*** McNasty and RNC have $20 MILLION advantage??? *****

[beac]

I am trying to be calm and confident (while volunteering my butt off) these last 5 days, but the email i just received isn't helping:

I'm the Chief Financial Officer for Barack Obama's campaign. I track the donations coming in and the expenses going out.

I asked for the opportunity to write to you directly so that I could try to explain what's happening right now.

This organization has thousands of employees and spends millions of dollars a day -- and at the moment we're doing it without a safety net.

Our spending plans have been stretched by John McCain's negative attacks and the overwhelming resources of the Republican National Committee.

As of October 15th, John McCain and the RNC together had nearly $20 million more in cash than the combined total of Obama for America and the DNC. And just this week, we're facing new and unexpected spending against us in Montana and West Virginia.

Your incredible generosity has gotten us this far. But right now we need your help more than ever to get this campaign across the finish line.

Please donate $25 or whatever you can afford right now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/RNCadvantage

My team and I are working to stretch every dollar in order to keep as many paths to victory open as possible. But we need whatever help you can provide for this crucial final stretch.

Thank you,

MM

Marianne Markowitz
Chief Financial Officer
Obama for America

SO, I whipped out my wallet one more time and am hereby challenging all you DUers to do the same. Let's meet that $125K DU goal and help Obama wrap this thing up once and for all!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/du

I gave $100. Who's with me????

[beac]

1. FYI, I used the DU link instead of the one in the email.

Let's get to $125K by tomorrow!!!

[RayOfHope]

2. Used the link straight from the email and donated $50. n/t

[beac]

11. Brava, dadsblacksheep! Brava!

:applause:

[napi21]

3. I received that email too. I don't know what to make of it? Are ALL

the media lying? If the Obama campaign REALLY is low on money, why did they spend $3-5 million on that 30 min. ad yesterday? Even people like Begala and several of Obama's surrogates have been talking about him having plenty of money to campaign in all these red states in the last several dayas. I DON'T UNDERSTAND!

[InternalDialogue]

33. The difference is how you can use candidate money v. party money

Candidate money can be used for promotion of the candidate or attacks on the opposition -- not too many restrictions.

Party money can't be used only to promote a single candidate or attack a single candidate. It's got to be used for a party or against a party. You can usually tell in an attack ad (McCain, I'm looking in your direction) if it's using party money or candidate money. I.e., if it's RNC money, the ad (in addition to attacking Obama) must also mention other Democratic candidates or the party in general ("Obama and his liberal cohorts...," etc.).

[justiceischeap]

4. The GOP has more CASH

I'm thinking Obama's money is tied up in something and they need cash? :shrug:

[PretzelWarrior]

5. No. they do not have that kind of advantage.

I appreciate the call for donations both from Obama campaign and you, but the spending patterns definitely show who is outspending whom.

Also, the fact that Obama is now channeling money to Democratic Congressional Committee to get Dems in tight races elected.

[liberalhistorian]

6. I just opened up that email myself about an hour

ago and have been scratching my head over it. It doesn't make sense. He raised a record 150 million in September and, unless all of the media is lying, McSame and the RNC were supposed to be in dire shape financially as their fundraising was way down and they had to pour money into normally safe red states. It just doesn't make sense to me.

[Renaissance Man]

7. I got the same e-mail.

I've donated $15. He has staff to pay, and many of the field representatives that he has in each state are getting paid as well. Democratic challengers to unsafe Republican seats need more funding as well. These things don't get paid for by wishing that they do.

My hope is that he gets a $25 million surge over the weekend to go all in on Sunday and Monday.

[beac]

18. Bravo Renaissance Man! Bravo!

:applause:

[BattyDem]

8. How is that possible?

Obama raised $150 million in September! Yes, I know they have a lot of expenses, but Obama has always been under attack, even during the primaries. It's not as if the negative ads were a surprise and Obama's camp has always done a great job managing money ... so how did they end up short on cash just days before the election? :shrug:

On edit: Of course, donate if you can. I'm not trying to discourage anyone - I'm just a bit puzzled.

[mzmolly]

9. Republicans are dumping money into the RNC

knowing that this is the only way to compete.

[Median Democrat]

12. RNC Can Accept At Least $29,000 per Donor

[mzmolly]

26. Wow!

That explains a few things... :hi:

[NotThisTime]

72. The RNC is also taking LOANS out to pay for this at the moment....

[Turn CO Blue]

45. I'm wondering if it's from opening all the new 1000 field offices

paying rent and outfitting them with phones and computers is expensive...

[Turn CO Blue]

46. I'm wondering if it's from opening all the new 1000 field offices

paying rent and outfitting them with phones and computers is expensive...

[bkkyosemite]

10. I just opened this email too. My concern is that they are saying that West Virginia and Montana are

being hit hard by the McCain campaign and they have 20 more million than Obama. Can we check and see if this email is legit because if it is I'm gonna worry too.

[Renaissance Man]

13. West Virginia

Sometimes you have to know when to hold them, and when to fold them. Why are we putting more money into West Virginia, anyway? The people there don't do black candidates. Some Democrats in the primaries even said that they don't.

[Nia Zuri]

24. Suspicious if you ask me could this be phishing????

West virginia, montana????

[beac]

28. Well, I just took a closer look at an email from Joe Biden that cam in earlier today and it ALSO

mentions the 20 million:

Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:36:29 PM EDT
From: Joe Biden <[e-mail]>

To: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: In case you missed it


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

XXXXX-

Last night, Barack took to the airwaves to make the case for real change. He used the time to tell the stories of ordinary people who need real solutions to their problems.

The presentation reached its finale with Barack addressing the nation live from Florida -- I've included the video of that moment below.

But right now, I need to ask you for help.

We just learned that the McCain campaign and the Republican National Committee had a $20 million cash advantage on October 15th. That means we can expect to see a fierce blitz of negativity in the final days -- so-called "robocalls," mail pieces, and TV ads filled with smears and false attacks.

We can't let our opponents' low-road tactics prevail. To stand up to this last-minute spending spree, we need to step up our efforts.

Your generosity has made this movement possible. Will you watch Barack's speech and make another donation of $25 or more today?


https://donate.barackobama.com/forthefinish

The resources we have to get our message out in the next 5 days could make all the difference.

Thanks for your support,

Joe

So it appears this is legit. I trust Obama's team and if they say they need it, I'm sure they do.

[bkkyosemite]

16. Also I do remember a email from Obama saying they would make a decision last week if they received

enough money to go into states that they hadn't gone in full bore and I think they made that decision to do so. Maybe they found out that the RNC is out doing them in those states and they want to try to make a cushion for the illegal votes to be a wash by gettin every state they can for the win. They know they are up against 00 and 04 programmed illegal machines.

[BlooInBloo]

14. ALL OF THE LAWYERS WE NEED TO STOP THEM FROM STEALING THE VOTE AREN'T CHEAP!!!

Donate up, biotches!

Leave it all on the field!

[goclark]

17. Right you are ! I'll send more now

I wamt those lawyers to do their duty!

[beac]

19. Good job, goclark!!

:applause:

[goclark]

49. I just sent him a bonus for the fabulous race that he has run!

:applause: for Obama and his team!

[BattyDem]

20. That's an excellent point!

:toast:

[goclark]

15. Done -- it felt great to send him $$'s

The Obama Campaign is masterful and if they need more money, so be it!

:bounce:

[Fearless]

21. Relax a bit... not all that RNC money will go to McCain... Still donate though...

[Undercurrent]

22. I want to make sure we have enough

paid staff to GOTV, and lawyers to protect our rights.

I just donated 20.00. Wish I could do more.

[beac]

25. Every dollar helps and $20 is great! Thanks, Undercurrent!!

:applause:

[Undercurrent]

43. Yes, I know.

I'm a silversmith, and the economy is kicking my ass very hard. Poor environment to be selling non essentials like jewelry. Not like being stuck with a barn full of buggy whips or anything, but the whole jewelry market is suffering. It's hard enough for artist and crafts people to compete with Walmart's slave labor goods to start with, but even the sale of cheap imports are down. Hoping people will once again appreciate the real value of hand made and union made.

[beac]

54. Totally OT, but do you know about Etsy?

http://www.etsy.com/

Listing costs are VERY inexpensive and you reach an audience of people all over the world who appreciate handmade goods.

[The Traveler]

23. In for another $50

Well spent, methinks. Erin Gobama.

[beac]

27. Bravo The Traveler! Bravo!

:applause:

I'm sure you've seen this wee tribute to O'bama, right?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EADUQWKoVek

[The Traveler]

62. OMG that was great!

I hadn't seen that. Thanks!

Trav

[grannylib]

29. Crap, I wish tomorrow were payday! I can do a few bucks...I'll cut out

something somewhere to get me through the week...

[beac]

30. Brava, grannylib! Brava!

:applause:


Love that O-pumpkin too!

[grannylib]

32. Thanks! It's my Hope o' Lantern

:hi:

[dgibby]

31. I smell a rat.

Did you send this to the Obama campaign for verification?
This doesn't sound right. According to MSM, McCain is running low on funds, and Obama is rolling in the dough. I would only donate through DU until this could be verified by someone in the campaign. It may be legit, and if so, I'll donate again, but I'm confused and more than a litle wary.

[beac]

35. I donated through the DU link, BUT I did click on both links from the 2 emails I received

(see text of second one posted above) and it took me to Obama's website-- and I was able to click from the donation page back to the main barackobama.com page.

But I do recommend that everyone use the DU link so we can reach that $125K goal. All the money goes to the same place, so I'm sure they don't care which link we use.

[dgibby]

36. I'm good with that.

I just checked, and I got the e-mail, too. It just puzzled me, but I'll definitely donate through DU.

[beac]

40. I also just double-checked and both the email from MM and the confirmation of my donation through DU

came through the bluestatedigital.com servers, so I feel completely confident. :)

[mcg]

34. Donated again at the DU fundraising page, matched your $100,

too much is at stake here.

Link is at the top of this web page.

[beac]

37. Thank you, mcg!! You're right, we have to be sure we did EVERYTHING possible to win.

:applause:

[mrreowwr_kittty]

38. Try not to get too anxious about it.

Remember, the RNC has to use that money to save embattled Senate and Congressional seats all over the country. They are stretched thin.

But we should still all give to Obama.

[AuntPatsy]

39. K & R, this is not time to sit back and relax...

[Lil Missy]

41. Bullshit Alert! Bullshit Alert!! n/t

[beac]

42. What?? Please explain your reply.

[Lil Missy]

47. I mean the email you got is phoney bullshit. Not you.

:hi:

And thanks for all your hard work. :hug:

[high density]

50. No it's not, multiple people have received it, including myself.

[hay rick]

44. Matched thru DU. nt

[beac]

55. Thanks for the match, hay rick! Bravo!

:applause:

[struggle4progress]

48. I gave. Obama will have down ticket effects everywhere he fights, so even

if he loses a state, his team may help flip a congressional district

Let's pound em good, friends

[beac]

53. Thanks struggle4progress! A great point about down-ticket races too.

:applause:

[City Lights]

51. I kicked in another $25. nt

[beac]

56. Brava, No Surrender! Brava!

:applause:

[Vapor Trails]

52. I got the email too and gave another $25 n/t

[beac]

57. Bravo Dieter! Bravo!

:applause:

[beac]

58. OK, just over $17K to go!! Let's hit that $125 goal today DUers!!

:kick:

[MyUserNameIsBroken]

59. Long Time Lurker checking in

$250. I didn't need that iPod anyway. :D

[beac]

60. WOW-- that's GREAT, MyUserNameIsBroken!!!

:applause:

And WELCOME to DU!!!!!

:hi:

[beac]

61. $16,814 to go!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/du

[beac]

63. KICK!

C'mon DU!!

[beac]

64. Kick!!

:kick:

[beac]

65. $16,664 to go! Can YOU spare $5? 10? 20?

[rvablue]

66. There may be some truth to this....especially here in central VA

there is not ONE SINGLE COMMERCIAL BREAK without and RNCC ad on here.

it just shows building waves turning into a storm and a repeat over and over again saying that "Obama is not ready to lead in a growing storm."

But then again, there is not ONE SINGLE COMMERCIAL BREAK without an Obama ad, telling us VAers that Obama is going to cut our taxes, etc. etc.

[beac]

67. Hello, fellow Virginian!

These are the days I'm glad I don't have a TV (and I just dumped my land line phone too)! It's amazing the amount of advertising I hear is out there, considering in the last two elections, you'd never have known there was a Presidential election going on at all.

Here' to a lovely BLUE Commonwealth! :toast:

[beac]

68. Down to $16, 414 now. I KNOW we can make that goal!!

:kick:

[beac]

69. $16, 254 to go!

:kick:

[beac]

70. Kick!!

:kick:

[beac]

71. Only $16, 199 away from goal!!

:kick:

[beac]

73. $16, 074!!

Keep going DUers!!

[Hansel]

74. Which shows how much of a joke the whole...

"Obama went back on his promise to take public financing and McCain has the disadvantage" garbage was. Throw in the 527's and Obama would have been in pretty bad shape.

McCain the big campaign donation reformer proves once again he is a fraud.

[beac]

75. $15,724 left to meet our goal!

And YES, I will keep kicking this and annoying you like an NPR station manager during pledge week, so open you wallets and shut me up, folks!!

[truthisfreedom]

76. I just gave another $250. I hope they automatically move it to the Dems if I've over-contributed to

Obama!

[beac]

79. Cheers to you, truthisfreedom!

:applause:

And I'm sure Obama will do the right thing with the cash vis a vis down-ticket races. And I think his coattails will be LONG and WIDE! :bounce:

[truthisfreedom]

77. I forgot, I gave my first donations during the primary, so I can still give more! Another $1100!!!

I hope it helps. America deserves this win. We NEED this win. It's our country, and we want it back!

[beac]

81. truthisfreedom, you are officially AWESOME*!!

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:


* tried to think of another word that's a little less teenagery, but your generosity just makes me feel like a giddy schoolgirl, so I'm going to double-down and also say :yourock:





(edited b/c my enthusiasm make be an even poorer typist than usual!)

[jenmito]

78. I just gave $25 yesterday. n/t

[beac]

82. Brava, jenmito! Brava!

:applause:

[Fluffdaddy]

80. Give $25

[beac]

83. Bravo Fluffdaddy! Bravo!

[Vinca]

84. They might have the money, but they don't have the volunteers.

Just had 2 more Obama canvassers find us out in the middle of the New Hampshire countryside. We're not easy to find and these people bring the total who have been here to 6.

[beac]

85. That's great to hear! Do you think NH will be blue this year?? n/t

[Vinca]

86. Absolutely. O has a double digit lead the last I knew. nt

[beac]

91. Good to hear. I think I got a little freaked out that McInsane was talking about 'winning' NH.

I forgot for a moment that he really is delusional.

[beac]

87. We are under $15K folks!! Just $14, 589 to go!!

:kick:

[beac]

88. KICK!

[beac]

89. KICK!

[beac]

90. KICK!