Politics

2012 Fundraising Numbers: Is Obama Really the $86 Million Dollar Man?

The big news on the campaign trail Wednesday morning is that Barack Obama is once again an unstoppable force on the campaign trail. That’s because he has raised a staggering $86 million dollars in the second quarter for his reelection campaign. But did he? Kind of. Not surprisingly, there are some media outlets skewing the data.

First, the claim from the campaign. In a video sent to supporters, Obama campaign manager Jim Messina released the numbers, and explained the $86 million figure:

That’s actually not a bad tutorial. Messina, you’ll notice, does at least explain how the large number breaks down. That’s important, because how the $86 million is spread around is key.

First and foremost, Obama did not raise raise $86 million for his campaign. Instead he raised just over $47 million for his campaign and just over $38 million for the Democratic National Committee. That’s important because some outlets such as Politico are reporting the $86 million number as if it wasn’t a sum total of two different campaigns.

“The total amount Obama raised in the first three months of 2011 also amounted to more than twice the $35 million raised collectively by the announced field of Republican presidential candidates,” Politco says.

But if you use the $47 million figure, the juxtaposition Politico is trying to convey isn’t as shocking.

To be fair, Obama has still outraised his closest GOP contender, Mitt Romney. The former Massachusetts governor leads the GOP field in fundraising, pulling in more than $18 million during the past three months. But $86 million compared to $18 million is much different than $47 million compared to $18 million.

Jim Geraghty over at NRO puts it this way:

Today the number is $86 million, an impressive sum by any measure. But it’s worth remembering, as Nathan Wurtzel notes, Obama’s total includes fundraising he did for the Democratic National Committee, as opposed to GOP candidates’ totals, which are amounts raised solely for their campaign.

To offer a more accurate comparison, you would have to toss in the totals for the RNC, which raised $6 million in April and $6 million in May. The RNC’s June total is not yet known.

Is Obama ahead in fundraising? Yes, and probably by quite a bit. But the comparison is not Obama and the DNC’s $86 million against Romney’s $18.3 million. The comparison is Obama and the DNC’s $86 million against Romney [or your preferred candidate] + $12 million for the RNC in April and May + the RNC’s June total.

Additionally, Geraghty points out that Obama’s current fundraising is actually lagging behind his 2008 campaign pace:

But again, to match his $750 million from the 2008 cycle, Obama would need to average $107 million for seven quarters. Obviously, hit is possible that Obama can make up ground in the next few quarters. But to hit that hyped $1 billion number, Obama would need to raise a bit more than $142 million per quarter. As impressive as the $86 million figure is, it’s below those markers.

So why the confusing figures? National Journal explains:

The Democratic National Committee will report having raised an additional $38 million in the last three months. The two committees may raise money jointly through the Obama Victory Fund, an entity that allows donors to write checks for up to $35,800. That money is divided, with the first $5,000 of any contribution going to Obama’s campaign and the rest going to the DNC (The DNC must report their fundraising totals every month, meaning the committee will report raising about $14 million in June when they file their own reports).

That’s a much more accurate picture. Just don’t ask Politico to paint it for you.

Comments (167)

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  • crcitizen
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:23am

    they are not very good at numbers, you know Obamer Care, Stimulus, cook the books, and why doesn’t anyone watch the MSM, because you cannot trust them, or Obamer and his cronies either.

    Report Post »  
    • THE.GATEKEEPER
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:42am

      Im waiting to see on the news the re-action from seniors not getting their S.S. checks on time or until….

      Report Post » THE.GATEKEEPER  
    • Wayner
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:49am

      I just hope that all the idiots who contribute to this POS campaign lose their money.

      Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 12:42pm

      What a country, if he wins you get your money back from the tax payers a 1000 to 1. Capitalism at it finest. Better than wall street if you control the vote counters.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • floridaconservative
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 12:51pm

      @the gatekeeper every body knows obama bin lying we all knew that this P O S would do it. If S. S. checks don’t go out it will be because The POTUS ordered it He said that S. S. did not contribute to the deficit and that the money for S. S. was sitting in the accounts so as to pay out the benny’s that have been promised, so what is it? either we don’t have the money in S. S.or we do, either way he is a liar

      Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 2:01pm

      @HKS

      Maybe you’d have a different view if you understood that what you said had NOTHING TO DO WITH CAPITALISM.

      Capitalism is when two parties trade goods and services for a mutually beneficial relationship. In this case, the President is receiving donations in return for political favors. That’s closer to Bribery or Cronyism.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • jzs
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 3:29pm

      If a Democrat raises money (some for himself some for the DNC) that’s bribery. If a Republican gets money from Exxon or the **** brothers, that’s simply a political donation. See the difference?

      Report Post » jzs  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 4:25pm

      Look, IMHBLO, he paid cash money for the seat he presently occupies ($750M is hardly chump change). He intends to do the same thing again. Obviously, some of that money finds its way into his “obama cash” account.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • avenger
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 5:16pm

      2008,obummer managed to find $660,000,000 to win.georgie soros will have to come up with more to fool the dummies this time…

      Report Post »  
    • Justthefactsmam
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 5:30pm

      @THEGATEKEEPER The true fact is if SS checks don’t go out, it is because President Obama directed them not to go out..Same with Military pay, Disablity pay etc…The ONLY thing that happens if the debt ceiling isn’t raised, is the Govt has to only spend what they take in. The govt gets about $200B every month from your withholding from your pay check, not counting the money withheld for SS…to service the national debt costs about $20B/month…that leaves $180B/month to pay for other things, like Military pay etc…It will be interesting to see what he decides is “Priority Spending” SS, Military etc…or DOE(both energy and education) and any of the other things the govt is not required by the constitution

      Report Post » Justthefactsmam  
    • Justthefactsmam
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 5:40pm

      @JZS But the big difference is you know who the money is coming from with the Republicans, the vast majority of “donations” President Obama got came from prepaid visa/master cards, and they would not release the names of those “donors”. I guess they didn‘t want to see how many Mickey Mouse’s and Daffy Duck’s donated to him.

      Report Post » Justthefactsmam  
    • FNTM
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 6:11pm

      I am on SS. I can‘t speak for all those ’little old ladies on ss’ worried about eating next month but I can talk about the hundred our so club members and other retirees that I do know. Not one has any use for the liar in office. Not one won’t be able to outwait the sorry sucker for opening his mouth with a threat regarding SS. He really has stuck his foot in his mouth this time. Obama’s ears should be burning with what all the retirees I know are saying about him!!

      Report Post » FNTM  
    • AnnMarie
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 7:11pm

      I wonder how many of these donated dollars are coming from people who are collecting unemployment or some other government check which ultimately means they are using taxpayers money to do this.
      I

      Report Post »  
    • oldoldtimer
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:46pm

      That figures out to just a little ove 2 mil for each of the many fund raisers we the taxpayers paid for. Why do tou think he had an official function every where he had a fund raoser? So the DNC did not have to repay the taxpayers.

      Report Post »  
  • DirectlyUnPCman
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:22am

    It wont save his sorry arse.

    Report Post » DirectlyUnPCman  
    • HUGGINGMYBABIES
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:32am

      Wasn‘t it just a few months ago that they said he’d breach the $1 billion mark? I‘d say he’s WAY behind…..wonder which media outlet will report on that?

      Report Post » HUGGINGMYBABIES  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:00am

      Now if we could only get him to pay for the campaign flights he takes in Air Force 1 at our expense.

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • swalt
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:17am

      Are they actually telling us that the more money someone has in their “War Chest” the more likely they will win? That tells me they are saying that an election can be bought. So, if it can be bought, who gets paid? It isn’t just going to advertisers. WHERE DOES IT GO?

      Report Post » swalt  
    • last frontier
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:37am

      Saul Alinsky rules for radicals
      Rule 1: Power is not only what you have, but what an opponent thinks you have. If your organization is small, hide your numbers in the dark and raise a din that will make everyone think you have many more people than you do. Even michell obama said they are fortunate to have the media on there side..
      We are coming for you democrats at the poles in 2012, and we, unlike you HAVE THE NUMBERS!

      Report Post » last frontier  
    • teddie888
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:57am

      He could raise a gazzilion and I won’t vote for his sorry communist arse

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 1:16pm

      Ditto!

      Report Post »  
  • simplygilly
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:21am

    $38 million for the DNC? At a cost of $600,000 per campaign trip, half of which comes from republican taxpayers, how much of the $38 million goes to the RNC? I bet not one penny. But, I do think a hearty thank you to republican taxpayers is in order. I’m holding my breath.

    Report Post » simplygilly  
    • EZDOZIT
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:02am

      Obama took 3000 people to India with him. How many thousands were friends (donors)?
      At least Jimmy Carter lead by example.

      Report Post »  
    • One Man One Voice
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 1:35pm

      I’d also like to know how much of that money was collected from the unions. You know, those same unions that are getting our tax dollars from the government takeover of GM and Chrysler, let alone, the union’s rank and file.

      Report Post »  
  • Volsense
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:20am

    Millions spent by “donors” in order to get their piece of the pie. The bigger the “contribution” the bigger the piece of the pie. This is the most corrupt person to ever occupy the White House. This buffoon even makes Jimmah Carter really look like a peanut farmer from Gawga

    Report Post »  
    • turkey13
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:48am

      I don’t know why you people are griping – look at all the jobs these millions will provide. There is advertizing, people to run campains, tv spots – etc. I mean a lot of money pumped into econemy. Also, the president signed an executive order yesterday limiting presidental races to $25 million and $5 million for folks running for Congress. The $5 million cap goes into effect in 2014 and $25 million cap in 2016. This will stop the buying favors like the Republican party is doing right now.

      Report Post »  
    • VinnieCCT
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 12:37pm

      Turkey,

      Are you serious, because that would be some funny stuff. I assume its OK with you that BO is doing the very thing you accuse Republicans of doing?

      Report Post »  
  • AOL_REFUGEE
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:20am

    We need to get this unbelievably deluded @asswype out of office ASAP.

    Report Post » AOL_REFUGEE  
    • prmermen
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 12:41pm

      agreed..did any one catch the “ DONATED GLOBALLY” part. if thats all the GLOBAL community has to offer..our votes will surley send him to the unemployment line.;). cant wait

      Report Post » prmermen  
  • John Valentine
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:19am

    If he has raised that much money good for him. He should start to invest it in the economy, just $40 million. He gets to keep $43 million. Otherwise, he is just an evil rich politician. But what do I know. I’m not a Professional Politician; I’m just a dumb, uninformed average citizen. And I’m going to vote him out of office November, 2012.

    Barack Obama bores me!

    Report Post »  
    • obama-mecca-me-sick
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:33am

      In the spirit of “shared sacrifice” , why doesnt Obama use it to fund entittlements or help pay down the national debt. Shouldn’t he be “leaning forward” (so we can kick him in the @zz)?

      Report Post »  
    • ShyLow
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:31am

      Anyone who receives a social security check and has Comcast,needs to call Comcast and tell them if they don’t get their check,then to cancel their subscription…Commie-Cass owns MSNBC…Obamas’ propaganda machine

      Report Post » ShyLow  
  • cruzinbill
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:13am

    80 million of that is left over stimulis money he did’nt spend on ceating jobs.

    Report Post »  
    • mutslie
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:36am

      ‘The hybred *****’ (BO) & ‘the first negress’ went to indoniesia & Saudi Arabia last‘ November on the TAXPAYER’S DOLLAR………..

      …………’ that was a FUNDRAISER & he kissed the kings ring‘ ’he sickens me ‘to the max,
      …… he is a muzslum ‘to boot.

      Report Post »  
    • Darla_K
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:59am

      I believe that is true cruzin… Watch the other hand.

      Report Post » Darla_K  
  • Richard Compton
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:10am

    My first question is this really domation money or more shake down funds? Remember Obama is a community organizer, and what do community organizers do they shake down businesses to give jobs or housing etc. to their constituents. So is the money in question really as much as is reported and is this money really for his compaign, or is it really shake down money. One has to ask themselves, why given his track record would anyone with a brain give money to his campaign unless they feel they will somehow gain something for doing so! Can he be trusted? No absolutely not!

    Report Post »  
  • cruzinbill
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:09am

    80 millon of that is stimulis money he did’nt spend to create jobs.

    Report Post »  
  • hogtrashhd
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:08am

    big money alone cannot buy the presidency… his record is going to be his downfall… he has done no good for any citizen in this country except big corporate cronies.. and that doesn’t sit well with Americans.. I’m willing to project that he loses in 2012 because there are more conservatives than ever and they will get off their couches and vote this cretin out of the white house.. then God help us because once he‘s rejected he will sell anything and everything to America’s enemies because he is anti-American through and through..I pray that there are people who know what’s up.. otherwise he is going to destroy this country rather he’s in the white house or not.. he is an extremely enraged cretin.. because he’s half black.. he doesn’t like that about himself.. that’s most blacks problem.. they hate being black.. and who wouldn’t if you read the news on a daily basis. the majority of this race is animalistic.. there just isn’t anything anyone can do or say to make them civilized..

    Report Post »  
    • momprayn
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:29am

      Yes, I’m not worried about this stuff at all. Doesn’t matter about the money. Maybe it used to be, which is awful, but this time around everything will be different. I believe we’re in transition in about every arena – old ways/thinking will be going. Time for revamping, judgemenents, exposure of evil. It’s just like the Tea Party deal – all you heard was how it was going to fade away – not to worry – no big deal, etc. But then we had the 2010 elections that proved them all wrong. I pray the same for 2012. It won’t matter about the money – there are so many out here who have already decided, no matter who is the nominee for the Repubs, we’ll vote for them just to get rid of Obama – since anyone would be immensely better. The RINO politicians & the political analysts you see on TV haven’t got it yet either. Just pray that God will have mercy on us & wake us up – back to Him – & He will take care of it and make it happen, no matter what. He’ll take care of all the cheating, fraud, tricks, etc. He is more than able – it’s just whether He decides to or not. I happen to believe He has decided to restore us after all the traumas but first we need to learn some needed “lessons”, truth and get the present leaders out of office & get everything rearranged, changed, new leaders – and hopefully bring,……TRUTH and JUSTICE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • kevinkruis
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:43am

      Are you really that ignorant or are you being sarcastic?

      Report Post » kevinkruis  
  • psst
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:08am

    Not on topic. But Blaze should post this story to invite discussions /postings on “Why is our Military using ChiCom made microchips for our military weapon system”
    This is absolutely mind boggling. And could this be part of the Chicom insistence for US to do so or maybe they will cut off lending US more ChiCom loot?
    Maybe we are not using these microchips in our weapon systems, but are buying them to pacify the Chicom. If this is so, we are borrowing Chinee munny to buy Chinee products we don’t need or want in order to keep their loans flowing to US.(IOW,for pols to buy votes by giving freebies) The Chineecommee are forcing US to commit Japanese Hara Kiri/Seppuku
    “Yet, after this litany of outright sabotage, criminal ripoffs and commercial warfare, we get confirmation that the U.S. government purchased microchips from China for critical weapons systems – microchips in which “backdoors” that would permit China to shut them down, effectively disabling missiles, warships and communications transponders”
    http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=321629

    Report Post »  
  • santramir
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:07am

    credit financial system is nothing but a tax collected by a few very priviledge people. (redundant: priviledge means “private law”). dis mass media idiotize yourself and be free again, read: http://www.realzionistnews.com/?p=640

    Report Post » santramir  
  • don young
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:06am

    Its to bad he didn,t spend this much time working for the people as he doe,s for his re-election doing fund raisers and golf and vacations.

    Report Post »  
  • wtnolansr
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:05am

    The best comparison is the $47 million the one and only democratic party presidential candidate (for the general election) vs the sum total of all of the repubilcan presidential candidates (for their primary efforts). This gives a fair comparison of how much each party’s supporters are ready to put into the current fray.

    Report Post »  
    • tflfnf
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:22am

      Exactly! Let’s take into account the fundraising for Herman Cain, Bachmann, Pawlenty, etc. and then count the dollars. Suppose Politico will report these totals once the primary season is over? God Bless America…please.

      Report Post »  
  • Apple Bite
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:01am

    We know where the money is coming from, it’s a matter of pinning it on him and getting politicians to blow the whistle.

    Report Post » Apple Bite  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:08am

      Bilderberg’s boy I wonder if Obama will be going to
      the Grove this year ?
      It starts today, is Obama in Washington this week ?

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:16am

      More money? Just like he wants more from “we” the people? Regardless of how much money, he’s still a big fat LIAR. In fact, after hearing more lies he’s said, I’m comparing him to Casey Anthony. Which one is the biggest one? Remember his mom didn’t have health insurance? LIE LIE LIE! It’s all made up to make us feel sorry, just like the lies about all the others who died without insurance, lies.
      Wow, he is Casey Anthony, a habitual liar.

      Report Post »  
  • boca_chica
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:00am

    Money does not always win-actions and word of mouth is more important with the internet(see middle east riots). Get the truth out and it will make a difference.

    Report Post »  
  • JRook
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:58am

    Ah Jon, you forgot to mention how much the Republican National committee raised for its future Presidential candidate. Perhaps then we can see a true comparison.

    Report Post »  
  • Beo123
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:58am

    86 million….we could pay for a days worth of obamacare for that

    Report Post »  
  • Heitah
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:58am

    He can raise a billion dollars but the common people won’t re-elect him.

    Report Post » Heitah  
    • HumbleCitizen
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:27am

      The ends justify the means, the votes against Obama’s re-election had better be a landslide. If the tally even looks like it’s gonna be close the Dems will cheat their arses off to get Obama back in. I hope there will be plenty of poll watches on the look out for illegal votes.

      Report Post » HumbleCitizen  
  • GRAMPA-D-NH
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:56am

    “What a tangled web we weave….” Me thinks its pretty obvious the most corrupt and shady occupant of the WH will have a significant money advantage backed by his well healed cohorts and America haters. Obama is surely to receive kickbacks for the $billions passed out in “stimulus” and “bailout” money to his closest allies. Rules will be bent and broken, but most of it will be effectively laundered. Since the lame stream media is in his pocket, does anyone believe a flagrant offense would even matter?

    Report Post » GRAMPA-D-NH  
  • atechgeek
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:56am

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm1KOBMg1Y8

    This is what we are up against.

    Report Post »  
    • GumRock
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:32am

      its a Good Look at how the Media works those Mushy Minds of the Useful Idiots.

      Report Post » GumRock  
  • Bushie
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:55am

    People that buy newspapers are wasting their money. The media are strangers to the truth. OPEN YOUR EYES PEOPLE and put these obama loving rags out of business.

    Report Post » Bushie  
  • NotFooled
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:53am

    MY SIMPLE ANSWER: Duahh !

    Report Post » NotFooled  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:50am

    God I hope and pray that in 2012 we can wave at Obama and say ‘So long its been nice seeing you leave out the door…”

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • gpk
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:06am

      @snowleopard

      I don’t think the country will hold together until 2012.

      Report Post »  
    • SgtB
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:42am

      It will be nice to do that. But we need to ensure that no more presidents are putting their stinking feet up on the Resolute Desk. That belongs to the people and it is a priceless heirloom that belongs to us all. Anyone who doesn‘t respect something as simple as that shouldn’t be president. And yes, I know Bush did it too.

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:38am

      Yeah, don’t let the door hitcha where the good Lord splitcha!

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:41am

    As soon as we figure out who our man is, it’s time to put your money where your mouth is people. It’s time for this jackwagon to be fundraising for his presidential library in Chicago.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:43am

      Or woman, sorry, I forgot.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • I.Gaspar
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:44am

      In his case it will more likely be a presidential pawn shop.

      Report Post »  
    • tobywil2
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:16am

      Why would you expect the Tyrant to be more truthful about campaign finances than any other statement he makes? Every statement the tyrant makes has the objective of continuing in power. Don’t you remember when he explained the difference between his performance and his pre election agenda? OBAMA’S explanation? He said “thats just campaign rhetoric!” http://commonsense21c.com/

      Report Post » tobywil2  
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