Whatever his reasons, Barack Obama sure didn't choose Joe Biden for money

Joe Biden is no Sarah Palin when it comes to fundraising appeal.

The latest campaign finance reports show Barack Obama received only a minor fundraising bump after he named Biden as his running mate, although he raked in huge sums as the Democratic Convention closed and John McCain named Palin as his running mate.

Obama outspent his Republican rival in August, shelling out $53.5 million on television and mass mailings, as well as polling, food and lodging. McCain spent $40 million but also benefited from $20 million spent by the Republican National Committee, Federal Election Commission reports showed today.

Obama's $66-million haul in August was almost $20 million more than McCain's. One of the most striking differences was the sums they raised after they announced their running mates.

McCain received $8.8 million in the two days after he announced that Alaska Gov. Palin would be his running mate. Obama received what for him is a modest sum -- $1.7 million -- on the day he announced his choice of Biden and $694,000 the following day.

Obama’s campaign aides said he received additional....

...donations in increments of $200 or less, though dates for such contributions do not show up on publicly filed disclosures.

Of course, Obama and McCain made their selections for very different reasons. McCain needed to energize the GOP base. Obama needed someone with experience, experts say.

"The base rallied to show its support by giving to the ticket,” said political scientist Bruce Cain, director of the University of California’s center in Washington, DC.

"The enthusiasm level was already higher on the Democratic side when Biden was chosen,” Cain said. Obama’s selection of Biden was intended more “to address Obama’s experience problem rather than divisions within the Democratic ranks.”

Obama spokesman Ben LaBolt said donations had nothing to do with Biden's selection, adding: "His choice was an investment in a governing partner who can help get our economy working again, end the war in Iraq, and bring the change we need.”

Obama’s fundraising took off once the Democratic convention got underway the last week of August. He raised nearly $17 million between the Aug. 25 start of the convention and the end of the month. Obama’s campaign attributes some of the month-end activity to Democratic reaction against Palin, who was named on Aug. 29.

Obama’s fundraising has set records for a presidential campaign. He has pulled in $454.8 million since entering the race early in 2007, compared to McCain’s $224.3 million.

The way the two campaigns spend their money illustrates other differences. McCain is outspending Obama on mail-related costs -- $8 million to Obama’s $4 million. The Republican National Committee, which is aiding McCain, spent another $6.5 million on postage and mail production last month, its report shows.

Republicans tend to be older than Democrats and prefer mail over Internet communications.

Obama is spending far more on the Internet, $651,000 on Internet advertising and $884,000 on websites last month. McCain and the RNC disclosed no spending specifically on online ads, and $422,000 on Web-related costs.

The biggest cost, of course, remains broadcast. Obama significantly outspent McCain on television advertising last month, $32.3 million to McCain's $18.1 million. The Republican National Committee spent another $4.7 million on broadcast ads.

--Dan Morain

Photo credit: Associated Press

Comments

[Larry Clifton]

OBAMA IS SPENDING DOUBLE THE MONEY AND GETTING PRECIOUS LITTLE TRACTION. OBAMA SHOULD BE UP 15 POINTS IN ORDER TO WIN....
OBAMA IS IN REAL TROUBLE.
http://americanpoliticalblog.wordpress.com/2008/09/08/obama-on-religion-the-wright-stuff/

[Chuck Ewe]

Obama has a very large issue to overcome.

Per the AP

AP Poll: Racial Misgivings Of Whites Loom Over Election

2008 Elections Racial Tensions, Barack Obama, Obama Ap Poll Racial Issues, Racial Tensions, Politics News

Deep-seated racial misgivings could cost Barack Obama the White House if the election is close, according to an AP-Yahoo News poll that found one-third of white Democrats harbor negative views toward blacks -- many calling them "lazy," "violent," responsible for their own troubles.

The poll, conducted with Stanford University, suggests that the percentage of voters who may turn away from Obama because of his race could easily be larger than the final difference between the candidates in 2004 -- about two and one-half percentage points.

Certainly, Republican John McCain has his own obstacles: He's an ally of an unpopular president and would be the nation's oldest first-term president. But Obama faces this: 40 percent of all white Americans hold at least a partly negative view toward blacks, and that includes many Democrats and independents.

More than a third of all white Democrats and independents -- voters Obama can't win the White House without -- agreed with at least one negative adjective about blacks, according to the survey, and they are significantly less likely to vote for Obama than those who don't have such views.

Such numbers are a harsh dose of reality in a campaign for the history books. Obama, the first black candidate with a serious shot at the presidency, accepted the Democratic nomination on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, a seminal moment for a nation that enshrined slavery in its Constitution.

"There are a lot fewer bigots than there were 50 years ago, but that doesn't mean there's only a few bigots," said Stanford political scientist Paul Sniderman who helped analyze the exhaustive survey.

The pollsters set out to determine why Obama is locked in a close race with McCain even as the political landscape seems to favor Democrats. President Bush's unpopularity, the Iraq war and a national sense of economic hard times cut against GOP candidates, as does that fact that Democratic voters outnumber Republicans.

The findings suggest that Obama's problem is close to home -- among his fellow Democrats, particularly non-Hispanic white voters. Just seven in 10 people who call themselves Democrats support Obama, compared to the 85 percent of self-identified Republicans who back McCain.
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The survey also focused on the racial attitudes of independent voters because they are likely to decide the election.

Lots of Republicans harbor prejudices, too, but the survey found they weren't voting against Obama because of his race. Most Republicans wouldn't vote for any Democrat for president -- white, black or brown.

Not all whites are prejudiced. Indeed, more whites say good things about blacks than say bad things, the poll shows. And many whites who see blacks in a negative light are still willing or even eager to vote for Obama.

On the other side of the racial question, the Illinois Democrat is drawing almost unanimous support from blacks, the poll shows, though that probably wouldn't be enough to counter the negative effect of some whites' views.

Race is not the biggest factor driving Democrats and independents away from Obama. Doubts about his competency loom even larger, the poll indicates. More than a quarter of all Democrats expressed doubt that Obama can bring about the change they want, and they are likely to vote against him because of that.

Three in 10 of those Democrats who don't trust Obama's change-making credentials say they plan to vote for McCain.

Still, the effects of whites' racial views are apparent in the polling.

Statistical models derived from the poll suggest that Obama's support would be as much as 6 percentage points higher if there were no white racial prejudice.

But in an election without precedent, it's hard to know if such models take into account all the possible factors at play.

The AP-Yahoo News poll used the unique methodology of Knowledge Networks, a Menlo Park, Calif., firm that interviews people online after randomly selecting and screening them over telephone. Numerous studies have shown that people are more likely to report embarrassing behavior and unpopular opinions when answering questions on a computer rather than talking to a stranger.

Other techniques used in the poll included recording people's responses to black or white faces flashed on a computer screen, asking participants to rate how well certain adjectives apply to blacks, measuring whether people believe blacks' troubles are their own fault, and simply asking people how much they like or dislike blacks.

"We still don't like black people," said John Clouse, 57, reflecting the sentiments of his pals gathered at a coffee shop in Somerset, Ohio.

Given a choice of several positive and negative adjectives that might describe blacks, 20 percent of all whites said the word "violent" strongly applied. Among other words, 22 percent agreed with "boastful," 29 percent "complaining," 13 percent "lazy" and 11 percent "irresponsible." When asked about positive adjectives, whites were more likely to stay on the fence than give a strongly positive assessment.

Among white Democrats, one third cited a negative adjective and, of those, 58 percent said they planned to back Obama.

The poll sought to measure latent prejudices among whites by asking about factors contributing to the state of black America. One finding: More than a quarter of white Democrats agree that "if blacks would only try harder, they could be just as well off as whites."

Those who agreed with that statement were much less likely to back Obama than those who didn't.

Among white independents, racial stereotyping is not uncommon. For example, while about 20 percent of independent voters called blacks "intelligent" or "smart," more than one third latched on the adjective "complaining" and 24 percent said blacks were "violent."

Nearly four in 10 white independents agreed that blacks would be better off if they "try harder."

The survey broke ground by incorporating images of black and white faces to measure implicit racial attitudes, or prejudices that are so deeply rooted that people may not realize they have them. That test suggested the incidence of racial prejudice is even higher, with more than half of whites revealing more negative feelings toward blacks than whites.

Researchers used mathematical modeling to sort out the relative impact of a huge swath of variables that might have an impact on people's votes -- including race, ideology, party identification, the hunger for change and the sentiments of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's backers.

Just 59 percent of her white Democratic supporters said they wanted Obama to be president. Nearly 17 percent of Clinton's white backers plan to vote for McCain.

Among white Democrats, Clinton supporters were nearly twice as likely as Obama backers to say at least one negative adjective described blacks well, a finding that suggests many of her supporters in the primaries -- particularly whites with high school education or less -- were motivated in part by racial attitudes.

The survey of 2,227 adults was conducted Aug. 27 to Sept. 5. It has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points.

I think having the lead he does is amazing when you take a look at the number of people of color (sarcasm) at the GOP convention.

[carey grayson]

The writer must think his readers are stupid. Obama's fund raising in August broke every record. And while Biden is not as fresh and new as Palin, his experience and wisdom will become pretty clear during the vice-presidential debate. Palin is nothing more than lipstick on a pig. She was hand picked to bring vibrancy to the cadaver candidate's otherwise lack luster appearance. Palin's newness is already starting to wear off; people are seeing through the pretty smile for the calculating person she really is.

[Alec]

Biden is a walking gaffe machine.
Last week he said that Hillary was - indeed- more qualified to be VEEP.
The word on the street is that the Dem "October Surprise" wilol be to somehow dump Biden and raise Hillary from the ashes.
I'm thinking thereb is as much chance of taht as there is of flying pigs- with lipstick!
Then- Biden recognized a Senator in the crowd and said STAND UP, Chuck!
-
Than "Oh my God- what was I thinking?" (THe guy is in a wheelchair.
So thinking ever so quickly- he implored the crowd to "Stand Up For Chuck!"
What a maroon- and THIS guy is going to be one heartbeat from the Presidency?

Can't wait to see the debate.
Can't wait till Nov. 4th and all this stupidity is over.

God Bless America
(Pray for the Nation, we need it!)

McCain-Palin 2008

[Ron]

All I can think of this week is John McCain running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

[anon]

okay so, lets see you claim, "Palin is nothing more than lipstick on a pig."

Then you go on to say, "people are seeing through the pretty smile for the calculating person she really is."

So...are you trying to say pigs are calculating?

I won't state my opinion, but please do clarify.

[Willa]

John McCain is an idiot on the economy. Palin raised more money for Obama than she did for McCain, and now she has become a total liability. McCain is wishing he had picked Romney but it's too late.

[Cindy]

McCain/ Palin will be going down.....the dirt is sneaking out from under the rug. The October surprise my friend will be a major scandal re: McCain /Palin. There are many Republicans who will secretly cast their ballots for Obama. They won't risk speaking out now....but behind that curtain they will flip!

[xthat]

I grew up selling the L A Times, and read the TIMES everyday, these paper is so far left that I stop, now I get my News from the internet, if Carl Marx and Osama Bin Laden were running you would support them to. What ever the reason, Biden is a bad choice, just like Mondale and Al Gore.

(Well, welcome to the Internet. This isn't on newsprint, you may have noticed. It's an online blog.)

[Southern Gal]

So he's not a big money draw. Who cares? Obama can handle that part by himself. I (heart) Biden. I don't really see the point of this article.

[guy]

OBAMA / BIDEN '08 in a LANDSLIDE!!!

[Waldorf]

I take Obama on his word that he chose Biden on his ability to govern, meaning assisting in working with the other pillars of government, the house and the senate.

McCain, on the other hand, chose a gimmick in Palin. Today, respected Singaporean ex-prime minister called Palin a disaster on CNNs Global Public Square (Zakarias show), and I happen to agree, as an independent who likes the Obama ticket much better.

[tony]

I knew this would happen; Obama looses the election and it is the fault of a racist America. Obama has been the one playing the race card.It is the fault of a too liberial canidate, with an unfocesed campaign and the inability to see past his hurt feelings and choose the right running mate, not his skin color. Will the Dem's never learn? I also see an army of lawyers ready to swoop down on several states to claim the election was swiped fom the Dem's. so predictable

[Stefanie]

Barack Obama is LUCKY that "Joe Biden is no Sarah Palin". She is sinking fast. Her shine has quickly rubbed off and intelligent people see her for what she is...an uneducated, unqualified, dishonest hockey mom with lipstick. Joe Biden has intelligence, experience, class AND foreign policy experience (and not just because he can see Canada from his front yard!).

[Paul Stewart]

What is the purpose of this report anyway? To make Biden sound like a bad choice?

I think this part says it all: "Obama spokesman Ben LaBolt said donations had nothing to do with Biden's selection, adding: "His choice was an investment in a governing partner who can help get our economy working again, end the war in Iraq, and bring the change we need.”"

Obama put his country first. McCain put himself first. Simple sound bite. Simple fact.

[GEAH]

"Nearly four in 10 white independents agreed that blacks would be better off if they 'try harder.'"

Interesting.

I would think that 10 out of 10 people would agree than *anyone* (and any definable group of people) would be better off if they "try harder."

This is supposed to be racist? How silly.

[chicagopearl]

Seriously? You don't know why Obama chose Joe Biden?

Obama thought he was playing smart by picking an Old White Guy to pit against McCain. Boy did McCain outdo Obama in the SURPRISE DEPARTMENT. ha ha ha...

[chicagopearl]

BTW - re your Sub-Title. Biden is no Sarah Palin when it comes to voter appeal either.

[Trent]

"What a maroon"

He. He. He.

I can't wait for the debate either.

Obama-Biden 2008

[Sarah Lion]

What do you think of the television news coverage of Sarah Palin and Joe Biden?

I am a student at American University and I am conducting this survey for educational reasons.

Please copy, paste and take!
I greatly appreciate your help!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=dTCdjwGZdgXfve12tziS2A_3d_3d

[Webster Ranger]

Obama's campaign has repeatedly laid out specific plans on the economy, the foreign policy, education, the military, the war--you name it. You can find these spelled out in detail on his official website. McCain's website gives plans on these areas as well, although to me they tend to be heavy on ideological platitudes and spare on details. But any thoughtful, concerned person may download these plans and compare them side by side. Moreover, commentators across the mainstream media spectrum of political orientation have analysed these plans from every conceivable angle. On election day, I trust that the voters will be well versed on the candidates' actual positions and proposals and will be voting FOR the best candidate rather than AGAINST the one they don't prefer.

I am personally convinced that Obama's campaign addresses the issues and views that I believe are most vital for our country. McCain could no doubt manage the country as President; Palin could do the job of a Vice-President. But Obama is aimed in the right direction for America. I'm not voting against McCain and Palin. I'm voting for Obama and Biden.

[John Quimby]

I reject your premise.

I agree with Carey Greyson (above)

Obama/Biden DESTROYED McCain AND Palin in fundraising.

You separated Palin/McCain becausee McCain was running a losing campaign until he picked Palin.

Does this mean that Palin is really at the top of the Republican ticket?

Your premise is pointless - unless it's a hit on McCain.

[erik]

people are crazy... "Look how McCain suprised everyone with his pick".... yes yes genius reward that ticket and 4 years from now they will have a sweepstakes for VP on the Republican side. Sad that so many people fall victim to this gimmick of a choice by McCain. 95% or more never heard of this woman 1 day before he picked her... funny enough neither did McCain....

[Donna Hughes]

I can't wait for the debate either. People who say a lot of negative things about Joe Biden most likely don't know anything about him other than what they have read, written by some snarky journalist with an agenda. Joe will show Palin for what she really is, and do it with grace.

If she can't come out of seclusion and take the heat like other candidates then she has no business in politics anyway.

[dragonfly777]

I hear the debates between Palin and Biden are on a time limit answer. Which is good! That way Biden has only a limited amount of time to stick his foot in his mouth. And finally Obarbie can be a man and face McCain, but not before he goes to debate camp for 2 days. McCain on the other hand is not going to debate camp. Do you think the Russians will wait while Obama goes to debate camp should he ever talk to Putin? It just goes to show how little experience Obama has. I am sure all the world crisis will wait while Obama goes to camp or reads up on it. Geez, Obama is a joke.