FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Money talks in presidential elections... and it may be causing John McCain some heartburn or sleepless nights at this early stage of the game.
That's because the presumptive Republican nominee is struggling to get money from many of the same industries that helped fund President Bush's campaigns.
Bloomberg News reports that many people who work for securities and investment firms, construction companies, the pharmaceutical and energy industries have been turned off by McCain's record, and are giving more money to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
The two Democrats each raised about $11 million from these four industries through the end of March, compared with only $6 million for John McCain. Back in 2004, President Bush raised three times more money from these places than John Kerry did.
Meanwhile, here's another sign of potential money trouble: the Houston Chronicle reports Texas has been slow to warm to McCain. Almost three months after sewing up the nomination, McCain has yet to get money from most of President Bush's top Texas donors. In fact, McCain has raised less in Texas than either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.
One political analyst puts it: "If a Republican isn't outraising a Democrat in Texas, where are they going to outraise a Democrat? Vermont?" One Texas fundraiser says it's been easier to raise money for a Democrat in the Lone Star State this year. The reason? "Bush fatigue."
Here’s my question to you: Why is John McCain having problems raising money?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Greg from Cabot, Arkansas writes:
Some people donate some money to candidates with the hope that they will win. Other people donate more money to candidates they think they will win, while the big money flows to the best bet or a sure thing. Obama is cashing checks, McCain is asking for money and Clinton is begging for donations… kinda says something about the mood of the voters.
Nora from Corpus Christi, Texas writes:
President Bush has a 70% plus disapproval rating right now. That is a big, giant negative for John McCain. Even though he tries to distance himself from Bush, he might want to take bigger steps getting away from him. Plus, I think McCain is not a real Republican in the true sense of the word. He would like you to think he is, but I think not!
Jodie from Idaho writes:
I really do not think the Republicans are happy with their candidate. I know I am not. I think he is too old and too out of touch. I don’t like any of his proposals - especially to stay in Iraq. What choice do I have, but to vote for someone else? I am not going to vote for him just because he is a Republican. I am school teacher who is looking for change. McCain just does not represent that change. A lot of Republicans feel the same way. Just ask them.
Derek from Cape Coral, Florida writes:
McCain is having money problems because everyone knows he is the incumbent loser. Why waste money on a candidate when they are going to get nothing back? These industries have to spend money so they can control the president. McCain is not that guy.
Kevin from Jonesboro, Georgia writes:
McCain is having troubles because all of those big-pocket Republicans that would normally being throwing tons of money into the campaign are trying to pay off their rising mortgages and healthcare bills, thanks to the last good ole boy they got into office!
He can't raise money because he plants the seeds to deep! Also, needs fertilizer. The seeds to plant money need to be there by the first of May! That sure would help him raise money. Now pork you can't plant that early ..........
He's having trouble raising money because very few people want to see him win – especially Republicans. It's like the big secret out there – let the Democrats have the White House this year and when they can't clean up the mess we can blame all of it, Iraq, the economy, you name it, on them.
I'm not sure about this, but can McCain tap into his wife's beer billions? I know she's paying his 'transportation" right now, but hey, she's got more than the Clinton's and they're getting deeper in debt ,so come on Cindy – start pouring! Unless, she knows the secret........
JACK,
The reason why he is having a hard time raising money is because his wife has enough of it. He does not to to beg, borrow, or steal. All he has to do is Cindy to write a check. Forget fundraisers.
Republicans are not giving money now because they don't have to. Wait until the general election and money will be coming from everywhere and the 527's will be in full swing. We are still in the pre-season,the regular season hasn't started yet.
Money raising problem? Only if his wife holds him to a strict allowance. A big mistake for her to refuse to diclose her recent tax returns.
The "new" McCain is seen as a flip-flopping masked liberal running as a conservative. At some point he's presumably going to have to figure out how brand himself, fund raise, and generally bring support to his campaign... right? McCain needs to select his VP now, then he may start bringing in the bucks.
He may be having trouble now, but wait until there is only two candidates running for president. The Republicans will start pouring the money into his coffers.
John McCain can't raise money because people in his own party haven't accepted the fact that he is the nominee.
because he has enough money in his wife's bank account,and republicans don't like him.
You could turn that around and ask why only Obama is NOT having trouble receiving LARGE sums for his campaign!!! Rochester, NY
McCain will have trouble raising donations because nobody wants to place their bet on the three legged dog with one eye and a tired, hacking cough. Mr. McBush....I mean McCain is a sacrificial lamb I'm afraid, and the Republicans will be happy to throw him a little twelve second parade when it's over. After that, they GOP is going to be a little busy doing damage control, trying to hold back the revisit and repair of all the baloney of the last eight years.
McCain is having problems rasing money & Hillary is having problems doing the same. Sounds like a good ticket made in heaven John & Hillary they can spend their way into bankruptcy trying to get elected as a republican team.
Do you hear that giant sucking sound? That's the sound of Barack Obama sucking all the supporters from both Hillary and McCain.
I think that Obama can end this soon by buying out all of Hillary's voters, and with the money he has left, he can buy out all of McCain's voters.
And by the time he becomes President, he'll still have enough left over to by Hillary a new pantsuit, and Bill a Hannibal Lecter mask!
Jack
The fact that he is having a difficult time raising cash tells me the grand old party is not 100% behind him. I wonder how many republicans are questioning his electability against the democratic canidate.
Jack it's very simple, He has to raise enough courage first, and then turn over, and ask his wife.
It's still pretty early, and McCain may pick up momentum as the months wear on, but he appears tired already, Republican voters are going to be in shorter supply this year, and I'll betcha Republicans have a pretty good idea they're going to lose this one. Why wuld they waste their money on a losing proposition?
He is having problems raising money because most Americans feel that he has enough money to fund his own campaign. Not only that the Republican party is not very popular right now and American's are not willing to give to a losing cause.
Jack, the country sees what a mess of things the Republicans have made over the last 7+ years. If you had a lot of money, would you waste it contributing to a campaign that has little chance of winning? McCain is just a clone of George Bush and under McCain we would never get out of Iraq. Peace and prosperity = Barack Obama!
Lack of enthusasm from the conservative Republicans. They're not real happy with him, and they are showing it by holding back the bucks.
It's hard to sell a used car with over three hundred thousand miles on it.
Jack
All you have see is Joe Lieberman standing next to McCain and
there is your answer.
Jerry
Roselle, Illinois
maybe viagra would help.
tampa, fl. would you put money on this loser? i don't think so. the big money is waiting for a really good candidate to come along. if mcamnesty is the only one left, then you can get a discount on gifts to him as he'll be marked down by then.
Well it's sort of obvious. Hillary is in debt. McCain is collecting so little money. All the money in the country is going to Obama. Maybe this is telling us something about the will of the American people.
John McCain is having difficulty raising money because his wife won't make her tax records publicly available, but not to worry she can lend her him the millions he needs out of the profits she's making selling beer to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Right or wrong, McCain is seen as more of the same Republican (Bush/Cheney/etc.) way of thinking and doing things. And in these days when a vast majority of the American public thinks we're doing the wrong things in the wrong ways – for ourselves, our country and the world – why would people be so anxious to help fund the candidate who they see as perpetuating that?
Bow, NH
The Republicans and Bush are not popular and all the attack ads in the world will not help this time. A bad Economy and a bad War in Iraq, why donate wads of cash to a loosing campaign. It is not a wise or moral investment.
I think it is obvious, McCain is having problems raising money as the supposedly nominee for the Republician party BECAUSE McCain is as far away a Republician as Hillary Clinton. He is a Democrat in Republician clothing.
I am a conservative and have voted for the Republican nominee in every general election I have ever voted in except one. This will be the second time !
Chris – Atlanta, GA
he cannot raise money until the conservatives and bushies support him and fund raise for him...I dont see much of that happening...no one is particulary fond of him as a candidate...dont you think it is odd no one of any substance wanted to run as a Republican this time?
No doubt McCain is a hero, but he is a Republican carrying the Bush brand. And the Bush brand is just not what the public is going to buy anymore. With Bush, we got burned by faulty goods that were just not returnable. We plan on shopping way smarter this time around.
Probably because it's so long until November, his core voters aren't engaged yet. But not to worry, they will come through, as Republicans always do, especially knowing that he will win in November because the Dems are running a nominee against him who can not win.
Using this anaysis to minimize McCain's threat in November is the epitome of "whistling past the graveyard". The real force that will drive McCain to a landslide victory is from the third party (527) groups who will create and use the attack ads, while he campaigns presidentially.
Cause no one wants to be seen wanting a third term of the Bush whacking we just went throught for the last almost 8 years. The Republicans are afraid to spend money on a losing situation and they are right to do that cause the one down on the bottom will hold garage sales and get the money for Obama or what ever else we need to sell to give him the victory over this failed government
Republicans don't have their traditional funding base. Big business is allocating funds to Democrats in hopes of universal health care and the evangelical support is waning. While Republicans will still receive a large majority of the evangelical/ultra-conservative vote the groups are not as eager to financially support a candidate who doesn't share their traditional values.
Patrick, Iowa
Because it isn't yet a horse race for him. Obama's protracted nomination process has lulled the traditional republicans to sleep and allowed the neo-cons to joyfully wallow in their state of sulking over their party's choice.
But both parties will pull together and things will heat-up soon enough.
Jack,
Two words. George Bush. I do not know if McCain can put enough distance between him and the President to get free of his shadow (of Death). I have a feeling he is going to suffer the same fate as Al Gore did in 2000. He will never be President. 4 years from now, McCain will be almost too old to run.
Jenny Rome GA
With today's economic situation, who can afford to give money to continue the policies that got us here? John McCain isn't hated like President Bush, but a bunch of "he's a nice guy" and "he's a true American hero" doesn't buy you many advertising spots. He's on the wrong side of the major issues.
I think that people are only just getting to know what he stands for. The far right has been hesitant because he hasn't waved the usual banners on abortion and creationism. The independents have not yet warned to his message. Once the smothering blanket of media coverage on the democrats' family feud lifts, people will have a better basis to lend their support. In the snippets of McCain light that have escaped the democratic primary's black hole effect, I have begun to learn a lot a good stuff about this self-defined, principled, collaborative, and not-so-conservative man. I think the ignorance of those who use the term "McSame" will become evident. And as happens in poltics, money will flow away from ignorance.
I think it's because he's not really running against any said candidate yet. I think when the real show begans, which by the way is a much tougher road, he will get his fair share of money. I hope it stays clean but thats like wishing I was 20 years younger.
Larry in Florida
McCain isn't having problems raising money, he'll spend every penny he has left then ask the Federal Reserve for a Bear Stearns bailout.
He’s not having problems. It is just another attempt by the snarky Republicans to lull Democrats into a false sense of security so that they start to feel like they don’t have to try very hard to beat McSame. When the general election begins, the Republicans with throw their full weight and support behind Bush Lite regardless of what they say or do now. Besides, there isn’t anyone to run against yet – thanks to Hillary.
Times is tough Jack and the people buying influence and favors in Washington need to be thrifty about where they spend their money. There is no influence to be bought from republicans this year because the ineptitude and incompetence of dick bush and george cheney (oops) will hand the controls of government over to the dems in the next election. John McCain is just not a good investment this year.
Jack, let's be honest: Amercian's see his impersonation of the Greek god, Janus. And, quite frankly, we've all had enough "Janus", from the seven & a half years, to last us all a lifetime!
He will merely continue Bush/Cheney politics and campaign contributors understand that! I wonder what they'd be giving if the Rep's would've backed Ron Paul instead? Hmmmmm...
Obama + change in '08
Jack,
Because the Religious Ultra Conservative Right doesn’t like or believe in McCain. Money only pours in when people 1.Like you and your message and 2.Believe you can actually win. Hence the McCain and Clinton money problems. As hard as Rush Limbaugh tried to get his republicans to get Hillary the nomination it didn’t work. Now they are facing the match-up they didn’t want and the GOP is going to take a drubbing across the board. With any luck a Filibuster proof Senate and then the real change that millions of Americans have been asking for might actually have a chance of taking place.
Michael In Skowhegan Maine
Jack: McCain's financial difficulties is that he has not established "himself" as "candidate", but rather mirrors the Bush Administration. I believe that the Corporate Republicans realize that McCain is not going to win the Presidency, therefore, they will save their money for another campaign and another candidate. McCain is old-guard politics and America has had enough fill with the Bush Administration.......funding McCain would be like throwing money down the toilet......and only the sewage plant would benefit from that.
IF I were a big money contributor, I would be worried about who would best protect my interests in Washinton. Right now, I see a situation that could easily lead to a Democrat controlled House and Senate. How can I align myself to best take advantage of this situation? Also, will I have to realign myself in 4 years?
Harry
Ky.
McCain is having money trouble for a couple reasons. The people who are sick of Bush equate McCain with him, so donations are not coming in. Others who support Bush look at McCain's record and his campaign rhetoric and see that he's trying to look more conservative than he is. So they're not giving money either.
The economy is sinking right now and people think it's the president's fault. On top of not having as much money to give, people don't want another Republican with the same policies as Bush to drive the economy even lower.
McCain cannot afford to pander too much more. But he needs to do something to get more support. And he, and Bush, need the economy to show some sign of recovery if the GOP wants any chance of retaining the White House.
Hi Jack, you don't expect Sen macain's campaign to raise money when the American people are looking for change in Washington. Washington is full of old folks and the American people are tired of the old politics, they want a new direction and Sen. Macain can not bring that to the American people because he is been in Washington for more than 35years along with Sen. Clinton. The American people are trying to raise money for one who is new in Washington. Jack , if you want to sweep your house well you need a new broom to do that, Sen Macain is an old broom in Washington and Sen Obama is the new broom that the American people need to clean up Washington very well. He is expensive to buy because he is the new broom that's why we need much money to buy him.
Because of the same old politics that he is talking. People are looking for change and are willing to give money for change. Take Africa for instance, people are willing to give their money to people and places that are going to change the way some people live for the better . People are willing to give there money to Obama because of the changes he wants to make. When you give your money to politians who same the same old thing and do nothing when they take office, you get tired of doing that and don't give anymore.
Well Jack,
I bet Bush's buddies are too busy hiding their money oveseas!!
They know the democrat's are going to take over in November, and close their tax loopholes.
Ray
They all know that he is not the best candidate. Why throw good money after bad?
Maybe it's because "Real Republicans" are getting tired of watching the NEO-CONS running their party into the ground. They know John McCain is going to follow in Bush's footsteps on the war in Iraq & Afghanistan & they realllllllly don't want us in Iraq or Afghanistan anymore either. They also know that Bush/McCain are going to be taking the blame for this sad ass economy & high gas prices. If I were a "Real Republican" I would just this once stay home or vote for whom we Dems pick as our nominee.
JACK
he still has cindy
if he can use her plane
she should support it's flight
So much for the Super Rich Elite supporting Republicans... which is all you hear Democrats screaming... I guess the Conservatives are the rich party anymore... something many of us have known for a long time.
"securities and investment firms, construction companies, the pharmaceutical and energy industries have been turned off by McCain’s record, and are giving more money to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton."
Look at that... the same companies that they claim to hate are the ones funding their campaigns... Nice... Hypocracy continues.
Why should he? All he has to do is ask Cindy for a loan, but I don't think that'll be necessary once the general campaign begins. Right now people are just trying to buy food and pay for gas. Once the rich get bored watching the rest of us struggle, they'll start dumping money on McCain to keep the Bush tax cut in play.
I dont think so Jack,
She is making a mess of things for the democratic party and herself, she has shown it that its all about herself, otherwise she would have exited gracefully by now.I am just wondering if she can even retain her senate seat after all this political pollution she has created.
It is simple he divides the republican party. Most republicans are not happy with their choice . But you can rest assurred that as soon as "Barack" is annionted" by the Liberals of the democrat party the republican machine will raise the money needed, hold their noses,support money wise and vote for John McCain. They are smart enough to recognize a larger threat to the United States.
It's like baseball Jack. McCain got two strikes on the past 4 years of the Bush Administartion – a failed war and a struggling economy. The next pitch is a Bush Third Term. Would you give money to McCain or try your luck in Vegas?
Jack, Maybe he should ask his wife, she loaded and maybe he can work around the house to earn some extra cash! instead going all over the place.
We don't mind paying our fair share of taxes and helping our country but we are really tired of seeing it wasted in Iraq and I believe that in November the people of our country will speak loud and clear that we need a real change in Washington just as they are showing in their donations.
That a no brainer. Would you help him win the presidency when all he is promising is more of the same? That is the very reason that i think Hillary can win on a seperate ticket if she loses the Democrat nomination. There are many Republicans, especially women who would vote for her, as well as many who are disenchanted with Obama, and his refusal to distance himself from Reverend Wright in fast order, and when the heat was turned up he flipped him. The first refusal didn't show good judgement, and the second time when he supposedly denounced Reverend Wright was way too late for me.
That’s an easy question to answer. If the economy is bad the last thing people donate money to is a presidential election. With high gas prices and no clear plan on that front and no clear plan on the economic front people don't have any reason to invest in McCain, Clinton or Obama or even a libertarian when one pops up in the next few weeks. The best investment Americans can invest in right now with the three candidates we have in front of us is to invest in ourselves and certainly not them. They are the ones that lead us into our current situation or were at least a party to it by their failure to act or by their actions. The mess we are in did not happen in the last 8 years.It has taken decades to get us to this point under many different political parties. It seems dumb to me to believe that the ones that got us where we are today now all of a sudden have a plan to extricate us from that predicament. I trust none of them. They have all failed us.
Because he is not the "conseravtive" that everyone wants him to be and most Republicans have woke up and started smelling the coffee are realizing it has burnt because they are hurting in the pocket book like the rest of us and they don't want another canidate who is spewing the same rhetoric that they had for the last 8 years.
That's pretty simple Jack, you need to have supporters to raise money! Maybe he'll get lucky and his "summer gas tax holiday" supporters will send him their 30cent savings. He'd better hurry up and make his bid for it or Hillary will beat him to it and pay her debt off. She would rather take the money from the "hard working, white voters" than pay it out of her own pocket. You know 109 million doesn't go far these days.
Maybe he should call Senator Clinton to be his financial advisor and help with fundraising, I hear she is going to be looking for something to do real soon. Or if all else fails ask the Clintons for a loan and then see if Obama will pay off his debt on November 6th.
Jack, I honestly believe that America is just plain tired of the Republican Party. Most of us have watched our jobs and hard earned taxes go over seas, and we are just plain tired of them. Also, McCain, although a war hero from Vietnam, he does not sit will with the majority of Americans. Hence problems raising money.
A couple of possibilities: first, McCain isn't exactly a charismatic candidate, so he's going to have trouble getting the small donors excited about his campaign. Second, the lack of the typical institutional donors may reflect a lack of confidence in McCain's ability to win – those folks want to back the winner.
Jack,
McCain's problems come from being the wrong man at the wrong time. With 70% of the country against his ideas for the future I find it more surprising that he is where he is today. This notion that he can somehow beat the democratic nominee is just absurd. Even die-hard republicans barely give McCain a chance and it show in his ability to raise money and get votes, in comparison with the democrats. You can't run on the same failed principles of the most unliked President in American history and expect victory. And if you do your just as dumb as he is.
He doesn't need much. The conservatives are waiting for the dems to finish up so they can go on the attack. They will do the dirty work for him while he runs a clean campaign. But Dems will outraise him because we are tired of McSame.
Jack,
If Obama and Clinton are both outraising John McBush at this point in the campaign, imagine what is going to happen when there is only one Democrat. Clearly McCain is in trouble and it is only likely to get worse once the Democrats get themselves a nominee.
Given the type of campaign that McCain is planning on running, there's not a need for much money. Most of the damage to Obama is going to come from Freak Show Media, 527's, and Wright.
So how much money are the right wing 527's raising? McCain just needs to hold to these truths: Obama is the most liberal Senator in the Senate, he's to the left of John Kerry, He's going to raise your taxes, He's going to create a giant bankrupting new entitilement program, He's inexperienced in foreign affairs.
McCain is having troubles because all of those big pocket Republicans that would normally being throwing tons of money into the campaign are trying to pay off their rising mortgages and healthcare bills, thanks to the last good ole boy they got into office!
The media can only insulate but so much.We all see the real!!
You can't raise money from the dead and John McCain hasn't energized supporters to contribute. Additionally, John McCain gets $35,000 a year in Social Security Benefits when many senior voters that receive social security don't get that much and Cindy has the nerve not to release her tax information. How dare ask anyone to contribute to his campaign.
Since is wife have so much money let her fund him. Maybe we can see where they gave money to charties if any. The Clinton's and McCain's have something in common. Lots of money to spend on whatever they choose.
Some people donate some money to candidates with the hope that they will win, other people donate more money to candidates they think they will win while the big money flows to the best bet or a sure thing.....
Obama is cashing checks, McCain is asking for money and Clinton is begging for donations......kind-a says something about the mood of the voters.
Jack,
Your question implies knowledge that McCain is failing at his attempts at fundraising. I do not believe that is the case. McCain does not yet need to create a barrage of attack and counter-attack ads the way that Obama and Clinton have done over the past few months. He is lying low while the Democrats have burned through many of the millions they have generated. I believe that the Republicans will step up donations when they are most needed, when the general election is fully under way.
Cheers,
Mike
McCain is just not a good candidate. He is flip floppy and idolizes Bush and then pretends he is a democrat trying to appeal to the democratic vote. He claims he washes his hands of Bush and then proudly states he "liked" campaining for him and has always been a supporter. I feel like I am listening to Hillary when I hear John McCain! You don't know what to believe and they both will say anything to get a vote.
President Bush has a 70% plus disapproval rating right now. That is a big,giant negative for John McCain. Even though he tries to distance himself from Bush, he might want to take bigger steps getting away from him. Plus, I think McCain is not a real republican in the true sense of the word, he would like you to think he is but I think Not!!
Poor John he has a dilema where he is trying to woo people from opposite spectrums and we all know it's impossible to suck and blow at the same time. Now he's announced a continuation for world dominance by the U.S. via declaring his intention to implement freedom of religion world wide. This should finish him regardless of anyone's political affiliations.
This type of Hawkish policy indicates he has lost more than his bearings.................can you say marbles!
Although we make him look like Bush, he is much different from him too in many areas that may matter to Republicans and these donors. I don't think they will contribute to him because he will stay the course in Iraq or keep Bush tax cut. He is more moderate on Environment and other issues that does not serve well in republican base. On top of that, the real race has not begun yet until a democratic nomination is finalized.
Nuwan from Houston, TX
People don't donate money to a candidate who cannot possibly win.
i think your attacking mccains oldness,with that heartburn/sleepless nites comment.isn't that the same implication as 'losing his bearings'?are you an agist ,jack?you don't like old people?gee,you are just like that obama guy.
McCain is not part of the group. He is an outsider. He is not in the neo-con club. Bush rose on the wings of the far-right oil and energy cartel. He was the guy that helped them take over the government so they could follow their agenda into Iraq and the Middle east. They needed to use our miltary to get the job done. McCain is not one of them. He is just another conservative politician with a clue. They must think the Dems are going to win, so that's where they are building their influence.
Because he's a Jerk and his policies are bogus.
"Bush fatigue" sounds about right. The single most influential liability, in terms of determining how people will vote this coming election, will be McCain's relationship with President Bush... or as it may be, his /perceived/ relationship with President Bush.
McCain can't raise money because he is in Limbo.
Too old to exploit the internet, and too Liberal to exploit the Big Donors.
McCain's only chance is to adopt a Populist platform. The right wing will abandon him (what's new?) but he may gain access to Internet supporters.
But, that isn't going to happen.............so, yes, McCain has already lost.
Sorry Jack, no sale, it has been known for days she will win but the Super-delegates are still moving to Obama as they see most of Hilliary's success with large tint of republican skulldugary.
David
Dartmouth NS
Much like the sadder, but wiser young girl who surrenders her principles and virtue he's learning that going all the way doesn't get you the invitation to the prom.
Jack
The last seven years have told us that we do need a change, BUT will either of the two frontrunners give us the change we really want?
John McCain was the nominee only by default in the eyes of many voters. Many believe, as do I, that a better candidate could have been chosen. But, the double teaming of McCain and Huckabee forced out many of the candidates(except Paul) by SC, and Mitt Romney later. McCain's promises of securing the border first were only half truths as we all know now, but his supporters believed him. Unfortunately we are now stuck with him as The Republican Candidate, but, we don't have to finance him!
Jack, it's important for democrats to understand and make careful assessment that, all these republicans following obama will switch back to their party to vote for John Maccain in november. They do not want clinton to face Mccain, but Obama who can never win this thing. This is republicans' strategy to win back the white house. Believe me or not, come november, democrats will be very sorry for choosing obama over clinton .
the Republicans do not believe in their own nominee. Plain and simple.
Easy, no one wants to donate to a campaign when they no it will lose!
McCain is so old, given inflation was so low when he was a tot, he thinks that he has raised a boat load of cash.
McCain's people are writing me almost daily asking for money. McCain even sent me a 8" x 10" glossy color photo of him and his lovely wife... Since I am supporting Ron Paul, McCain will never see a dime from me.
because his own party doesn't really support him. the republicans are just going through the motions of an election but know that he will lose by a landslide regardless of who the democratic opponent is.
That's a simple one jack. The lobbyist's and corporate investers in the White House powers want conservatives there. If Hillary can some how change the laws of mathmatics then they won't care who they support. They will throw money at both. But with Senator Obama it's a whole different ball game, so they are just biding their time. Nobody wants to put money in a company going bankrupt.
If all else fails for McCain he can ask for a loan from Cindy McBucks Mcain she's got enough.
I don't see that McCain is going to need too much money to win the election, now that the Obama attack campaign and the biased news media "win" for him have divided the democratic party.
p.s. yes I think Hillary is really a Conservative in sheeps clothing.
After two terms of GWB, why would anyone contribute to a losing campaign touting four more years of the same? McCain is just the Republican front man they are sacrificing to save face. They know it's a losing proposition. He's old and has no real future beyond being the AZ senator when this is over. He's done a good job for the party. The contributions are now going to elect the future President. A Democrat that will be in office until McCain is 80..
Every day McCain says something that is so incorrect or just plain stupid, he seems to be followed around by Lieberman (his designated carer?) he is clearly too old!
From an old white woman. NC
McCain has too many shady dealings himself and connections to questionable persons. I'm sure the people in Texas are aware of lots more than just being tied to Bush's apron strings.
First McCain taunts himself as a maverick, then he tries to win over conservatives in Texas???? Yeah, right. And I read that McCain voted against aid during Hurricane Katrina? Lack of compassion?
Conservatives should be looking at the good the Democratic party is trying to do. And how cleanly Obama has run his campaign (we won't even discuss Hillary's tactics).
I would be surprised that any conservatives or evangelicals would vote for McCain. He's just same old same old politics. I'm sure he'll bring out the "swift boating" any time now.
Time to tap into Cindy's beer fortune.
He doesn't have to raise any money. He can just go to the Bank and Trust of Cindy McCain. Perhaps that's why she refuses to release her Tax Information.
Oxford, MS
Conservative Republicans see him as too moderate and moderates see him as a former maverick now kowtowing to the conservatives. Both see him as a man who brags about being an academic dud. McCain's fundraising problems will be with him throughout the campaign.
The Republicans and Bush are not popular and all the attack ads in the world will not help this time. A bad Economy and a bad War in Iraq, why donate wads of cash to a loosing campaign. It is not a wise or moral investment.
It is NOT a Bush thing. They are two very different people. It's the fact the John McCain doesn't fit into the "normal Republican" typeset. The same people who funded Bush don't agree with many of McCain's views. The ones who share McCain's views are blinded by party lines. McCain still has a good independent and "McCain-a-Crat" base. Oh, and he hasn't launched his new General election website yet, with the small donor ability. (why wasn't that mentioned?)
It possible that some at the GOP would be glad not to have the White House for the next four years. You know just leave the Democrats holding the bag for all the mess they done in the past eight years. Let Obama get stuck in this mess for four years than run with a serious contender in 2012. If this is the case McSame is just their patsy the disposable candidate to trow to the enraged populace. The use of scapegoat is a time honored tradition after all.
Jack,
McCains' inability to raise money is probably due to the fact that although he is a conservative, he does not appear conservative enough for the GOP right wing and evangelicals.
Rush Limbaugh has been bad mouthing him for years. The "dittoe heads" aren't going to turn on a dime and start donating to his campaign.
The oil people, who had Bush and Cheney in their hip pocket , aren't so sure they can control McCain.
When push comes to shove in the fall and it becomes obvious that a McCain presidency will be nothing more than Bush III, the dough will show.
Has anyone noticed that this economy is not the same as it was 4 or 8 years ago? Everyone wants change. The way prices are now, "change" is all I have left and I am trying to hang onto that.
Simple, no one wants the old jerk elected president
Of course he is!
Its not that John McCain can't raise money. Its that his campaign funds look anemic compared to Barack Obama's campaign funds. Most of Barack's money is coming from millions of small donors over the internet. McCain can't compete with this.
John McCain can borrow money from his wife Cindy or Hillary if she has any left by the end of the convention. But if that doesn't work, he could always get spotted for a couple million from Obama's excess funds in November.
Jack, political contributions are made for two reasons – a passion for the candidate, or the hope of buying some measure of influence from a victorious candidate. McCain arouses no passion, and he will have no influence after November.
There is about three reasons he having a problem raising money.
1. .George Bush
2. Joe Lieberman
3. His wife would not loan him any money she knows a bad investment when she see one.,
Jack,
It's simple, the man will make a terrible president. He is just a George Bush, part 2.
Carl in Illinois
Sen McCain needs to understand that his age is the constricting influence for the GOP ticket for raising cash. All he needs to do is add an older person as his running mate. Someone at least 8 or 10 yuears older than him, then he'd be the young guy. Maybe the elder Bush would consider the job. They are even in pretty close agreemenht on how to fail an economy. GHW Bush still skydives on his birthday! What a pair.
That's why the vast right wing conspiracy is trying hard to get Clinton nominated. She would really help them raise money for the GOP as a polarizing figure to run against.
I don't think that McCain's supporters believe in his vision of the futrue. They know that all American's are tired of Bush's failed policies and McCain's visions stands for those same failed policies. Why would anybody want to give money for the same mess that has been going own? The republican party will not stand in November and that is why nobody wants to contribute to his campaign. A party will back his/her candiated when they feel that they are a winner. Look at Hillary Clinton, voters are no longer backing her anymore because they feel that she has lost the nomination. And nobody wants to contribute to a campaign that they know is already dead.
Annette
North Carolina
i wouldn't accept any out-of-state checks from him.
Two words Jack.........GEORGE BUSH!
Being the financial gurus that Republicans claim they are, I think it boils down to a reluctance to throw good money after bad. Speaking of bad money, have you read McCain's tax plan?
In these hard economic times, folks are still drinking beer, in some instances more than ever. This means his wife is good for it, and the Republicans can hold onto their own.
Voters are falling into two catagories. They are either looking for change, or for four more years of Bush. If they want change, then they know that either of the Democrats is their man (yes, that's what I meant). If they want more Bush policies, I don't think that they see that McCain is going to give them that... McCain has been a maverick for so long, he's burned so many bridges, and ticked off the far-right that they are hesitating to place their bet on him... or maybe he just "lost his bearings" on his way to the fund-raiser 🙂
Republicans are supposed to be the party with all the money smarts...must mean they don't believe their money would go for a good investment. Are the republicans calling the race already?
I wish to God that Senator McCain's stance on the war was more like my own, because I'd love to support his candidacy. I hope that he can pick-up some fat campaign-contributors, and that his Plain-Talk Express can stay on-track... (Dear God...PLEASE not Billary! PLEASE!)
Old man John McSame would validate Bush' last 8 years.Money people did not get money being stupid. They will double down with Obama
Its not a matter of him not being able to raise so much money as it is Obama's superior raising ability over his. In comparison to Obama, Mccain is no match for his star studded image.
He is a Maverick Republican. Mavericks don't have as big a base as conservatives.
Contact CNN – Caferty Files should be a show by itself.
jack
the repulican they believe not can win this november why spend a lot money for because john mcbush
John McCain is having trouble raising money because Hillary has all of his cross-overs. Let the DNC nominate Obama and watch how much trouble John McCain has raising money! I am predicting he'll get over $100,000,000 before the first week is over!
I'm not surprised that McCain's campaign is running low on funds. It has throughout the race. It is just not the year for people to be gun-ho for the Republican party. But then, McCain knew this before he even took this challenge on.
Because he is McCain- have you ever listened to his speeches? He is boring!! To say nothing of talking about policies that have already demonstrated they fail. So far he has pandered, gone back on long held positions, lied, demonstrated an ignorance about the economy, supported the iraq war (which is illegal, and bush should be prosecuted for), and continues to support all the bush policies which have ruined our country, both at home and in world opinion.
McCain is finding out the hard way, that the Republican Party is at a crossroads. The people that voted for him, namely, the "moderates" of the Party are not a majority of the party. The majority of the Republican Party core is the Conservatives or the Christian Coalition. The members of the core split their primary vote between Romney and Huckabee. This majority doesn't like McCain and will not support him financially. Because of this, it is quite possible that no matter who is the Democratic nominee, if the Republican core stays home in November, McCain is a destined to finish second.
If Senator McCain were a conservative he would be raking in the money.
Ron Paul, who is a real conservative, could pull in millions in a few hours because he walked the walk.
What we have left to choose from is the far left candidate vs. the center left candidate. Think I'll stay home.
Gary
Spokane
No one wants to invest in him even his own party is defecting and turning into Democrats and / or Independents. The American people of ALL parties are tired of the same ole same ole, we want CHANGE! Change from the nasty mudslinging politics, change from the rich getting richer while the poor get poorer, change from being divided to becomeing unified. change from big businesses running and controling everything to everyone have a chance to get a slice of the pie! change from the same old people running our govt. we want it to be more reflective of us as a whole rather than a few. We want change from how the world now views us as being untrustworthy bullies, we want someone that can reason with our enemies as opposed to someone so willing to send our young to die!!!
McCain can not offer this change ALL he brings to the table is more of the same ole same ole.
Obama WILL have MORE than enough money ,we WILLsend money from our lack to ensure this!! He need not worry about this unless he adds Hillary to his ticket as vice, then he's on his own!!!
Because Jack Cafferty and Wolf Blizer refuse to match Hannity and O'Reilly's contributions,,,,,,,,,
Jack,
It's simple Bush,Liberman,Bush,Liberman. John McBush does not know if he is for Bush or against him and Liberman needs to check him out and tell him if his wheels are on the road . Who had to tell him who the players are in Iraq ? Also if his wife has a prenuptial , will not file a joint return with him. Why should any one else trust him eonugh to give him money ?
Obama 08
Connie from Indiana
The reason that Senator John McCain is having problems raising cash for his presidential bid is that the fact that he was a true war hero does not seem that much to the peoplle that re supposed to be raing money for him.He would make a ptentially excellent presdent as his past military experience woulddefinitely put hom in good stead with all the members of the military that are now trying to figure out what they will do upon their return to the United States.
Honestly Jack,if Hillary wasn't in this campaign,would anybody give a hoot about Obama?The Democrats and Obama need Hillary to be able to win the White House more than she needs them.If they are so convinced that she's a drag on the Party,what's stopping them from ignoring her candidacy completely?The remaining primaries have to happen,they can't be cancelled,so why not ignore them if the conclusion is foregone?I don't get it.Sure it would be less worrisome if Hillary were to drop out,but why does everybody pay so much attention to her if they can win without her?
He can't fool the Religious Right like Bush does. He needs to take some lessons off of Bush, as to how to bow his head and pray and make everyone think he's a religious leader like Goerge. Maybe he'll even show him how he can look in World Leaders eye's and read their SOULS like Bush did with Putin.
Once people see where mccain stands on the issues people are turned off by him.
Who wants to donate money to a candidate that encourages business to ship jobs overseas??
Is there a Viagra for fund raising?
There are amazing similarities between Hillary and McCain – most of all their ability – or inability – to handle financial affairs – and they both want to be in charge of the U S Treasury. Can you imagine how humiliating it is for the hero of the Hanoi Hilton to have a wife who handles the purse strings? It's got to be like asking your mother for your allowance. And now that he cannot bring in the big bucks for a presidential campaign, how emasculating that must be. One of these days McCain will have to account for his complicated family finances – and the FEC will have to answer to the piper about how they have allowed John McCain to hide behind his wifes financial skirts for so many decades.
Jack
Maybe McCain's pro-amnesty, no walls on the borders stance is coming back to haunt him.
Scott
Queen Creek, AZ
McCain has more trouble raising interest than he does money. He's about as close to a monotone history teacher as Ive seen run for pres.
If McCain really does have issues raising money and Obama has none, would it dispel the myth of Republicans representing only the rich? And what does that say about Obama?
He has always had trouble raising money. No one wants another term of Bush policies. He lost this election the day he said he was going to continue Bush policies. If he flips his position later towards the general election no one will believe him.
Obama will be our next President unless the powers that be steal it, and if they steal it again I think getting eggs thrown at the limo during the inauguration will be the least of their problems. People are angry with Bush and the government in general. Enough is enough.
After the first head to head debate with Obama the Republicans will see Obama is not a unider but is a divider. Money will pour in for McCain then.
He's having problem raising money because he's a terrible candidiate with no chance of winning the general election. Simple. People don't want to back a sure loser.
Failed Party Policies and the above average income republicans do not spend their money foolishly.
The last time Americans supported a Republican's campaign, they ended up paying $5000 per second on a war that's slowly destroying their country. I can see why they're a little hesitant...
why do these people who comment here have to turn every question into an obama worshipping forum? the question is about mccain, who does not need to raise money because all americans with a shred of common sense will run to the polls to vote for him after the dems appoint an incompetent boob named obama as their candidate. i guess the boys club just could not stomach having to call a female the leader of the free world.
He's running for Bush's third term. Almost nobody wants another Bush term.
Jack, he can't get enough money from republicans because he hasn't vowed to obliterate Iran yet. I bet promising another trillion dollar war against the Middle East will drum up money and support from all the republicans. It worked for the Bush braintrust. But in all reality, people are fed up with saber rattling, economy ruining fools and Obama will reap all the benefit come next fall.
I am a republican from Texas and the reason we are not giving to John McCain is not "Bush Fatigue". We don't like John McCain. He is just another democrat.
Texans probably think he is older than DIRT. Republicans know that Dubya messed up royally and want a Democrat to blame a recession on to be in office when the house of cards fall.
I don't like that hopefully it is not true, McCain called his wife the 'C' word. What a shame, she does not look like a 'C' to me, nor any woman for that matter who would marry a jerk like him!
Jack, everybody knows that we are about to elect the antichrist as our next president so why would they give McCain money?
Easy. This is old-school vs. new-school. McCain thinks the way to raise funds is to rely on the same old GOP machine to get the rich and the business community to provide enormous contributions. Obama understands times are different, and he's tapping into the enormous grass-roots desire for change. Small contributions are fine as long as there are long as there are plenty of them – and there are. Add to that the inevitable rich Democrats (like the Hollywood crowd) who will contribute in droves once the nomination is secured and Obama's coffers will be spilling over while McCain is still trying to figure out just what went wrong.
Only Romney has proven the ability to raise money on pace with Obama and Clinton. McCain has never been adept at fundraising. All of which points to Romney as the best choice for VP to keep McCain competitive in November.