One of my favorite things about the Obama campaign is Barack's approach to raising money for his cause. Not only because it's unusual in approach, but also because its sheer success is downright unbelievable. Unlike the vast majority of politicians operating on a large-scale level (including his presidential rivals), Barack Obama has insisted that the way his campaign is funded from the start has been from small individual donors. Turning away the temptation to take money from PACs and lobbyists, the Obama presidential machine has been run primary, although not entirely, by small denomination donations (he's legally not allowed to accept over $2,300 per person) from donors. The term 'grassroots' is almost legally bound to Barack's campaign at this point, but this is one feature that started--and has remained--about as honest to the everyday American as you can possibly get, and I wanted to point this out for any readers who weren't already aware of the situation.
Here are a more flushed out description of the fund-raising stance, culled from a Myspace bulletin released by Obama's official myspace page. The bulletin was trying to raise money for the campaign by offering donors a chance to be a part of a dinner with Obama and four other donors. This offer was only open to donors that donated prior to 11:59 pm on March 31st. The bulletin is copyright http://www.myspace.com/barackobama, 2008:
Refusing money from PACs and Washington lobbyists makes this campaign different in one very important respect.
We are not beholden to anyone but you.
We've rejected the traditional Washington fundraising strategy -- including countless dinners hosted by lobbyists -- and put our trust in millions of Americans owning a piece of this campaign.
Senator Clinton and Senator McCain have a different approach.
Both have accepted millions from lobbyists and special interests, and both have relied on high dollar donors for the majority of their funding.
This campaign is different, and I'm looking forward to supporters like you joining me for a different kind of fundraising dinner.
If you make a donation in any amount between now and 11:59 pm EDT on Monday, March 31st, you could join me and three other supporters for an intimate dinner for five:
On Monday, at 11:44 am, Bonnie Lochetta of Rushville, Indiana made her first donation of $25.
I'm pleased to announce that Bonnie will be one of my dinner guests.
Here's what she told us about herself:
"I come from an incredibly Republican county in a little tiny town.
I've always been the rebel in my family. I had a fantastic government teacher in high school who really opened my eyes to a lot of things.
I haven't always voted Democratic, but I wanted to vote for someone who
spoke to me personally.
Now my kids are doing well in school, but I'm praying for scholarships. I have no savings, and I don't know how I'm going to put them through college.
I have never contributed to a political candidate before, but I have
started an organizing group in my very Republican county.
My children are
very active in their support, and I will do all I can to show my neighbors
that together, YES WE CAN."
I'm looking forward to having dinner with Bonnie, but there are still three seats left at the table.
Will you be in one of them?
If you make a donation by 11:59 pm EDT on Monday, March 31st, you could join us:
We'll pay for your trip and the meal -- all you need to bring is your story and your ideas about how to make this a better country for all Americans.
Continue to support this campaign and strengthen your role in our movement:
Together we can put an end to pay-for-influence politics.
We can turn the page in Washington, and it all begins with you.
Thank you for your support,
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