers that keep driving a wedge between and bringing the Democratic party down to the sleaze level, AND she constantly invokes and agrees with "REPUBLICAN" opinion and rhetoric. Yet we, the "LOYAL" supporters of the Democratic party, are supposed to show respect, and kiss the feet of her and her supporters who have shown in every way possible that they hate Sen. Obama, AND our party and country. Why, and how are we (loyal Democratic supporters) EXPECTED to RESPECT and embrace her and her supporters when they in turn continue to keep degrading and slapping us in the face every chance they get??? RESPECT goes both ways, and I am trying very, very hard to reserve myself to the idea that Clinton should be chosen as the VP nominee, but the longer this nastiness is perpetrated by she and her followers the more I'm in agreement with others that think that putting her on the ticket would be a big mistake, and no way in h*ll should she be considered for the VP spot.

I think Chris reported last night that Sen. Obama brought in 200,000 "NEW" supporters for the month of April. LOOKS LIKE HE'S ELECTABLE TO ME!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008!

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:33 AM)

Hillary owes $31 million, how come you guys never report this?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/21/clinton-campaign-has-31-m_n_102811.html

MSNBC report some news! (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:36 AM)

What about Hillary's debt? Her cash flow is negative. She has not come clean with her financial woes, instead she is begging for more money so she can prolong this fantasy. It's now time to end this charade. 450,000 democrats in Kentucky chose her over Obama but do they know that each of them would have to donate $50 to get her to break even? And she still can not win playing by the rules. So what is her plan - cheat and lie and destroy her adversary?

Jim, Santa Cruz (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:42 AM)

If you go to the FEC website and review Clinton's DAILY tally of contributions for April, she did NOT raise $10 million on the day after the Pennsylvania primary. It was closer to $1 million. Hillary's pattern of lying continues on a daily basis. When you are ethically bankrupt, your finances follow suit.

David Kolva, MD Oswego/Syracuse, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:47 AM)

Luckily for her, as long as she stays in the race, she can ask people to pay off her debt (to herself). So, she makes a loan to herself, and then asks poor people to pay her back...even though her advisers all know it is over and are out looking for new jobs.

Yes, she "fighting for you('re money)."

http://infogiant.wordpress.com/2008/05/20/clinton-begs-superdelegates-to-allow-her-to-stay-in-the-race/

InfoGiant, Austin, TX (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:47 AM)

How much of the 22M she raised is for the primary and how much for the general? Basic question! Please report. Thanks

Jay Biggs (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:00 AM)

David Kolva, thanks for that info. We all knew she was lying, but it's good to have it official. So First Read, will you point this out as well as her incredible debt?

LB, Virginia (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:01 AM)

Is MSN afraid of Clinton?

If Obama owed 31 million it would be headlines.

That's alot of money for even her.

A Charles, LA, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:09 AM)

Sure McCain and the RNC have more cash on hand than Obama + DNC.

Obama is spending the money he brings in on the primary battles.

Let's look at the *rate* the two camps are raising the money, and at the base from which that money is being raised. OK, DNC? OK, RNC?

RNC?

Um... where'd you guys go?

pwnd.

Tim R., GR, MI (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:12 AM)

Hillary is $31 million in debt. Why is she still in this race.

Ruthie, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:14 AM)

As a Democrat, I am proud of our party for having had two strong, groundbreaking candidates. I feel it is time, however, for the Party Powers to bring this to a conclusion. Superdelegates declare, one way or the other and let's begin the debate that really counts, between the Democratic candidate and the Republican. Only the Democrats can defeat the Democrats through silly infighting and refusal to unite. Timing is crucial.

Larry, Greenwich Ct (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:14 AM)

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Obama's $31mil haul for April

=

Clinton's $31mil DEBT for April

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

jmp, northern mn (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:14 AM)

where are the totals? Obama has broken the records previously held by Bush.

Yes we can!!!

sem, va (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:16 AM)

"Bag Lady" Clinton just has no chance to catch the financial genius of Barack Obama. Next up will be to bury "Beggar" McCain in campaign dough and turn him into the burnt dough boy!

"Beggar" McCain needs the lobbyist loving RNC to bail him out of his pathetic fund raising. The people will back Obama with more money and we'll take back our democracy from the rish and greedy jerks who've trashed our country in every way imaginable.

Barack Obama has proven his "PayGo" financial philosphy is the best thing we could hope for for our debt ridden economy that "Bush Hugger" McCain will only make worse with his clueless tax cuts for the rich and greedy who don't deserve them and never did.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:18 AM)

Please update this First Read. What is Clinton's total debt now including what she owes to herself? How much money has Clinton given herself now? How much money of the 22 million did she give herself? Yesterday you said it was her 3rd best month, not 2nd. Why the discrepency? The 10 million didn't happen in one day. What is the truth there? More detail please.

SIck of the Clinton lies and spin (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:21 AM)

NYT - "And nearly half the April money, $10 million, came in online on the day after she won the Pennsylvania primary."

FEC website - she did NOT raise $10 million on the day after the PA primary.

Is this true??? If so I ask you Chuckie T - where is the honesty in your reporting?? I understand not wanting to jump into 'speculative areas' but published Federal facts vs MANY MANY claims to the contrary by Clinton is worthy of a little commentary at least...isn't it? You all were really slow on the sniper lies...hmmmm

feeling better in ne (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:22 AM)

"The Republican National Committee points out to First Read, however, that McCain ($22 million) plus the RNC ($40 million) has more cash on hand than Obama ($37 million) plus the DNC ($4.5 million) has."
--Probably one of the reason that Obama is saving some of his monies from competing states like WV and KY (forbid a pundit actually mention that). The pocketbook is probably where this extended primary hurts the Democrats the most. After giving to fight this out so much, will they get it for the general ...in this economy?

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:23 AM)

The superdelegates (and Pat Buchanan) don't really appreciate the big electibility problem of Clinton--a large number of citizens simply can't stand her as a person--she is not a role model for our girls--she is devoid of integrity, blindly ambitious, manipulitive, takes money from little boys to repay her debts, has been misleading KY and W Virginia voters that if they vote for her--she still can win----and they believed it!!! I want my son to be like Obama when he grows up---with hard work, scholarship, delayed gratification, moral integrity--you can achieve anything!!!

I hope Obama opts out (at any cost) of making her VP--his entire movement of hope, change and truth will be extinguished

female physician, Indiana (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:24 AM)

I am an Obamasupporter and have donated $150 dollars over the last six months and I would not be happy if my money is used to pay off her bills.

I am also curious to know if that 22 mil includes the additional 6.4 mil she loaned her campaign. Can some one please let me know!

kay t, orlando, fl (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:30 AM)

My take on all this? Hillary owes - Obama doesn't.

Hillary has proven, beyond a reasonable doubt - her inability to manage money - therefore her inability to fix the national debt, but only worsen it.

Obama has proven, beyond a reasoinalbe doubt - his ability to control money, spend wisely without creating more debt than able to pay off, and still fulfill the objective with high quality. He would make the correct decisions with the national debt and not allow it to worsen but would bring the American $ back to being strong again!

I am a HARD WORKING WHITE FEMALE who will vote for BARACK OBAMA with pride and with the feeling of security! My husband stated last evening, which shocked me, "I was okay with Hillary Clinton, but now I just downright hate her!". This comes from the lies, the false statements (mis-spoken things), the nasty television ads, the flip flopping and thievery of other candidates platform items she has done - he is totally soured on her now, and there is no changing his mind and he won't cast a vote for her in any way or form.

VA, Mountains of Maine (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:30 AM)

I often hear Senator Clinton referred to as a “fighter”, “advocate for the everyday person”, “supporter of the blue-collar worker” etc…. I certainly don’t feel she should quit because someone tells her to, but you have to ask, why is she still in this race?

Fighting, in itself, may appear to be a noble trait, but ones motivation is the underlining meaning for why one does what they do. There are plenty of people throughout history that have refused to give up. But what they were trying to accomplish during their “fight” is every bit as important as their determination.

Those “blue-collar workers” that she supposedly represents, are the same people that are getting stiffed by her campaign, when the bills aren’t getting paid. Meanwhile, back in Chappaqua, Bill takes another $800,000.00 check for speaking out for the NAFTA deal, the very deal she says she opposed. The $31,000,000.00 check to the foundation was being receipted in for consulting on the uranium deal while she was speaking out against doing business with that country on the senate floor. All while she’s helping the “blue-collar worker”, the “everyday person”.

Her campaign now has irresponsibly amassed a debt of $31,000,000.00. Rest assured, she will pay her self back before the vendors, the “everyday person”, the “blue-collar workers” that have assisted her will ever see their money.

As she campaigns in West Virginia and Kentucky and uses “unfortunate” phrases like, “Obama continues to lose the white working-class vote”, as a reason to stay in this race. It causes me to wonder, if she plans on trying to unite people behind the party or just unite people behind her? …. This is the very type of division that this country needs to erase.

Many will think, that the ends will justify the means. But if we’re creating a division for the sake of getting elected, only to think that we’ll bridge the gap that our campaign created if/or when we’ve exhausted every avenue to win, I think we’ll find that some bridges can’t be repaired that easily. And the change we claimed to be working towards, will have to wait for another time.

PT, Kennebunk (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:30 AM)

Glad to see the Obama supporters continue to viciously attack Senator Clinton...even after her campaign raised $22 million last month...that must hurt since you're all railing about it!

Over 17 million voters prefer Senator Clinton and most Democrats want the race to continue...I wonder why?

Kind of unsettling...isn't it???

Carol, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:33 AM)

The RNC's math is fuzzy; using their formula, three pools of money should have been tallied for the Democrats--Hillary's, Obama's and the DNC's. Doing so would put the Democrats near the RNC's total.

From KJ: "But, in my humble opinion, it is crystal clear that SHE DOES NOT WANT TO DENOUNCE THE RACE BAITERS/RACISTS/BIGOTS OF HER CAMPAIGN AND OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, but is actually fueling the flames."

I agree, and it really, really bothers me. Hillary has a chance to take the high road here, but I know she won't because she wants to have votes no matter whose they are. Think about this: the Democratic nominee will give his/her victory speech on the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech. IF Hillary were the nominee, what a slap in the face to King's memory it would be for her to accept the nomination on that day given that she's embraced the votes of avowed racists? That is no way to honor the day or the man she says inspired her so many years ago.

I admired the Clintons very, very much before this campaign started, but now I know they're willing to do anything to win, even fan the fires of racism. That's very disappointing.

Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:39 AM)

only reason this still going on is so hillary can get every nickel her supporters will give so she can get her money back remember her and bill made 109 million they need the poor peoples money and if bush was so bad hillary sure cant say thay 109 million reasons

gottago3164 (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:42 AM)

kay t, orlando, fl,

Don't be concerned; you're money will NOT go to Clinton. I've learned that under the rules, Obama would have to do separate fund-raisers to help her pay off her debt! I, too, was concerned, but am no longer! Feel free to continue to contribute! I did again last night! Have to beat McFossil in Nov.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:46 AM)

The Clinton Campaign is over $31 million in debt right now! She's in the hole! What's impressive about that? You guys at "First Read" are slow. Read the Huffington Post if you want to keep current!

Scott, Dallas, Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:57 AM)

Some will posit that Senator Obama’s ‘slight dip’ in fund-raising may be fall-out from Rev Wright, ‘Bittergate’, Michelle’s lack of patriotism, elitism, buyer’s remorse, et al. As a former donor to not only his campaign (monthly donations of $50) but the DNC and DSCC as well, it may be that those of us who make less than $50,000 annually refuse to donate knowing the possibility exist that our small pittances may go to pay off the debt of someone with $109 at their disposal. (Especially when that debt continues to grow due to her(and her campaign’s) refusal to face reality! I'll keep my $50 this month and indulge myself... perhaps food or dare I say, a full tank of gas?!

CPO, USN(Ret) (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:57 AM)

Senator Clinton has encouraged the racist support of her campaign and will continue to do so as long as it will benefit her. I, for one cannot foresee another president that disrespects the American people by always having his/her people just "stay on message" when either lying or changing the rules of the specific game; in this case political primaries.

kd, Washington D.C. (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:01 AM)

But what is the breakdown of that $21 million that Clinton raised between primary and general election money? Thats really important. Also, who are her creditors and should these debts not be seen as illegal campaign donations from corporations? What is the law on this? Her big contributors were willing to spend tens of millions on 527s and on re-running the FL and MI primaries. Do those contributors own companies that are, in effect, giving free services to Hillary Clinton, knowing she will never pay them?

Karl Lansford (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:07 AM)

Carol -- I know you are an independent: I am too, but I at least get it. We are railing against Hillary because she is fiscally irresponsible and is counting on those of us who ahve donated to Obama to bail her out of her financial mess -- her fundraising (debt-payment fund)amount is not unsettling at all - He pulled in over $31 mil - kind of unsettling, huh.

Linda S.,m ALbuquerque, NM (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:10 AM)

Hey Carol CA, to your little rant about the 17 million voteres that perfer Ms. Clinton. Well guess what over 17 million voters perfer Obama and he still has the popular vote even with Florida, go to realclearpolitics. com. It is only when you throw in the Michigan votes which Obama gets "0" because his name wasn't even on the ballot does she supersede him in popular vote. Senator Clinton can stay in the race as long as she wants or can afford just stop the lying to the American people.

kay t (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:14 AM)

LOL! She's like the neighborhood chihuahua that's always yapping and running around in circles. You can't chase it off because it always runs about ten feet away and then just keeps yapping.

It's annoying, but just ignor it. Eventually, the little b!tch will get tired of barking and just go away. Or maybe someone will run over it with an SUV...

It Takes a Village Idiot (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:17 AM)

After reading the intelligent responses here, I can see why Obama attracts the "more highly educated," (which equals more affluent." He is the thinking person's candidate. It's easy to see the truth of things if you are willing to expend the time and energy to read, listen, analyze, and think deeply about what you see and hear. If you don't have the skills that this requires, you listen, take a stand for a candidate based on no real truth or logic, and you fight to the end on their behalf -- because even without education and skills, people want someone to believe in, even if it turns out to be someone who convinces you of a preceived truth that benefits them.

sally saffer, atlanta (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:17 AM)

No Carol, it is not unsettling. Clinton supporters are passionate about her just as Obama supporters are passionate about him. This is not a grade-school popularity contest. Americans are making one of the most important decisions they've ever made...continue with Bush's policies or chart a new direction. What will be your choice since your candidate will not be the Democratic nominee?

Nikki, Orlando, Florida (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:23 AM)

Carol: Unsettling? No. Pathetic? Yes. Her campaign is in debt and she wants 11 year olds to sell their bikes to fund her fantasy.

Tommy, Detroit, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:24 AM)

Hillary is 31 mil in debt if you include the loans she made to her campaign.

sonya, atlanta, ga (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:28 AM)

yes, by all means, let's add hillary's total to obama's and the DNC's. Obama's 37M + the DNC's 4.5M + Hillary's 31M debt = 10.5M. Oh, it's even more disparity between the democrats and republicans. . .

The Mayor (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:43 AM)

Let's see Barrack Obama not in campaign debt Hillary Clinton 20 million in capaign debt. Do the math who do you think would make a better President? How do you think our country would fair with Sen Clinton as President??????

Anthony, San Diego, Ca (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:55 AM)

I am a black professional woman (lawyer),who like many blacks voted twice for Bill Clinton and intially was torn between voting for Hillary or Obama this presidental election. However, when I heard the Clintons make racial statements and other displays of very divisive acts,I voted for Obama.

Despite the Clintons heavy baggage(Whitewater scandal, Monica L. with Bill, criminal investigations of Hillary's Rose Law Firm, etc.......), I was willing to overlook this and vote for Hillary. Unfortunately, this primary election has shown me that the Clintons have no morals and will do anything to win including creating scandals against Obama and siding with the Republicans to accomplish this.

Hillary attracts the white uneducated class of persons because they do not have the knoweledge to discern that she is fooling them. White woman, particulary those that are older, are so happy over the possibility of having the first woman president in the U.S. that they also are deceived by Hillary. For those whites that do not trust having a person of color as the president (obama half white and black), Hillary feeds on their fears and justifies their racism by highlighting the acts of Obama's former pastor, Rev Wright- who is "bitter' angry black man who has acted very inappropriate, particu;ary being a minister.

The Clintons only care about there own self ambitions. They are not only toxic to the Democratic Party but to the Nation. WAKE UP and stop supporting Hillary with your votes and money.

LS, Maryland (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:56 AM)

They all spend what they take in, and more. It's in their genes. The one that raises the most spends the most. None of them will save anything and return it to the donors.

Obama is the biggest spender.

All politicians have the option of fundraising their way out of debt, even when the debt is to themselves. Then they take the same philosophy to Washington D.C., where they will propose fundraising (raising taxes) to get out of debt.

As politicians, their form of capitalism seeks to capitalize on the production of others. Obama has been very successful at this as a candidate. God forbid he is as successful as a president. Just as he is willing to accept your "pittances" now, he will be just as willing as president to impose them.

The eleven year old boy should have put his money in a mutual fund. At least when he retired at 65 he'd have an extra $27,000 or so. If he put $425 in every year until he retired, it would be around $216,000.

Or he can donate it to a politician. Both Hillary and Obama seem to favor this approach.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 12:03 PM)

I can't believe he is going to fund raise in Florida of all state. It just looks so naive and hypocritical. There is no way those people would vote for him in the fall let alone help him financially.

It is true that he is leading technically. But Hilary is right, the states she won total about 300 electoral votes in the fall winner take all contest - no bully driven caucus thank you. While Obama comes short at 217. She'll get to 270 to take the White house back to the dems while he can't.

That's the bottom line folks. Superdelegates, I really hope you are all considering the bigger picture here.

MSNBC please post this.

Dan (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 12:07 PM)

Michael (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 12:09 PM)

And this woman suggests that she is the one who can fix the American economy. She had better learn to manage her campaign budget first!

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 12:11 PM)

31 mill in debt and she is still going???
WHY???

Does she want to be new Senate Leader??
Or on Supreme court??
That I can see.
PLEASE NO VP SLOT FOR HER.

Obama/Webb OR Obama/Hagel

Nj (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 12:17 PM)

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