One of Hillary's biggest strengths going into this race was her ability to raise major amounts of cash. With the 1st quarter numbers in, she didn't disappoint. Raising $25 million dollars is not small change. However, Obama released his numbers today and startling to some, matched that amount. Thats not all, while Hillary raised that money from 50,000 donors, Obama doubled that number.
One hundred thousand individual donors proves he has widespread appeal while Hillary's numbers show that the big-time Democrats largely have her back. The problem for Hillary is that she just doesn't appeal to the masses. Especially so in the Democratic activist sphere, which is the one that counts here.
More from The Huffington Post:
The campaign reported that the figure included at least $23.5 million that he can spend on the highly competitive primary race. The Clinton campaign has yet to disclose how much they can use for the primary verses money that is designated for the general election.
While Clinton has honed a vast national fundraising network through two Senate campaigns and her husband's eight years as president, Obama launched his bid for the White House with a relatively small donor base concentrated largely in Illinois, his home state. But his early opposition to the Iraq war and voter excitement over his quest to be the first black president quickly fueled a powerful fundraising machine.
Since he formally declared his presidential campaign in February, Obama has been traveling the country with a focus on urban areas where he could build his momentum and bring in new donors. He attracted big-money Hollywood and Wall St. executives along with families who came out to his stops in places like Oklahoma that sometimes are neglected by other candidates.
Obamamania continues to surge while Hillary is relying on a network that has been in place for years. Yet, even her donors are wary. While Obama proudly reported that most of his contributions are for the primary, Hillary is obviously embarrassed by the primary cash she has raised. If she wasn't, it would have been released.
Meanwhile, Edwards raised a slightly smaller number, around $14 million. Although the amount is nearly 40 percent below his two main rivals, don't be surprised if he has a surge of his own. Time will only tell if Obama can transform his rockstar into a long-term success. With today's media constantly looking for ratings over substance, you never know what they'll throw at Obama or any of the candidates tomorrow, next week or in the coming months leading up to the primary.
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