How can McCain compete with Obama’s money?
(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Barack Obama has been a money machine in the primary season, raising more than $272 million from primarily small donors.
It's got to leave John McCain, who raised about $122 million, scratching his head as he sizes up his opponent for the general election.
The Politico breaks down what the money story could mean come November, especially if Obama can tap into some of Hillary Clinton's fundraisers, who raised another 200 million dollars.
Consider this: If each of Obama's donors gave him $250, he'd have $375 million to play with in the two months leading up to the election – that would mean almost $50 million a week. McCain's donors number a few hundred thousand. Barack Obama has a rolodex with 1.5 million names in it. Unless John McCain can figure out a way to fatten his wallet, it could be a long slog to November.
Conservative estimates put Obama's fundraising haul for the general election at about $300 million, an amount that would allow the Democrat to compete in more states than McCain. It could also force McCain to spend money in states that should normally be safe territory for the GOP.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party announced today that it would not accept contributions from Washington lobbyists, putting it in line with Obama's campaign pledges. Howard Dean and the Obama campaign say that the American people's priorities, not the special interest groups, will set the agenda in a potential Obama administration.
Here’s my question to you: How can John McCain compete with Barack Obama's fundraising abilities?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Roger from Virginia writes:
After McCain’s speech Tuesday in New Orleans, he will have a tough time raising money. What a disaster that was. He used a backdrop that was a bastardization of Obama’s change theme. Stumbled, stuttered, lost his place on the Teleprompter. What was especially pitiful was when he paused for applause and there wasn’t any.
Sandy from Ohio writes:
Jack, He'll just do what Republicans always do, take money from all the big corporations. He'll have his good buddies George Bush and Karl Rove and the rest to show him how it is done. I live on Social Security and I am going to find a few dollars to send Obama each month. We can't afford for McCain to win.
Sy writes:
He can't, even with all the GOP big bucks! Wait 'til you see the money donated right after Clinton's endorsement!
Bob from Honolulu, Hawaii writes:
Thanks, you just reminded me to send Obama another $25. It’s a better investment than my 401K.
Sondra from Phoenix writes:
McCain won't be able to match Obama's grassroot support donations, but he will have the Republican money-making machine behind him. He might be able to catch up with Obama in raising funds, but it will be with second or third-hand lobbyist money.
L. writes:
It's as easy as 1-2-3. I mean 5-2-7.
JW from Georgia writes:
He can't compete for various reasons, including funds. The Patriot John McSame is going to get beat like a rented mule. He should just have a little fun for the moment, then move on out to pasture to enjoy whatever time he has left. The GOP won't be choosing White House wallpaper for quite some time to come, courtesy of George W. Bush.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Oh Jack, don,t get yourself pumped up with all that false hope that McCain will not get enough money to compete. He will. The question you will be asking after the general election is even though John McCain had a lot less money,"How did Obama lose in such a landslide" . When you ask this question, then I will give you media pundits the answer.
Hey, he just needs to tap into the untold wealth of those who made a bundle on the mortgage mess. The money went somewhere, and since Bush does not care to track it, perhaps McCain can tap into those who know where it went.
Jack,
McCain can't compete with Obama in fundraising and he knows it. That explains why he called for Obama to show a little "honor" and keep his pledge to stick with public financing until he realized it would hurt his campaign in the run to the general election and dropped out of public financing himself. But now that reality is slapping him in the face he's calling for Obama to observe public financing again. Wow, is this the kind of flip-flop approach we can expect from him as President?
The GOP money-making machine far outstrips the Democrats. Obama will have the same numbers he's had throughout from his suppporters if he's lucky. The price of gas is making it harder for people to donate cash, unless they have an excess of cash. Apparently, only the wealthy are Republicans (could've fooled me), so I guess they'll be the only ones left able to donate.
McCain will have to uncomfortably rely even more on George W. Bush. It is too late at this state in his campaign to start an Obama like internet fund-raising organization. Plus, at his advanced age, Im not sure he knows how to work those new-fangled machines. I can picture him picking up his home phone, dialing to operator, and then yelling "Connect me to the inter-netts."
The Repblicans are going to subsidize McCain's lack of fundraising skills. He's already claiming to have raised 21.5 million last month.
However I just read that Obama wants the DNC to stop taking money from lobbyists and PACs (he's already delivering on his campaign promises...looks like he's the one ready on Day 1).
I think that the Democrats are going to raise record amounts this year and blow the republicans out of the water.
mccain has nothing to worry about. obama outspent clinton by about 2 or 3 to 1 and still lost the most important contests. most voters are not going to be mesmerized by obama's empty speeches. we the people want experience, not on the job training, been there done that- can you say g.w. bush? nope, our next president need not fret that obama will buy the general election too, most of the voters are smarter than that.
No he cannot, simply because he has chosen to except public funding. If Obama uses his funds strategically, McCain is going to be badly beaten.
Money isn't everything Jack. Besides that the RNC has plenty of money . All McCain has to do is be himself and expose Obama for what he is not.. The rest will take care of itself.
McCain can get George Bush to do more closed door fundraisers for him while trying to run the other way to get away from him. That or he can get a loan from a well known Beer Empire!!!!
Like a spider he lures him into a string of town hall meetings. That way he takes away Obama's strength of speaking to a "big room" and it doesn't cost McBush a dime to get on national TV... However, I think that Obama and his handlers are savvy enough to turn it to their own advantage - remember Nixon's sweaty upper lip when he debated Kennedy?
Jack, it just means that McCain will have to turn to the religious right and bankroll his campaign with church bake sales.
John McCain could bring in a billion dollars and he wouldn't be able to compete with Obama. It's the message, Jack. After 8 years of Bush and the nightmare he and the Republicans have created, few are in the mood for more of the same. McCain might claim to ride the Straight Talk Express, but Obama is the light at the end of the tunnel.
Senator McCain showed how poorly he can participate in the general election race. His performance on TV before live audiences over the last few days pales in comparison to Obama's speeches and the wild enthusiasm of the audiences he inspires. He is like the old dried up bread that crumbles in your hand to the fresh baked bread Obama symbolizes.
Jack,
McCain doesn't need to compete with Obama's money "my friends". "As Chairman Moa once said it is darkest before it is totaly black". I beleive he really thinks in that way "my friends".
He is runnig his campain that we are in danger from everywhere and anyone even Obama.
Paul Austin, Texas
He can't. Even Hillary couldn't. Obama's secret was that he tapped into the young voters. They use the internet, so that's how he raises his money.
Hillary and McCain are old-school politicians, so they don't get as much of the young, new-school voters. Even Chelsea couldn't help much.
McCain's ideas are so old that anyone who knows how to use the internet, is too young to vote for him.
Why doesn't he just have Cindy funnel some of her family's fortune through the back door?
Jack JM will have under 100 million and BO over 200 – no contest.
That depends on how many more CLOSED fundraisers McCain holds.
He can't. McCain has several things going against him in this campaign. And everything that will help the landslide victory of the Democrats is allright with me.
If Obama is such a strong candidate, then he shouldn't need to spend a fortune on his campaign....if all voters understand is sound bytes, flashy ads, and shiny pamphlets, then you should expect to get a flashy, shiny, President who speaks in sound bytes
Jack,
Judging from the stunning speeches he has given over the last fews days, Obama's money raising ability should be the least of his concerns. He can always borrow from Cindy Lou Whoo. He needs to liven up those speeches tho.
Jenny Rome GA
maybe if he contacts George Lucas and get the background for the star wars and give him a cape wth a hood on it so he can crush the rebels in the Empire
If Obama is as great as you say he is, why does he need all that money to advertise to us voters? Hmmmmm
He will need a little help from the Republican Party. Rumor has it they have plenty.
Jack
200 people at a John McCain town hall meeting, versus 17,000 at a Barack Obama rally, do the math. McCain does not have the full support of the republican party this has hurt him throughout his campaign.
Easily. Republicans fight in a different way: dirty. McCain will remain presidential while his surrogates and the attack ad merchants do the same to Obama as they did to Dukakis and Kerry. They will have their own funding, and plenty of it!!
Now, Obama's supporters can stay in denial about this all the way to November if they like, but it won't stop the inevitable. No one thought that Dukakis could lose in 1988, but in the end he lost 41 states because of the incessant attack ads, and the general perception that he was too liberal.
McCain will have no problem keeping up with the Obama campaign. He has all the oil company's behind him. Lets hope us little people can stop them..
Larry in Florida
How can McCain defend a war that was not related to our security and should never have happened? How can he defend tax cuts and subsidies that were not needed and should never have happened? How can he compete on healthcare, the economy, veterans' benefits? Fundraising? Smart money does not bet on longshots. Smoke and mirrors are his only option.
So far McCain has tried to get Obama to go on a joint trip to iraq for a photo op, wants to trvel together for events (town meetings), has adopted Obama's slogan with a minor change (but still recognizable), and changed his web site to imitate Obama. I guess he figures if he gets called McBama, people will contribute to him. He could sell tapes of his speeches to the sleep deprived.
Maybe you missed the press release Jack, at the moment McCain and the RNC have about 10 milliion more in the war chest than Obama and the DNC. And there is still Hillary's debt. I have no doubt that will change; after McCain blows his top at the first and last Town Hall debate.
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is the Presidency, so could you send my gift a little sooner this year? Small bills dispersed eventually by the elves would look better than just one big wad of cash. Thank you.
Your friend,
John
I don't think he can compete w/Obama. Obama connects with everyday people who want to see change in this country. Mccain connects with corporations who give lots of dough. There's just not enough of them......Hurrah! Go Obama!
Joy from Texas
Hey Jack
In two words "Swift boat"
Cinti, Ohio
I think John McCain should be more concerned with competing with Barack Obama's ideas and vision.
Mccain really has a lot against him. You have his age, his indecisive positions on issues, and the fact that Obama draws in more money. Perhaps the republicans should have taken more time when they were selecting a nominee to represent them for president on the ballot. I believe someone like Romney would have been a much stronger opponent for Obama. Mccain will resort to obvious tactics to try and defeat Obama. He, (Mccain) will highlight his war experience, his lengthy tenure in office, and then attack Obama for not having the same. The problem for Mccain, he is too much like G.W. Bush. No matter what differences Mccain tries to accentuate, he will not be able to separate himself from G.W. Bush.
Jack,
McCain hasn't been able to raise money in the sums Obama has, and he might not be able to period. The problem comes with the message....and Obama has the rather difficult task of convincing people that his potential is superior to the wisdom of McCain. There have been politicians in the past who have done it...Kennedy comes to mind, everyone said he was a light-weight until he faced down the Soviets.
Obama doesn't need on the job training, he needs people to recognize that Hillary ran on experience she never had, since that seems to be the yardstick they have been using up to now.
He won't compete. He'll have a fine reserve of special interest groups who will rally around him, feeding him the money he needs to take the election. The conservative right will do anything to keep a liberal out of the office of President. The labels have been attached and lines are drawn clearly to begin the fear tactics of having Obama in office. Money will not be his problem. Learning how to deliver a speech is where he needs to put some focus.
Jack,McBush can't run in the same park with Obamas money people
who want to give him money are afraid he won't live to cash the
checks he's SO DAMN OLD.
I don't think Obama has an advantage. McCain has 24/7 support from talk radio and Mr Murdoch's noise gives him a continous campaign ad. So unless McCain comes out against tax cuts and for the "fairness doctrine" he should be just fine.
McCain will do just fine raising money by pushing every fear button out there about what an Obama presidency will mean. We heard it in the speech McCain gave on Tuesday night: I'm the kind of change you can trust, and Obama is too big a risk for us to gamble on! It seems that McCain has finally stumbled on a strategy that might just work for him: the fear card. It's one of those terms that people can plug in any meaning they want: fear of national health care reform (conservatives), fear of a new diplomacy (the neo-cons), fear of a black president (you know who you are!). Fear is a blank space that can be filled in with whatever the voter choose to put there. Fear versus Trust, and "change" will become a boogeyman.
This is going be a closer race than people now think.
Maybe he can buy the rights to HillaryClinton.com.
Well Jack, honestly, I do not think he can.
Jack - McCain can follow Hillary's example - spend the money (campaigning) on account, and then say "I don't the money to pay my bill." It seems to be the American Way.
McCain can't catch up to Obama because Cowboy #43 is connected to McCain in fundraising. Besides no one wants another clone of Bush in 2009, We want a change and Obama will deliver it by beating McCain.
Brooklyn, New York
Maybe he can ask all the "grandchildren" in the States to start lemonade stands and donate their profits to his campaign.
It isn't McCain's lack of money that is his problem...but, his total lack of galvanizing charisma, and magnetism! His speeches sound as if he's reading to 1st graders, and not to a concerned and potentially enthusiastic nation. "Give them a 'show'", as a former boss of mine once taught me, "and, the money will follow!"
Personally I cannot visualize McCain coming any where near raising the needed funds let alone raise the massive funds that Obama has and can raise.
Being tied to the skirt tails of Bush; running on a platform (even though he claims differently) that is just a variasion of the old party and relying on the "Old Gaurd" for his efforts just cannot match the "NEW" monies that are filling Obamas bank account.
McCains efforts, both in his platform and within his operational base cannot and will not match that of Obama.
PS/
Please tell McCain to join"Toast Masters". If the example of his public speaking abilities are what has been brought across through his blundering spectacle lately then he'll be blown away in any debate even given by a high school debating team. For an educated man he has shown a very disorentated view of his skills (or lack fhere of)in debating.
Major Michael Saunders USArmy retired
McCain better go out and start kissing some arab sultans, (on the cheek, of course), and do some behind-the scenes wheeling and dealing with Bush's oil buddies. The fact that most of us poorer Americans are donating to Obama should fire up the GOP and cause them to announce that they're the party of " Change...can you spare some for poor, ole', John "( and his rich wife Cindy) She should offer to fund some of the campaign in exchange for a discount on her pain medication prescriptions.
Gas goes up even when it's down, Military folks can't sell their homes to PCS and thus the military gets the shaft once again! Homes being foreclosed, there was a poor and middle class before all this and the divide just got bigger! The horsemen are ridding, Jack!
He can't because we the american people are tired of the same nonsense the republicans have been telling us.We want change and that's why people like me are donating money to his campaign to keep it going.Even the republicans are donating big time in his camp.Mcasame will be drowned by the people who are tired of the seme.
It's a moot point. Based on the presentation of McCain's speech on Tuesday night, he wouldn't know what to do with it if he had it.
Borrow it from his wife!
He will have all of Hillary supporters contributing plus the Republicans he should be all set.
McCain would be better off trying to get a position in Obama's Administration. He says he would be a fiscal conservative with our money- Maybe Secratary of Treasury would be a good position for him. Then again 'fiscal conservative' could also mean that none of us would see our own money where we need it most. It could mean no early childhood education program- no funding to help rebuild schools to be energy efficient and so on. No money to rebuild infrastructure!!! Just tax cuts for big business and the rich that mean nothing individually, but everything put together!!! Never mind. I CAN'T SIGN OFF ON THAT. Does anyone remember what Rosevelt did during the Depression? look it up- it is not McCains policy!
i think McCain, and many of the republicans running for various offices, will be renting uhaul trucks and moving on after this November. there has been to many failures and the people have had enough, no amount of money can change the facts.
don't kid yourself, Jack.
the Wall Street Weasels and Corporate Quisling Outsourcers will POUR money into McSame's campaign. their greatest fear is the Obama change that might derail their gravy train.
Only if he gets a law passed requiring that have the two take public funds.
Jack,
He Cannot. ........................... unless his wife turns over the family fortune to his campaign oh, oh, I don't think even she has enough money to do that.
So the answer is he cannot compete with Obamas' fund raising abilities, End of story. Next question.......................
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl
He can't, but your question is irrelevant. After watching his pathetic, mind-numbing speech on Tuesday, with his catatonic delivery and forced Cheshire Cat grin, all the money in the world won't get this dottering old fool elected.
Gary
Jacksonville, OR
I highly doubt that Obama does any of his own fundraising, I believe that people probably do that for him Jack.
Who Cares.
Jack, I believe Mccain is still trying to figure that out himself.
The Republicans didn't raise a lot of money for the primary, but will have more than enough come general election time. There won't be the American Idol moment in this race as it was in the primary, and the dirt is about to fly. Don't forget for one minute that the Republicans will not put up a big fight, because they truly will. Things weren't going too well in 2004 , but Bush got re-elected.
It's easy Jack. Tell McCain to loosen up and get a personality.
Jack: He could ask Dick Cheney for a loan and promise to go hunting with him......even odds.
Maybe Cindy?
Besides John McCain's creative town hall meeting bonanza he's trying to get Obama to join for free publicity, he's also got Hillary Clinton on his side, playing the women victim card against the Democratic Party. McCain also has many lobbyists which have dropped out of his campaign but will still contribute, no doubt.
Jack, you ask such silly questions. The Republican Party is the party of the rich. They can buy back the White House if they want it. I believe they wanted Sen Clinton to win because she would have cleaned up their mess and put some money in the bank. And then they would have bought it back in 2012. Now what did Bill do? was it clean up some war spots payed off the debt and secured social security till about 2028. What are Republicans going to do now? Thanks to you and your kind... many Conservative Democrates are going to be supporting Sen Mccain along with other gray haired voters and blue collar workers.
Don't count your chickens till they hatch Jack. Gotta run going to strip the color from my hair.
Carol
Jack, Senator McCain will compete with his judgment, solutions and experience, not with his money or rhetoric. Have patience, the real game has only just begun.
I seem to recall that John McCain was "broke" at the heighth of the Republican Primary and managed to eke out a win in spite of all those who believed he should drop out. He is a lot more resourseful than most people give him credit for. If anyone knows what a real "survivor" is; he does. Remember: it's a long way to November.
Jack,
Make no mistake McSame and the republican machine will generate plenty of money, they still have the two oil crooks to help them with general election funds. Now whether or not he raises as much money as Obama is a different story, but McSame will be able to campaign where ever he feels he needs to, so money won't be an issue for him and is fellow cronies.
The untapped, untaxed wealthy will be coming forward soon to try and keep their tax breaks and no-bid contracts. Bush's oil friends,with the 4 dollar a gallon profits and Cheney's Halaburton buddies, with Iraqi profits from our tax dollars no less, will be pouring in also. It's all for show. They know after 8 years of Bush it's a losing fight, but feel they have to make it look like they care.
just call Dick Cheney and his buddies at Halliburton. They've got billions sittin' in the bank. Not sure they want to give any to Mcain though LOL
Satan does not usually make his Republican donation until October.
It's very hard. McCain is competing against the Chicago machine. Very powerful and a lot of money. Very dangerous to side with this people. He will be on their pockets. Very dangerous.
How can McCain compete period??? He just does not have what it takes and what our country needs at this time.
Easily. Republicans fight in a different way: dirty. McCain will remain presidential while his surrogates and the attack ad merchants do the same to Obama as they did to Dukakis and Kerry. They will have their own funding, and plenty of it!!
Now, Obama’s supporters can stay in denial about this all the way to November if they like, but it won’t stop the inevitable. No one thought that Dukakis could lose in 1988, but in the end he lost 41 states because of the incessant attack ads, and the general perception that he was too liberal.
Well he can start by finding whomever set him up to give a speech in front of that hideous green screen only to be followed by a packed stadium and sell raffle tickets to pelt them with rocks.
Sales from that alone with close most of the gap.
Jackzilla, He can't. By the way, why waste the money ?. The fat lady has already sung, and the presidency is as good as Baracks
Sen. McCain can't catch-up to Sen. Obama in money, which explains why Sen. McCain wants Sen. Obama to travel with him to do the town halls. Sen. McCain wants to turn Sen. Obama into a "Money Tree". Sen. McCain won't have to pay as much for travel if he can rope Sen. Obama into paying for the privilege of being called "inexperienced & naive" during the town hall meeting. I hope Sen. Obama doesn't go for the "bait & switch".
Patricia
Palmdale, Ca.
McCain is finished!
Strike 1: He voted for the war and is running on the same mantra as Clinton -'Experience' and look where it got her.
Strike 2: His war chest will be much samller than Obama's. It hurt Clinton and it will hurt McCain more because the GOP brand stinks.
Strike 3: He is a horrible speaker and he has an anger problem that will for sure come out when he is forced to debate the eloquent Obama.
By figuring out a way to actually compete with Obama, which means getting on board with America and Americans.
McCain's main problem is to avoid being on a stage with the charismatic and appealing Obama or hold rally's the same night. The contrast in their two appearances and speeches on Tuesday was like diamonds and bottle caps.
Cindy McCain has a net worth of over $100 million. How much does it cost these days to open your mouth into a microphone.
The good old republican way, cheat.
Choose Hillary Clinton as his VP.
Jack, you are all pumped up about Obama. But don't take things for granted. Now McCain and the Repulican machine will start the real campaign. The biggest mistake Obama's campaign can do is to feel that they have already won in November. Taking things for granted at the start was how Hillary lost this primary. And that is how Obama will loose in November. So Obama supporters, please watch out. Otherwise you will be shedding tears.
Nuwan from Houston, TX
Choice 1: Ask Georgie Boy for assistance in fundraising as he already has, though I am sure he woe to keep having this be drummed up in the media
Choice 2: Dip into Cindy McCain's coffers. it's a known fact she helped finance his first bids as AZ senator, why not help out her hubby again.
Jack, he'll just do what Republicians always do, take money from all the big corporations. He'll jave his good byddies George Bush and Carl Rove and the rest to show him how it is done. I live on Social Security and I am going to find a few dollars to send Obama each month. We can't afford for McCain to win!!!!!
Other than the big money folks I have never understood where all these small donors come from. The price of gas is approaching $4.00 a gallon, cost of food is shyrocketing, foreclosures are setting records,and everyone (at least everyone I know) is having a hard time making ends meet. With all this going on where do these people get all this "disposable" income? Don't get me wrong I give too, but what I give goes to legitimate charities that do good works helping people less fortunate, not to fat cat politicians.
By doing what all Americans do when they need extra money.....borrow AND max out our credit cards!
Senator McCain is clearly trying to offset his campaign expenses by suggesting10 town hall meetings between now and the general election and via his terms and conditions. The truth be told, one serious “CNN” type debate would bring Senator McCain’s campaign contributions to a screeching halt – and the presidential race will be over before it started.
The way Obama is raising money is a metaphor for why Obama will make a great president.
From the get-go, Obama understood how to use the Internet to benefit his campaign. McCain's "experience" running campaigns - and Clinton's, for that matter - resulted in missing the Internet-boat regarding fund-raising efforts and building coalitions.
The paridigm has changed - on all levels, not just fund-raising for campaigns. Obama gets that. McCain does not.
So McCain's so-called strongest asset - his "experience" - will be his downfall. His "experience" will be useless for the issues we're facing in this century - both near term and long term.
Obama - new paradigm. McCain - old paradigm
Ask Obama to loan him some money.
McCain doesn't have to compete with Obama. The cross over voters who are going to vote for him cs. Obama are working class folks who are probably going to respect McCAin a whole lot more for what he does NOT spend in this election during these hard times vs. someone with deep pockets. He didn't need it to win the primary. Don't underestimate all of those working class whites who were Hillary supporters. They won't be impressed with Obama's money.
Jack,
He can't he just has to sit back and watch the flood of Hillary backers step in the booth and pull his lever, Because guess what as a Hillary backer and life long democrat I will do everything in my power to make sure OBAMA doesn't win my home state of Pennsylvania
He can't. But hitchhiking to venues on Obama's bus may save him some gas for the "Straight talk express". I wonder, will have to sit in the back?
Obviously he needs to learn how to use "The Google" on the "Internets"
I don’t think he can compete, but money isn’t his only problem. Exactly what foreign policy experience does John McCain have? He has criticized Obama for his “naiveté, inexperience, and lack of judgment.” Besides being a highly respected Vietnam veteran – a soldier who fought bravely and was captured and held prisoner under unimaginable circumstances – how does McCain support his claim that he is the wiser, more experienced candidate, and the one with the kind of judgment that makes him better qualified than Obama to be Commander in Chief?
Obama should keep his promise about campaign funding............
but I will donate to McCain and campaign for him too.
McCain 08!
Jack, you don't need to be a Rocket Scientist to figure out that if John McCain is going to compete with Barack Obama, he need to switch his party!
How can John McCain compete with Barack Obama’s fundraising abilities?
Simply put, he CAN'T.
Who wants to put their money behind a candidate who is frail, crotchity, and has anger management issues?
Jenna
Roseville CA
Like it or lump it Bush can still raise money. McCain can get money by sticking with Bush. However, sticking with Bush will probably cost him the race. McCain is between the devil and the deep blue sea!
Jack,
By suggesting these "town hall meeting debates" that the media will cover for fee!!!! He'll even fly with Obama to split the costs so; as he puts it they can "save energy." Better yet the RNC should use the money they are using for "swift vote" adds to actually talk about John McCain. He should get someone to update his website, and take away those creepy videos. Then he needs to figure out way he can't draw big crowds......Stop traveling to these places now to try to get vote, save your money for later. Also he could have saved money by not taking that all expense paid trip abroad with all his friends;after he got the nomination.
The Republicans are having trouble raising money? Give me a break.
No a chance for McBush.
The Obama team got it going on. They know how to raise money.
I'm afraid McBush would have a hard time keeping up.
PS:
Pres Bush should help McCain more but with doors wide open.
He can't. Ain't it a McShame!
He needs to buy the domain name mybarakobama.org and hope that enough people will commit the typo and won't notice it's actually McCain's fundraising website. If he keeps copying the Obama brand, he just might have a chance.
He can't ... Too bad for him.
Jack,
Sen. McCain can probably raise the money by becoming a spokesperson for Sea Bond. He seems to love smiling to the camera as displayed in his speech on Tuesday. If that doesn't work, he can seek a guest spot on SNL and continue making bad jokes about himself in hopes to butter up to the young voters he is having difficulty reaching.
Lamar
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Without an invigorated base, with most Washington Republicans in deep trouble of their own, and with absolutely no idea how to conduct a serious internet campaign, he can't compete with Obama's money machine. What an incredible turn of events, given how John Kerry's money woes in the weeks following the convention in 2004 left him unable to defend against the swift boat ads.
he could borrow, a few coins from cindy.
3 words Jack – lobbyists, lobbyists, lobbyists. McCain will receive all the money he needs from special interest groups when he promises to continue the Bush economic policies, along with plenty of back door hand shakes and "fist bumps."
Jack,
Simply put he can't compete with Obama supporters! He's got a whole network of internet supporters as well as rally supporters. His rallies have throngs of people whereas McCain's town hall meetings probably have to paid in order to attend his fund raising will just about cover that don't you think!
E.J. in Tacoma
Jack
I am this far from losing my home, can't pay my utility bills or buy enough food for the week, my husband has a crappy job which he has to travel to and fro 90 miles each day and with the price of gas what it is, most of the money he makes goes to getting to the job that is killing us. So you ask this question and speak about hundreds of millions of dollars being spent on an election?
I couldn't care less, I will be out on the street while these millionaires will go back to their million dollar homes or the white house and live a cushy life, while those like me and my family will try desperately to make ends meet (albeit so hard these days)
It shames me that millions of dollars are spent on such travesties while the rest of us are suffering and only ask that we have jobs that pay our bills, and have enough to live on when we retire.
This shames me to no end.
You know Jack, no matter who wins the WH, it won't change a darn thing. The president is just a mantle piece with no power really. It's the powers that be that control everything, and I mean everything.
It's already been decided who will occupy the WH come this January and elections are just for show.
The two oil men, Bush and Chaney, can let go of a few bucks to help him out. Also the CEO's of Exxon, Mobile, Chevron, Shell, Fina, Amoco, etc, etc, etc should be able to come up with more than us little people who have been sending $10 dollar checks to Clinton and Obama. Don't tell me the oil money men can't figure out a way to slip a few bucks under the table.
Shut up about criticism of Hillary. It was an historic accomplishment for her to win most of the popular vote ( more than anyone in history), but none of you talking heads have the cajones to acknowledge her outstanding performance. She will do the right thing. You microphone jockies never will.
Jack, McCain can't. John McCain wants Obama to travel with him to Town Hall Meetings. Oh, Please, let McCain travel alone. McCain fights dirty. That silly laugh and the famous statement "Young Man".
Marilyn
La.
He does not need to compete dollar for dollar. He ran ads for a solid 2 months before the primary in Pa and still lost. That will happen in the general election too.
Some of us that have been around the block too many time to bother stopping at GO to collect our $200, realize that Obama is NO friend to the American way of life. I am a Independent and I will NOT vote for him.
He does not have to. He has "Swift Boaters" ready for the attack.
McCain will compete financially with Obama the same way most politicians compete, by any devious and marginally illegal way possible.
He cannot. The bigger issue, however, is can McCain compete with Obama's ability to inspire people? That is why Obama is a superior fundraiser and that is why he won the democratic nomination. McCain's only hope is to bow to the numerous lobbyists that he is associated with and hope they have enough cash to fork over to a lost cause.
I'm sure McCain will "scare" something up in order to compete.
I don't know, looks like McCains suggestion to hold a few townhall meetings means that he is pretty hard up. If he can't hold his own (financially) in a campaign without Senator Obama, how on earth could he hold his own as President? Just say NO, Senator Obama.
He can't. 'Nuf said.
Jack, I am one of those small continual contributors to Obama and have been since the begining of his run. I still get emails asking me to contribute but will many of the small increment supporters like me be put off by a deal to re-pay Clinton the 110 million she put out as a settlement? I can tell you I have no desire to see my hard earned cash go to shore up the Clinton bank account!
Bill
Arizona
McCain won't be able to match Obama's grassroots support donations, but he will have the Republican Money-making-machine behind him.
He might be able to catch up with Obama is raising funds, but it will be with second or third-hand lobbyist money.
McCain should do what most Americans are doing to get funds, tap into his Retirement Plan. This is in line with the rest of the Bush direction to make America the weakest place in the world.
I think i will support McCain even more. Campaign ads annoy me.
Hey, Nick from WI... "He needs to buy the domain name mybarakobama.org and hope that enough people will commit the typo and won’t notice it’s actually McCain’s fundraising website."
Um. That goes to a real barackobama site. First rule of web development... buy up the domain names that are similar and point them at the real site.
ps. I'm a web developer. er... and white. and female. and over 50. and a barack obama supporter!
The exact opposite of Obama. McCain needs to urge interest groups to donate to him lots and lots of money.
he was nominated the gop after the second race on the republican side if he do not have a strategy for making money and thats all he had to focus on that is a McShame.it questions his readiness on day one.
I don't believe McCain can compete with Obama finanically so the Democratic party should use this opportunity to go in to "normally" blue states and campaign heavily. Come to think of it this could be Hilary and Bill Clinton's job seeing how that is their strong point.
First of all Jack, I don't think he can. I don't even think he can give a speech. Never in my mind would I donate money for that man when he has been backing up George W. Bush for the last 8 years.
Simply put- he simply can't! This is a different type of campaign Mr. Obama is running- he just proved it by possibly being one of the only politicians to walk the walk that he talks by preventing the DNC from receiving federal lobbyist money and by saying that this campaign and an Obama administration will answer only to the people because the people are the ones who will be financially support this campaign!
I am so proud of Mr. Obama and am honored to support him- this is what we have been waiting for- THIS IS CHANGE!
Julie from San Diego, CA.
When people realize that Obama is a sham, and that he is just wanting to make the USA the USSR2 people will vote for McCain. People can't afford socialized everything. I speak from experience, here is the People's Republic of Madison Wisconsin, where the taxes are 5 times higher than surrounding areas, we can't afford to buy houses, cars, even food and gas. Just wait until Obama signs away your rights and money. Obama 08!!!
McCain will raise money like all other polititians,
He will get corporate money and help from lobbiest.
His only chance is to amend his policies to match the overwhelming will of the American people and stop pandering to the minority of Americans on the far right that have helped land us in our current situation. Maybe then, those of us in the middle would take a serious look at him with our minds and our wallets
The only way the McCain campaign is going to see green this summer is to put a giant green backdrop behind their candidate.
Barack Obama seems to be the right guy for the job,especially when you hear his speeches.Who believes a person who no one knows, and hardly ever says more than "The American people" want this and this and I am prepared to give it to them,or at least makes them believe he will. I guess we will have to wait and see! Good luck to all our friends,the American People
A Canadian, who would love to live in the USA
KURT
He can't compete. Barack Obama is charismatic and people will ultimately get behind him; and John McCain–well, he's John McCain. Perhaps McCain should ask Hillary Clinton to be his running mate. That way, if he can't raise the money he needs for his campaign, Hillary can lend it to him...
John McCain will not compete with Barack Obama's ability to raise money. Simple reason: People want a "chance" for change and Obama is the best bet.
I look for Obama's fundraising abilities to be unprecedented for this General Election!
If only there were someone in the Republican party that appealed to young voters the way Obama does, someone who has loyal followers who have shown they can raise money and excite others. Oh wait, there is: Ron Paul! If John McCain asked Dr. Paul to be his running mate, the Democrats would have a real run for their money.
Hi, Jack
Obama outspent Hillary the later part of the campaign, yet Hillary gave him a run for all his money. Money can’t love. All the republicans will come back and support McCain. I predict that McCain would handily defeat Obama. I do appeal to CNN and other media to not intervene on behalf of Obama.
Barrack Obama will raise more and money than Jhon MC Cain because people are ready for barrack obama to bring the big change
well lets see Jack, best chance he's got is dropping the elephant logo and becoming an independent. that may be a good start if John Mccain wants to raise money from the masses .
I'm a Democrat, if you couldn't tell, but the only way McCain will compete against our soon to be President fundraising , is if McCains wifes family business sells more of their product(Budweiser distributorship) to the Clinton voters that are now planning on casting their vote for McCain! Doesn't sound like true Democrat's to me.......
Hey Jack,
why do you think he is in the state of Florida,he expects to get the bulk of his money from all those old people,that cant remember like him what they had for breakfast this morning,as we all know that if giving a microphone in is hand he don't even know which is end he needs to speak in,,Good luck MCcain...Del NC.
I loved the McShame one. You go girl
betc
Since Hillary had so many votes and now her people will turn their
money to maccain.mmm
McCain can pay of HRC debts and here campagin against Obama she was so effective. The Republicans will not support this Mavrick , he raise money by playing Matlock and doing public appearances.
He can't compete. Why else would he want those 10 town hall meetings? Obama would probably foot the bill for all of it.
He just can't compete in the Internet age. To get 20 millions from his wealthy backers John McCain need to spend time foundraising instead of campaigning Obama goes to sleep every night and see his Internet coffers loaded with more cash in the morning that free him up to campaign. Welcome to the 21th century you adapt or you disappear and if you don't believe me just ask Hillary!
He can't. Put a young, black and inspirational speaker beside an old, senile white man who has been pegged as Bush's third term and see what happens.
I find it very sad that you have to have millions of dollars to run for president. Most of us wouldn't have a chance if we wanted to run.
He Can't Jack, since his entire campaign is being run by lobbyist. After that horrible animated speech in front of the leprachan hall of fame backdrop on Tuesday me thinks he's got a problem!
McCain could always sell his body to science; it's a modern miracle he's as spry as he is.
Easy, he can steal ifrom poor people. After all, he's a Republican. Isn't that what they do best?
If John McCain needs additional money, maybe he could get a part time job as a Walmart greeter? That's what most people his age would do.
Bottom Line...he can't! McCainn is a tired old man running on the same Washington principals that Americans have had to put up with for the last eight years. Its time for something new and fresh, and nothing about McCain represents this.
The Oil, Chemical, Credit Card Companys and Banks, have some money for John McCain to once again undermind the will of the American People. Get ready for another 2000 election America
Jack,
For last couple of months the Obama – Clinton primary race has dominated the media, essentially free publicity for the candidates and their respective messages. Now that Hillary is hopefully exiting the media spotlight in with her recent long draught out "Drama Queen" acknowledgement of Obama's democratic win, maybe we can finally get down to some meaningful media coveage on the debates and issues between McCain and Obama. Succinctly in the end it will be the unbiased press and media coverage that help the voters determine their next president, not the size of the advertising warchest.
I know where he can go and get funding for his campaign. Don't everyone all say it at once, His idol , Pres. Bush!!
I dont know mandatory public funding with the imposed spending limits for both candidates. Isnt that the way an election is supposed to be funded? Anything short of that and McCain will find out just how many people, who have nothing to do with Washington, are willing to give 20 bucks to an exterminator.
John McCain cannot compete w/Obama…on any level. There’s only one way for him to win this election in November the same way George W Bush won in 2000 and 2004: dig into Karl Rove’s data base, find those pockets of voters most vulnerable to disenfranchisement, and hack away. That could possibly get the Republicans close enough to play w/the numbers until they come up favorable in key states…for which I recommend consulting the Clinton camp.
Excuse me, his 100 million dollar beer wife has it.
He needs to shake down the oil companies that his party represents. He can catch up and pass Obama in a matter of seconds if he does that.
well, he can use george bush to help him! Obama doesn't scam off of prominent people in the u.s. for millions of bucks, and thats why Obama has raised so much. Also, Obama can pull away with his fundraising because hillary's suppourters will go to him.
There is no way he can, He will continue to get money in the traditional republican ways. Fortunately, Barack will amass hundreds of millions, and lead advertising campaigns and voter drives in swing states. Hopefully, the Clinton donors will come around and match their donation for her.
There is no way McCain can compete with Obama. It would be insane to think that he could get people to come together and finance his campaign when he can't even bring together the economy in his own household. Why is it that his wife don't trust him with her money and he expects us to trust him with our economy