A recent BBC article paints a nice picture of the fundraising of both Barack Obama and John McCain. So far, Obama has managed to both massively out-fundraise McCain but also out-spend him. Although, it helps that McCain can use his wife's plane. Thus, although you hear a lot of people repeat that it's great news Obama has raised more than McCain, I'm concerned it won't actually translate into an advantage in the next two months.
And, of course, the donation record cuts against the Obama is elitist argument. In fact, the one area that trully separates the candidates is the fact that Obama has significantly outgained McCain when it comes to donations of $200 and under. In fact, this may also reenforce the hope that Obama campaign is able to triumph in November due to a stronger outreach program that involves registering more voters.
Last, but least, the donations record reflects that fact that while McCain may be many things, he certainly isn't an outside reformer (leads in oil donations) and the finance industry hasn't embraced him either (which you would think is a Republican stronghold): "John McCain is only significantly ahead on donations from retired people and from the oil and gas industries. In all almost every other area, Barack Obama is either on roughly level terms or ahead, even in those where the Republicans would expect to be strong, such as real estate, business and finance."
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"Obama has significantly outgained McCain when it comes to donations of $200 and under. In fact, this may also reenforce the hope that Obama campaign is able to triumph in November due to a stronger outreach program that involves registering more voters."
Looks like what I thought was a measly $15 donation actually made an impact! And I would agree with the latter part of the statement, as I will be heading off to Reno this weekend to canvass and register voters along with 3 other <$200 donation givers.
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