With $605 million already, Obama asks only $10 more from each of us

Having hauled in a record $208,333 every hour of every day last month -- $150 million in all -- plus a few more unreported millions so far this month, Barack Obama is worried that he might come up short in the political money war with the John McCain-Sarah Palin ticket.

Just to relieve himself of that $150 million before the polls open, Obama will have to spend $12.5 million a day.

But he needs some more.

And, according to an e-mail plea to supporters, tonight's the absolute deadline to donate $10 more and receive your special edition Official Obama-Biden car magnet.

Having now collected more than $605 million altogether, the freshman senator shows no concern over the appearance of buying the presidency. Imagine for a moment the national political conversation that could be going on now if rich Republicans had raked in that much loot for one campaign.

Obama's team is so well-funded and well-organized it has spread its political web into one-time red states, forcing McCain to defend them with his measly $84.1 million in federal funds.

Obama aides privately profess profound concern that additional financial resources from the Republican National Committee could make the GOP ticket competitive in the closing days. And the Cincinnati Bengals are a real Super Bowl threat this year.

"The race is deadlocked in a number of crucial battleground states," the urgent e-mail proclaims, "including Ohio, Missouri and Indiana. And we're neck-and-neck in Florida, North Carolina and Nevada.

"We have to make our final, tough decisions about where to fight and how strong we can make our team. And those choices will depend on the financial resources we have."

And, hey, if there's a few hundred million dollars left over in the campaign coffers on Nov. 5, win or lose, maybe Obama would like to put it toward the immense federal budget deficits that our colleague Stephen Braun warns this morning will confront the hopes and current plans of either an Obama or McCain White House come Jan. 21.

-- Andrew Malcolm

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Comments

[Jalap]

Catfish: No they don't. Maybe you should know the law before you comment.

[KMA]

now he's taking from his supporters, spending without restraint! soon he will be taking it from the taxpayers and doing the same.

how could 605m+ not be enough

[landon]

This article actually reminded me to ....well, give $10 more to the Obama campaign. Thanks. Also, he can keep my money, I trust him and that is why I'm voting for him. Remember to breathe once and a while.

[Bipp]

How awesome would that be if Obama wrote the government a very large check to go towards the deficit. That would just solidify the nation's support for this guy. Can you just see the Republican's jaws dropping?

[Dell]

Obama's spending habits are in front of our faces.

Do you really believe he will go into a rehab for this spending addiction?

Had he been bashed like Sara Palin has, it would have been called racists. She is a VP candidate who is better qualified than Obama, a Presidential candidate.

Wake up America!

[Blake]

You guys are nuts. Doesn't this illustrate a mentality that scares you...? Already the effort has raked in more money than anyone else... and yes, there were 50,000 dollar aplate dinners in hollywood. just a little donation from everyone... They still want more from all of you. spread the wealth around? seems like concentrate it... One of the reasons for the sell off that is affecting all of us is the folks who have their money in the market know next year their taxes are going to be outragous... so sell now folks. sell you 401ks and give 10$ to Obama so he can use it more wisely than you.

[Mailman]

How gutted do you reckon Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofey and the three stooges will be when their god doesnt get elected next month.

And to think, that $27 they all donated could have gone to something useful, like ensuring pluto has a good set of shoes!

[Mark T]

If there is money left over after the campaign, wouldn't that be considered a windfall profit that should be taxed?

:-)

Also, come April 15th when my taxes are due...if I'm a little short, can I ask the IRS to reduce the amount of my principle payment (taxes) that are due like the Feds want to do for people that overextended themselves on their mortgages?

:-)

[jbdsm]

That money was given to him for the purpose of him spending it to defeat McCain. The fact that he has raised so much just shows how much support he has. Speaking as someone who has donated money to the campaign, I would not be happy if the money I gave the Obama campaign was NOT spent for this purpose. If people didn't want it spent, they wouldn't donate it.

[kitsinni]

You say the freshman senator shows no concern over the appearance of buying the presidency, you have it totally wrong .. we are buying it for him at $10-50 a person the way American elections were meant to be done.

[Dan]

The funds aren't just going to Obama - his campaign is also directing funds to state democratic parties, to help with their expenses and to also help with state and local races. This is a lot more strategic, than the columnist makes it out to be.

(Or maybe he just wants to take the girls shopping at Neiman Marcus after the election? ;)

[Shay]

I wonder how much of Obama's money is from foreign donations...

What would elections results look like if Obama would have kept his promise to accept public finances? He needs to spend 10 times as much just to keep up with McCain?

[Jeremy Uriah]

The LA Times has been a dead newpaper for a long time, recent editorials and cover stories only confirm that. One can get better news and commentary from tmz.com

[jeff]

times are tough but Obama has no problem asking is worshipers to send him more money. Forget milk, bread, and eggs, just send HIM more money. He is disgraceful.

[Jim Terr]

Though I'm 100% pro-Obama and usually 100% irritated by Malcolm, I must agree with the initial point here. Is enough ever enough?

[Steve D.]

I agree with Mike Troopa as far as Obama's campaign being funded by millions of small donations, not a just a few fat cats. The 'special interest' attached to that is resuscitating our country. And it doesn't bother me at all that the Democratic campaign is pushing into traditionally red states.

However, politics is largely about appearances. Given the chance, I would urge Senator Obama to consider giving most (if not all) unused campaign contributions to charity, or toward paying down the national debt.

[Al Fisher]

Thanks Andrew- I had already given $300 to Obama, and thought that was enough, but your bitter tone convinced me to add another hundred. Anything to buck the negative trend of the last 8 years exemplified by the irresponsible and scurrilous McCain-Palin demagoguery, and by your comments!!! We do need a new direction, and you are not it. Thanks for waking me up.

[Independent]

You think Obama wants more money now? Just wait 'till he gets in the White House.

An old commercial said "When E. F. Hutton speaks, people listen." When Obama speaks, watch your wallet...

No flames please - as my name indicates, I already voted for the best choice in this race - a third party candidate.

[Bill]

If Obama were a Republican the story would be how he is buying the election with cash and stealing the election with fraudulent voter registration. Particularly in light of the fact that Obama's campaign paid $800, 000 to the fraudsters at ACORN.

It is amazing that Obama doesn't have a 20 pt lead the way the press is so pro Obama. Unfortunately, this country will probably get what it deserves with an Obama presidency.

[gustav]

MikeTroopa, you have no data as to where this money came from. You're only going off of your biased guess.

[rural americans]

Obama will be indicted for money laundering during his administration. There is already proof that much of the money is from "ghost" contributors, who have contributed millions.

Malcom's comments echo the heartland's discontent with a the demoncraps buying of this election.

[bob]

Hey John,

say it for me one more time,

"I m a maverick"

hahahahahaha

[Dg]

Thanks for the heads up. Ten bucks, on its way!

[peter]

I wouldn't give ten cents. He is a traitor to this country and should be treated as one. This man is a fraud and I am disappointed that so many Americans can be so easily duped.

[Tammy]

well just another example OF OBAMA TRYING TO BUY THE WHITE HOUSE>