Obama raises $66 million in August

Posted: Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:10 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
A New York Times piece last Tuesday suggested that the Obama campaign's fundraising operation was struggling to reach its ambitious fundraising goals.

Well, think again.

NBC News has learned that Obama raised $66 million in August -- his biggest monthly haul of the campaign, which surpasses the more than $55 million the campaign raised in February. The Obama camp also notes that it added an additional 500,000 donors to its fundraising base.

By comparison, McCain raised at least $47 million in August, which also amounted to his biggest money month. Since the GOP convention, however, the Republican presidential nominee must now rely on the $84 million he received from the federal government.

Obama bypassed those federal funds, so he is free to raise and spend as much money as he can get his hands on.

*** UPDATE *** The Obama camp has just issued a press release on its August haul, which notes that the campaign had more than $77 million in the bank as of September 1, and that more than 2.5 million people have now contributed to the Obama campaign.

The release: "Senator Barack Obama’s campaign announced today that more than half a million new donors contributed to the Obama campaign during the month of August, bringing the total raised for the month to over $66 million and the cash on hand to more than $77 million. More than 2.5 million people have contributed to the campaign."

"'John McCain says that he’ll take on the special interests and lobbyists, but McCain can’t fix a problem he’s been part of for three decades. The 500,000 new donors to the Obama campaign demonstrate just how strongly the American people are looking to kick the special interests out and change Washington. We are proud of the millions of volunteers and more than 2.5 million donors to the Obama campaign who are contributing to help us deliver the change we need instead of letting John McCain just continue the same failed Bush policies while middle class Americans struggle,' said David Plouffe, campaign manager of Obama for America."

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Comments

Yeah, thanks for reminding me. Just gave more money. Please join me in making our country great again. We do not need 4 more years of Bush/Cheney/Rove tactics.

And...anyone but me think that "Meet the Press" is boring without Russert?

sotiredofignorance (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:24 AM)

Watch out for that pipeline from no where..it's full of natural gas...

BJ, CA (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:25 AM)

This is excellent news!!! As the country finds out more about the Gov. from Alaska, and it sinks in that this woman could be a 72 year old heart from becoming president, rational thinking people will flood money to Obama. McCain picking Annie Oakley could be the best thing to happen to this election.... People are going to WAKE UP!!! Obama All The Way!

Paul O, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:26 AM)

geez, you mean the msm had it wrong?! another example, of not only sen. mcain's 20th century mindset but the msm's. you know, we americans really do need the media, not to just spoon-feed us the cw but to do the job of asking the hard questions, challenging the lies and digging for the truth. i had truly hoped, after the lies that led us into an irresponsible and tragic war, the msm had learned; but the only thing it proved to the good ol' lying gop is how easily the msm can be manipulated. fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

sbv creswell, oregon (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:26 AM)

True American (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:27 AM)

Every time the media floats the assumption that the Obama campaign didn't fare well in fundraising, the numbers end up being phenomenal. Let's not forget- this total doesn't even factor in the reported $10 mil Obama raised in response to Sarah Palin's nasty convention appearance.

Sarah Palin is a money-maker, all right- for the Dems. The horrific thought of this unqualified opportunist being a heartbeat away from the Presidency is mobilizing citizens like never before. I'm looking forward to the September numbers. They are likely to be staggering.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:27 AM)

dear sotiredofignorance: not sure about boring; but yes, i too miss dear tim russert. while i am so happy to see luke carrying on in his dad's tradition, tom brokaw has given us an example of another old, grumpy man with a 20th century mentality and republican leaning. i haven't watched meet the press in weeks.

sbv creswell, oregon (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:28 AM)

I hope that our money pays off!
I agree about MTP; I thought Brokaw would be good, but now I wish they had given it to Chris Mathews or someone else with a little fire and "push".

Justin Schwartz, Smyrna, GA (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:30 AM)

I think September will be an even bigger haul for Obama. I plan to double up my donations at the end of the month for a BIG October haul!!!!

Go Obama/Biden

Joe E (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:31 AM)

$66 million - not bad.

Interesting that so many people would support a person who has spent 21 years of his life listening to racially charged and anti-American sentiment ... is friends with a known terrorist and talks down small town people, not to mention is the main leader, vote wise, in the pro-abortion movement.

Barack Obama is two different people. He's charming on the podium and a back-stabbing phony in private.
Taped conversations have revealed this and yet he gets support. Even our enemies support him. That should tell people something but the staunch anti-Republican crowd don't give a damn. He's a democrat so they ignore it.

Obama also is too sensitive and inexperienced for the job of president. And, of course, Ms. Palin would be a better choice for VP due to her experience in both adminisrative and executive positions. She'a hard-core decision maker. She won't cut and run. By the way, you don't even hear about Biden anymore.

Full Moon (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:31 AM)

"We are proud of the millions of volunteers and more than 2.5 million donors to the Obama campaign who are contributing to help us deliver the change we need." today, i and several other gray-haired, senior people will be out canvassing, going door-to-door (wearing our comfortable shoes and drinking our water) talking to our neighbors for sens. obama/biden. we realize more than most, the complex and inter-connected problems facing our country will have to be solved for the future for our children and grandchildren.

sbv creswell, oregon (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:32 AM)

One of the most amazing things, among many, about
this election, is how the National Enquirer has
become more credible and trustworthy than the New
York Times.

No wonder the major newspapers are dying...

JIM WHITTAKER, Hemet, CA (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:33 AM)

I'm a donor
She's a donor
He's a donor
Wouldn't you like to be a donor to?
Be a donor, take back the White House
Be a donor, take back the White House

Obama '08

JessicaElaine (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:33 AM)

Any article written by the left leaning and proved lying New York Times should be questioned vigorously. Their circulation isn't down 40% for nothing.

Speedway (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:34 AM)

I think the media is under estimating Obama's campaign ability and the campaign is okay with their estimation. They are flying under the radar purposefully in order to focus on what need to be done. The press is freaking out because they are not privy to the campaign strategy; I'm fine with that because they should not show their hand until it's too late for McCain camp to do anything about it. Great news Obama has increased his donor base, I have confidence he will do well in coming debates. People who are on the fence and maybe some who will rethink their position will take a second look at what the democratic nominee has to offer......KEEP THE FAITH.

Flo, Snellville, GA (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:36 AM)

Kudos to CNN for their one hour special on Sarah Palin. Unusually "fair and balanced" for CNN.

Full Moon (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:37 AM)

Please read today's opinion columns by Frank Rich, Tom Friedman, Maureen Dowd and Bob Herbert in today's New York Times. This election is critical for our nation's future

Bill, Boston (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:38 AM)

Great news! I'm glad my $ bucks went to good use. Time to drop more 4.

McCain/Palin-- Thanks, but no thanks to that administration to nowhere.

Gen, Torrance, CA (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:40 AM)

Obama runs his campaign like a business. Businesses not only have to cut wasteful spending but they have to make money as well. I've not heard one word from the McCain campaign on how they're planning on making money for this country. Obama has shown for 20 months, consistently, how to make money for this country with voluntarily dollars. McCain counts on my tax dollars that I otherwise would not be giving him. This is one federal earmark that should be cut.

MickeyD, Tampa FL (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:43 AM)

Full moon got the cons talking points to a T. If anyone has a split personality it is John McCain. I guess the maverick had to resign himself into becoming the B**** in order to get the nomination. It might be 100 million (help make this happen) in September. That ought to be enough to find the lying lies and the liars who tell them.

Joe E (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:47 AM)

Well ...with all that money ...lets do a ad called "Truth About Change" - which shows every lie and false info put out by the McCain camp.

I think the most important point (from here on) is to focus at the top of the ticket.

LP (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:48 AM)

The corporate media with its idolatry of Palin and its focus on idle chatter is complicit in trying to undermine the Obama campaign. The NYT is a prime example. Printing stories without factchecking to back it up seems to be the order of the day.
True American (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:27 AM)

___________________

I love Obama supporters. Saying the corporate media is idolizing Palin after almost 2 years of Obamamania please!!

Just a few months ago Obama was faced by cheering foreigners "Obama" "Obama". After 2 years of hearing "Yes We Can" people are finally wondering "Yes We Can What?". Obama gives a laundry list which sounds like a state of the union speech. I will do this, that and the other thing but I won't tell you the specifics like how are we going to pay for it. Will anybody be affected whether poor, middle class, or upper class? Give some specifics Obama. Instead of flipping on every issue.

The Kool-aid is stale and flat. Time to drink something with a little fizzle...Sarah Palin is like ginger-ale. A more grown up drink!

Linda, Salem MA

Linda, Salem MA (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:50 AM)

GO QBAMA GO !!!! BY THW WAY WHOSE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT ON THE GOP SIDE , PALIN OR MCCAIN

EUSTIS,FL (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:51 AM)

I just don't get it. This and every other indicator says "Obama landslide."

http://trueconservative.typepad.com/trueconservative/2008/09/everything-sez-obama-landslide-what-gives.html

Why do the polls say otherwise?

I think Nate Silver at http://fivethirtyeight.com is right: the Palin effect was largely energizing conservative voters to answer the phone when pollsters call.

Steve Roth, Seattle, WA (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:52 AM)

Full Moon - it's people like you who spread this crap. Obviously you are a republican. Doing the same thing the repubs do so well at, spread lies, try to bring back the fear monger attitude. Won't work this time. Enough!!!!
Obama/Biden 08'

cindy, Las Vegas, Nv (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:54 AM)

more money al the way to the WH. let the media know that it is them that is just drawing attension to Palin. let them say that she doesn't believe in global warming. HA ha HA!!!!! thi is the 21st century babe PALY!!!!!!!!!!

BRUNO obamacan (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:55 AM)

I felt a more urgent need to donate To Obama's campaign in August because McCain was attacking with his lies and it was becoming clear that the GOP was taking the low road. This month Palin's emergence on the scene has caused me to donate even more because she is absolutely unqualified to lead and she has energized the GOP base. The September Obama fund raising numbers in response to Palin will be staggering.

Jim, Santa Cruz (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:55 AM)

Everybody I know is donating to Obama like crazy. At first they were critical of me for sending a mothly donation of small amounts. But last month I notice my friends reminding me to send in a donation. My friends are mostly Independents but I think Sarah Palin made up their minds quick.

Dee (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:56 AM)

I am excited about this election and We will bring this country back to track together. vote to unite and build this country again.
I am republican for 30 years and first time, I am voting for Barack.

Amy Hogan (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:57 AM)

PALIN IS BUSH!
Put it on the bumper of your car.
PALIN IS BUSH!
I mean that literally and significantly but I also note various embedded and unintended puns.

DAve Chadler, Portland, ME (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:57 AM)

I am stepping up to $50/week for Obama (its my lunch money) from now until its over.
Palin is proof that McCain's claims to high road are bull. She is vindictive, small minded, ignorant, and the worst kind of folk: people who LIE in the name of God. Don't be a sucker - vote Obama.

Don't get fooled again!

jd, Reston, Virginia (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:58 AM)

Great news. Now if we can just get the media to do
it's job and start reporting fairly, the Dems will
have it made.
Mccain/palin campaigns on lies, distortions, exaggerations, attacks and out and out fraud are
going to catch up with them.
We are not STUPID, something they and the media do
not realize.
We must demand the dirty politicing by the
republicans be exposed!!
Our survival depends on this!!!!

katiec Pekin, IL (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 10:59 AM)

This is awesome! keep talking about THINGS THAT DON'T MATTER!! The football game that is the campaign does NOT matter. The discussion of crap like fund raising and Palin's hairdo mean nothing. The problem is that it makes Americans feel like they are somehow being educated about what's going on but that is false. We're fighting wars on 2 fronts, civil liberties are going down the drain (why don't you talk about Obama's reversal on FISA!!)and we're drawing a line in the sand with Russia not to mention forcing the public to finance the private profits of Mac & Mae and possibly others. It's insanity and the media is the prozac.

Flip Wilson, Dallas, TX (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:02 AM)

Obama has shown great managment skills and good decision making. He found one of the most powerful tools in the world, the internet. When campaining against Clinton he pulled in almost twice as much money and continues to do so. This country needs a good manager and with the intelligence to make good decisions. There are two canidates and one believes in almost a "military" type nation with domestic issues and policies coming in second.(Like Bush). Another that puts domestic problems, issues and policies on the same importance as having a strong military. We have long lost our general respect around the world. 9/11 had the world waving the American Flag and the world at our back. Iraq changed all that and the way Bush handled it. Communication to the international communities is important. Deplomacy can be a powerful weapen. Listening and not just talking or threatening is part of communication. To regain the respect of the world, we need somone that can commincate and with the brains to use deplomacy like Kennedy and Reagan. That does not mean having a weak military or not being ready to use it if we need to. But only after all else has failed or we are attacked first. Bush and McCain failed to have an exit strategy when we went in to Iraq. Bush has now left us with a military spread so thin, that if we were attacked, we would have a hard time addressing it in a quick response.A good manager or President with good advisers would have seen that coming and would have taken steps not to let us be in this situation. We should have put our forces into Afg and finished that war which would have been won by now if we handnt gone in to fill Bushs agenda in Iraq and the SOB that attcked NY is still free and alive. Obama has shown through his campaine that he makes good decisions, manages well, talks issues and problems in American on an even playing field while stressing the importance of a strong military. He is great at communicating both on domestic, international and military issues. Obama 08

Reid ,New York,NEW YORK (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:03 AM)

It's a relief to know the silent moral majority is "speaking loudly" where it counts.

McCain is beholden to lobbyists. Obama to Americans.

Full Moon - People know Biden and he's out campaigning for Obama as he should be. Palin's an unknown whose notoriety will wear off soon. Americans are not as ignorant as McCain would like to think.

Rae, Brunswick, ME (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:05 AM)

Well they say money can't by happiness , well I'm ESTATIC!!!! Now we just have keep showing the GOPs dirty politics and lies and show the world that we can defeat the sad RACISTS still in our country! I don't have money but I will keep sending a little to OBAMA BIDEN Camp.

Glo Woodstock n.Y. (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:05 AM)

This is the first time in my life that I have ever contributed to a campaign. That says something about how strongly I feel that enough is enough!! I am a 60 year old grandmother of 5 and if you care about the future of your kids and grandkids you cannot believe the lies that the GOP is telling you. McCain/Palin will create a bigger mess where we will be even more miserable, (if that is possible) than the Bush mess we are in now!!!

Grandma's for Obama, Ca (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:05 AM)

I am proud of Obama and the fastastic campaign he is running. I am proud I was one of those donors in the month of August. I will continue to be a donor. I also would like to share with all of the Obama supporters, that I joined a volunteer group yesterday here in Georgia. I made 138 phone calls, out of the 138 phone calls only 24 of those phone calls were answered. I learned that the polls are absolutely nothing to me. I believe we will win big in November. Go to BarackObama website, and join a volunteer group so that all of us can work until November 4. Also, I have taken 2 days off in November so that I can be available to take people to the polls. It is a good idea for those who can take that day off. Also make it to the polls early, so that you don't be lock out by the GOP polls manipulators, This is important.

Debra Lawrenceville GA (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:06 AM)

I'm going to donate until we have a President in the White House that has INTELLIGENCE AND INTEGRITY. NO AMERICAN SHOULD HAVE TO DONATE THE LIFE OF THEIR SON OR DAUGHTER FOR AN IDIOT AGAIN!!!!!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Taajq, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:07 AM)

I'm a first-time Obama donor...Single mom, self-employed. I sent in 50 bucks as soon as I heard Rudy and Sarah screeching and guffawing at their convention. The MINUTE Sarah was finished, I was on the Obama website with my credit card in hand... and tears in my eyes. GAWD I hate Sarah Palin. I absolutely cannot stand to look at her or hear her voice. What a lying, sneering shrew!!

Sent some more $ in the following week.

Will send some more this week, too.

This is important, people. The only reason Sarah is so popular is because she keeps LYING in her speeches. Her lies have been proven to be lies, but she STILL keeps lying. I guess the more you lie, it somehow becomes the truth?

Keep sending in that money, people. This is important. We simply cannot afford to let a person like Sarah Palin anywhere NEAR the White House.

lindsay, missoula, mt. (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:10 AM)

We only have 50+ days to take back the white house. Lets help make next month even bigger. If we have to throw all we have into it to make this thing work then lets do it. The Republicunts have thrown money at a situation for years and it has worked in helping them get it but once aquired they have thrown it away and ran us into the deficit we are in now due to the war. I say again of course it worked. anybody would agree but if i was losing and i threw billions of dollars and extra troops at the opposition, I would win eventually too. Its time we put our money where our mouth is in the best interest of the country. Many right wing fanatics will never agree with Obama's views due to the simple fact that many idiots over here are hell bent on racial devide, religious devides, economical devides and the other percentage just lives in a bubble because they simply cant relate to the challenges of the rest of the world. Lets put the steam back into the engine and get this thing rolling FULL SPEED AHEAD. Lets donate that extra 5-10 dollars and help with the ads. help with the registration and campaining and debating and help debunk the lies coming from the McCain campain.

concerned voter Marietta Ga (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:10 AM)

I'm honestly not surprised that he's raised so much this month. The lies from the lying McCain campaign have stirred something very deep in the electorate. I've never contributed to a campaign before this election year. This year, I've been donating $50 out of every paycheck for Obama since May. We have to take back our country. While I can't really afford to have that much money out of my account every week, but its an investment in the future of my children and our country that I can't afford NOT to make. Everyone I know-even my Republican friends and family-are sick of the lying ads of the McCain campaign. Three of them have said they don't even think they are going to vote. He's turning people off of his campaign left and right. They aren't impressed with an inexperienced governor and they aren't impressed with a flip-flopping wash cloth like McCain. I'm trying to convert them to Obama-and I think I'm succeeding.

Suz In KS (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:11 AM)

I consider donating every day....and I've already given. Every paycheck for me comes with a question. How much will I donate to Obama today.

Let's get 100 million in September everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:12 AM)

Is anyone checking where the money is coming from?

I know there are Obama supporters but most have given their limit and the others simply dont have that much to give in this election.

Obama's camp has been the sleaziest and most desperate, and mostly hypocritical I've ever seen. Some of the things, remind me of the Bush campaign.

I wou;dn't put it past them for collecting from same sources and rich sources, but claim other people's names.

I agree with others that have left the OBama camp, that once you take a look at what "CHANGE" Obama is offering, here isnt but a government agency for every solution and no way to pay for it. Also the capital gains scam which will hurt everyone, not just the rich.

Brian, San Francisco, California (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:13 AM)

On the previous post, (Bridge to Nowhere). I'm surprised she uses that line because she seemed to get a bit huffy with Charlie Gibson when he called it that and she responded with "it's not a bridge to nowhere" and then talked about the airport and the few residents on the island. That chic needs to get her stories straight. I'm so disgusted with her way of talking and now it seems we're playing the "word game". Now when she says things like the earmarks, it doesn't sound as thought she's against them, just the abuse of them, which she seemed to abuse them quite well....so much for the straight talk express. I wonder if any of her supporters are getting discourage or disgusted or if they are still in denial. Media, you need to help the Dems out, start hitting McCain's camp real hard and keep it fair between candidates. And remember, when both sides say the same phrase, it doesn't mean that the one side should get more publicity for it, and I think you know who we're talking about.

Irritatedvoter (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:13 AM)

I will be sending another donations today. We can not have four more years of a corrupt administration who just don't get it.

justwaitandseee (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:15 AM)

McCain/Palin 08 -- "Thanks, but no thanks!!!"

What was all the media hype about them being slow in fundraising? Anybody wants to see this country move in the right direction...let's mobilize!!!

Gen, Torrance, CA (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:16 AM)

Obama is too smart for most Americans and those folks will use illogical motivations such as a 'commercial' or 'the race factor' and vote for Mc Cain. It's sad but true. At the end of the day politics are politics and I'm not sure what real progress will be made in the WH regardless of who's occupying it. Even if Obama wins, you KNOW that the GOP will draw definite white lines in which Obama knows NOT to cross....other wise, we'll see another JFK all over again. I'd really like to think otherwise but the truth is, our country isn't important to those at the top. When you don't have to worry about paying for food or filling up your gas tank.........your job, well it's just a job and it's much easier to debate topics than to take action. Those in the WH that do stand for change aren't strong willed enough to go against the masses and those that really run the WH. You know Microsoft, Walmart, Exxon Mobil, the Federal Reserve. I hope I'm wrong but I guess only time will tell.

I Support Change, Miami, Florida (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:21 AM)

OK OK money is important but equally important is for each one of us who gives money to give some time calling, speaking to independent voters, Republicans who are listening to issues, and, of course, keep the money coming.

Richard, Delmar NY (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:22 AM)

Like Bill Maher said, I ran to the checkbook (again) after seeing Palin. I guess I am not the only one she scares the crap out of.

Glen, Orlando, Florida (Sent Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:23 AM)

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