The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Barack Obama’s campaign had raised $30 million in June, only marginally better than John McCain’ $22 million haul for the month. The Journal described Obama’s totals as “underwhelming,” and the Washington Post added that Obama’s finance machine was showing “signs of wear.”<\/p>\n
In response, Obama spokesperson Dan Pfeiffer responded<\/a>, “The Wall Street Journal report of our fundraising numbers is way off the mark. It appears that after 18 months, some in the press still haven’t realized that anyone who is talking about numbers doesn’t know what our numbers are.”<\/p>\n Who was right? Well, this email from Obama campaign manager David Plouffe landed in in-boxes this morning:<\/p>\n We have some big news we want to share with you. <\/p>\n Because of your generosity and commitment, we’re reporting to the press today that this campaign is in a very strong financial position.<\/p>\n In the month of June, supporters like you helped raise $52 million.<\/p>\n But more impressive than the number is how you did it. Hundreds of thousands of ordinary people contributed to building our campaign for change. Many were first-time donors, giving only what they could afford — and the average donation was just $68.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n So, instead of Obama edging McCain in June fundraising, Obama actually more than doubled McCain’s totals. <\/p>\n More importantly, Obama’s June sum was a big improvement on his numbers from May, when Obama raised $22 million. With a $52 million month, the campaign’s goal of $300 million seems, at a minimum, possible.<\/p>\n But as strong as June was for the Obama campaign, McCain and the Republican National Committee still enjoy a cash advantage. The Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee ended June with a combined total of $92.3 million in the bank. The figure represents a notable fundraising jump, especially for the DNC.<\/p>\n Obama reported $72 million cash on hand and the DNC $20.3 million. But the Democrats still lag Republican John McCain’s presidential campaign and the Republican Party.<\/p>\n Last week, McCain reported raising more than $22 million in June, which was his best month of the year. Together, the McCain campaign and the Republican National Committee began July with about $95 million in the bank.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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\nThe AP noted<\/a> the combined totals on both sides of the aisle.<\/p>\n