Obama breaks donor number record*

Barack Obama has had a huge lead during 2007 in gaining individual donors and that feat continued during the 3rd Quarter. In part, it's due to their innovative methodology of counting those that pay $5 to hear a speech by Obama or that buy a $4.50 Obama key chain as donors*, but even withstanding the inclusion of concert & paraphernalia sales in their totals, Obama's fundraising has been extraordinary, and his total number of donors by the end of the primaries will be a historical marker.

A week ago, Obama was at 333,235 donors, and with a push that upped the number by an average of about 2.5K daily in the final week, Obama surpassed Dean's 2003 primary record of donors. The total number of donors to Dean's campaign was about 318,000 and the total number of donations made was about 454,000. Obama now sits at 351,000 and 501,000 donors respectively. Obama's growth has trailed off though, in terms of comparison, from the previous quarters.

Obama's new donors:
1st Q--   104,000
2nd Q--   154,000
3rd Q--    93,000
Total--   350,000

In terms of momentum, I doubt that Obama will focus as much on gaining additional donors in Q4, and he's already peaked on that end during Q2. Still, that represents alot of money, and alot of donors to draw on again, more than enough to allow Obama to fully contest every primary and caucus.



Display:


Summer (none / 0)

The one thing that could explain lower fundraising numbers for the quarter (not just for Obama but generally for all candidates) is that the third quarter included the months of July, August and September. Two of those months were virtually dead from the political standpoint. I think anyone running a blog and looking at his stats could testify to that.

Sure, us political junkies were around but the general population only started to tune in again after Labor Day.

What would be noticeable than, is if some candidate raised significantly more in the third (Summer) quarter than the second (spring) quarter.

Just my two cents.


by Sven at My Silver State on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 09:47:35 AM EST

Re: Summer (none / 0)

I don't think anyone will raise more Q3 vs. Q2.  Now, an interesting feat is which quarter of Q3 did the candidates raise more monies?  No doubt, September.


by iamready on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 09:59:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

Obama's methodology of counting donors will be used from this cycle one, by most major campaigns.  Ingenious for his camp to purchase their "store goods" and sell it for profit.  He has the most detailed, entrenched store of all candidates on the web.  So, by FEC standards, it had to be counted for a contribution.  And he has not had a rally/kickoff for $5.00.  If he has, where was it at?  But he definately asked his donors to bring new folk to the campaign they did, and he asked them to donate, and they did.  What other campaign out there has done this?  None.  Q4 will be irrelevant, because when the totals are in, Iowa Caucus will have begun.


by iamready on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 09:52:01 AM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

And he has not had a rally/kickoff for $5.00.  If he has, where was it at?

Are you implying that they have been free or that they have been more than $5?  Some friends paid $10 each to see him in Milwaukee last spring.


by aaronetc on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 10:51:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

No, I know he has reduced rates for students 15/10 bucks, but the argument was $5.00 or 1.00 to hear him speak.  That I have not heard of.  And he has many rallys that are FREE, mostly in the early states, with exception in NYC this past Thursday.  And go to his website, his madison kickoff is 25.00, students 15 bucks.


by iamready on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:02:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

I have heard of them selling $5 tickets.  I don't think it is happening now, but rather earlier in the campaign, but they were there.  It was usually in areas where the people had less money, such as a poorer area of town, rural areas and college campuses.


by yitbos96bb on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:28:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

everything i've been to was free... (none / 0)

i don't know where you had to be to have to pay to hear him speak (aside from the ccfr, which is different)...


peace. love. equality. still waiting after 40 years...
by bored now on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 03:48:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

And these small donors are nowhere near tapped out.
They will keep on donating.
by parahammer on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 10:13:06 AM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

Exactly. Read what I said.
The bulk of his donors are small and nowhere near tapped out.
by parahammer on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 10:24:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

Since when does 44% = most?  Some comparison percentages of 2300+ donors...Clinton 70%, Dodd 67%, Biden 62%, Richardson 51%, Edwards 42%. (These of course are through Q2).


by Piuma on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 10:31:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

True, but less comes from maxed out donors than other campaigns... THAT is what's impressive.  


by yitbos96bb on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:34:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

If Edwards had Obama's money (none / 0)

We'd have a real race.


by dpANDREWS on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 10:22:25 AM EST

Cackle (none / 0)

my turn to cackle.


by aiko on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 10:51:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If Edwards had Obama's money (none / 0)

easy, DP


by iamready on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:05:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If Edwards had Obama's money (none / 0)

If Hillary had Obama's personality and Edward's social justice agenda, we'd have a good front runner instead of the mediocre candidate we have now.


by yitbos96bb on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:41:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (2.00 / 1)

Yeah Obama should have sold a Pecan Pie recipe.


by parahammer on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 10:25:04 AM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

LOL!!!!!


by iamready on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:03:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

Yesterday against Minnesota, Brett Favre broke the all-time record held by Dan Marino for career pass completions. But he also had less total yards and a lower QB rating than his game against San Diego last week. But of course all the articles written about him will be about breaking that career record, not the fact that he performed poorer than last week.

Framing can only get you so far if the facts are obvious and glaring.


Leftmost Bit
by Luigi Montanez on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 10:39:58 AM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (2.00 / 1)

I wonder what percentage of people that buy from the Obama store (I bought the hat, keychain, and 2 bumper stickers) also take advantage of the option to "round up" your purchase order with a straight contribution, like I did?  I think that's a pretty good way to get more donations (and donors).

And is every thread going to devolve into braying about "the whole big bad world is lining up against the noble crusader John Edwards?"


by NC State Dem on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 10:44:40 AM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

put your steel coat on, this is just starting


by iamready on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:06:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

But you would be wrong to do so unless his drop in new donors as a percentage of the total is significantly worse then that of the other candidates.

Hearing the other likely fundraising numbers, I doubt that you are correct


"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman
by Ernst on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 10:55:51 AM EST

Hillary's merchandise - Is she following Obama? (none / 0)

According to her website, a purchase is also counted as a donation.

Any purchase is considered a federal contribution to Hillary Clinton for President. If you have already contributed the maximum amount under federal law or are otherwise ineligible to contribute under the federal rules, you may still purchase Hillary merchandise by visiting the bulk purchase store, HillaryGear.com.

Barack's campaign people got smart very early and it seems the others are following.

On another note, does anyone know how many donors Biden has? Nothing on him so far. I'm a Biden supporter but boy do they run a secretive operation. Supporters are kept in the dark.


by richochet on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:01:15 AM EST

last i heard... (none / 0)

...Biden has 7  

:)


by faithfull on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 01:56:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

I appreciate a solid Obama post but I think you are missing the point of his campaign if you don't think Obama will continue to line up small donors.

He is a true organizer and his campaign is relentless at offering up opportunities for regular folks to get involved.  It is a cornerstone of his campaign and I don't see him changing that.

From the house parties to the camp obama trainings, and the rallies and canvassing to be held tomorrow to turn the page on iraq--Obama is reaching down to the street level and offering up an opportunity to get involved.  The big numbers are at the rallies, on the internets and in fund raising.  Any other campaign might lighten up on the local organizing efforts--let the truly motivated carry on themselves but that is not what this campaign is doing.  They persist in structuring events for local involvement and individual participation.

I believe that his donor numbers will continue to climb thru the rest of the year.  

As someone who has contributed a relatively small amount in Q1 and Q2, I bought 2 tickets for a rally in Q3 and let that stand as my contribution. Next quarter I might buy a hat.  A contribution is a contribution is a contribution.

As an aside I am somewhat shocked that he is still charging for tickets to the rallies.  Obviously people are paying but I won't pay again.

I wonder how big his numbers would be if the events were free.


by aiko on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:08:51 AM EST

Strange (none / 0)

Are you AnneFrank on DailyKos? The only Edwards supporter I've seen making this bizarre tinfoil hat claim about Hillary and Obama is annefrank.

My advise to you - you can't go around making crazy statements like that. Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Richardson, Biden, Dodd are where they are now in terms of money and polls because of different campaign messages. Hillary has a strong showing with women. Obama, youth. You can't blame either one for Edwards' struggles. Maybe, people aren't buying what Edwards is selling? My guy Joe Biden is also not gaining traction.  Politics is a bit strange, but playing the victim game won't get you anywhere.


by richochet on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:13:41 AM EST

I doubt it. (none / 0)

Hillary is named in the comment, as well as the media. But Murdoch isn't mentioned at all.

It doesn't sound like annefrank.


"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman
by Ernst on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 03:14:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

Just out of curiosity, most of the other Edwards and Obama supporters are acting civil in support of the greater good... in this case, NO HILLARY as our nominee.  Even Vox, who was very outspoken with some of his Obama comments is taking this route.  WHY do you continue to act like a jerk with him, when most of the others from both sides have decided to work together for the time being rather than waste time attacking each others candidate?  Obama hasn't insulted you personally... He isn't leading the nomination.  Yet you make more negative and insulting comments about him than even HILLARY who is the polar opposite of the candidate you support AND is leading the nomination, thus the more dangerous candidate to keep your candidate from the nomination.  


by yitbos96bb on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:32:54 AM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

it's anger.


by iamready on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:53:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

i don't blame them for being angry that their... (none / 0)

candidate tanked.  it's natural.  we can expect them to fade into the woodwork...


peace. love. equality. still waiting after 40 years...
by bored now on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 03:50:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

I've gotta agree, criticism where criticism is due. I think Obama's method of counting donors is kind of dumb and a little disingenuous, so I don't place hardly any stock at all towards the number of donors he claims to have.


by KainIIIC on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 12:28:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Its because people like Obama enough... (none / 0)

that they buy enough merchandise, that the campaign can internalize the costs of making merch and still turn a profit, whereas most campaigns have to hire an outside source.

None of the other candidates have that wide of support, or people buying merchandise, or they would do it the Obama way to.

Media Matters:

Obama is actually "obeying the law in all of this" because "[u]nlike most of his opponents, Obama sells his campaign merchandise directly, instead of outsourcing it," and the law requires that money paid for merchandise sold directly by the campaign be counted as a contribution. Foreman also refuted the claim that Obama is "overselling his grassroots support," reporting that "people who have bought campaign merchandise only count for about 1 percent of all the donors who have given Obama money.


by faithfull on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 01:52:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

rssai posted on Kos that he would support Hillary of JE dropped.


by parahammer on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 02:25:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

Although I disagree completely with rssrai as I'm quite impressed with Obama's numbers and his fundraising tactics, I think it's because not everybody will agree that NO HILLARY is the greater good.

Some people will like their own candidate more then they will dislike mean and scary Hillary. Go figure.


"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman
by Ernst on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 03:09:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

Wouldn't the FRAMECOP, be someone who abstains from framing his/her own message in a post?  Bit hypocritical there, IMHO... your last paragraph blows your credibility out of the water.

Beyond that, until you see the numbers for the other candidates then you can't make YOUR FRAME as the argument holds no weight.  If Edwards and CLinton both gained in donors, then yes the story is Obama's numbers dropped.  If Edwards and Clinton both dropped, then the story is ALL Q3 numbers dropped.  

Any politician will tell you adding nearly 100K new donors in ANY quarter is a positive.


by yitbos96bb on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:39:31 AM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

What's the asterisk for?  At least in the baseball record books, they put the REASON for the asterisk... please do so in kind if you feel the need to use one, as I am curious WHY you feel the need for one.


by yitbos96bb on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:43:46 AM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

the asterick is to point out that some portion of the 350,000 donors contributed money used to purchase rally tickets and t-shirts vs. cash donations.

has anybody wondered how many would actually pay to see any of the other candidates.


by aiko on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 11:50:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Had to put the asterick in the title eh? (none / 0)

No comment . . .


Obama Citizen Ad Videos
by lovingj on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 12:13:47 PM EST

He can't stand it (none / 0)

Jerome is struggling mightily for a put-down -- what else is new? -- but the fact is
that 501K donations is 501K donations, and 351K donors is 351K donors.

Kind of like 24K in Washington Square Park is 24K in Washington Square Park.


by horizonr on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 03:01:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

More than enough money to compete in every primary state you say, but does he intend to do that considering his wife just recently said that if Obama doesn't win Iowa than it's all over.


by Quinton on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 12:33:31 PM EST

Obama Got Buzz (2.00 / 1)

The Boston Globe has a good article on why Obama supporters are not worried about the polls.
Obama's backers insist polls belie a buzz they see on trail

Obama's got buzz...

It's a warm fall morning in southwest New Hampshire and people are streaming onto a farm to see Barack Obama speak in front of a red clapboard barn. They are young, old, walking, in wheelchairs, dressed up, and dressed down - about 1,000 in all.

The gathering is massive for Peterborough, population 6,000, but hardly surprising: For months, Obama has drawn huge crowds in big cities, small hamlets, and every place in between, a reflection of the infectious excitement his candidacy has generated.

Hillary's support is soft...

At the same time, voters in New Hampshire and Iowa are notoriously hard to pin down in polls. Even many Clinton supporters are not fully committed - only 17 percent of respondents in the UNH survey said they had definitely made up their minds. And the TV ad wars have yet to begin in earnest.

and the youth vote will be there...

Obama has made a concerted effort to draw young people into his campaign, so one factor in his success may be how potent a force they are. Indications are that 18- to 30-year-olds will vote heavily in 2008 - even more than in the last two national elections, when their participation jumped markedly, said John Della Volpe, director of polling at Harvard University's Institute of Politics.


by JoeCoaster on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 01:21:54 PM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

I wonder how much of his donations are from items from his store? I believe Obama is the only top tier to count items bought from his store as a donation.


Restore America's Strength.
by RJEvans on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 05:27:45 PM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

Hillary does too.


by parahammer on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 06:11:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

Actually only McCain, Kucinich, Hunter and Tancredo does that if I remember correctly. It does not matter anyway, but I am curious on how much of it came from the store.


Restore America's Strength.
by RJEvans on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 06:47:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

Not only is he competing in every primary, he is also doing it very well so far.

Janine, IT Freelancer currently working on the Veagra/Seldenafil
project.


by Janine on Mon Feb 25, 2008 at 03:00:15 PM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

Obama obviously is very good at finding donors, and he seems to be good at getting people to vote for him as well. Will he be the next president?  Looks like he might be...


Roman, Programmer currently working on the Hypnotherapy Online Pharmacies project.
by Roman on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 05:22:09 AM EST

Re: Obama breaks donor number record* (none / 0)

I believe that Barack Obama is a great person not only politically but solemnly. This man has a great heart and deserves to be our new president. Nothing against Senator Clinton but not only does his charisma draw him the crowd but his plans for this nation (change) positive change something we haven't seen in nearly a decade, commends him the crowd.

___________
tickets


by andreea360 on Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 02:05:54 PM EST


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