July 23, 2008
Posted: 11:55 AM ET

From
Warchests for the presidential candidates have neared $200 million.
Warchests for the presidential candidates have neared $200 million.

(CNN) — Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama and the major political parties supporting their presidential bids together have amassed massive campaign warchests totaling almost $200 million, according to campaign finance documents filed this week with the Federal Election Commission.

McCain and the Republicans held a combined cash advantage over Obama and the Democrats, with $105.2 million in the bank as of June 30 compared to $92.1 million.

These figures take into account the available cash totals for the McCain and Obama campaigns, the Republican National Committee, the Democratic National Committee, as well a number of so-called "joint fundraising committees" established by the campaigns in conjunction with the national parties, and in some cases, with various state parties.

When comparing just the two presidential campaigns, Obama still maintains a sizable fundraising and cash lead over McCain. In the month of June, the Obama campaign raised $50.5 million in contributions compared to $16.4 million for the McCain campaign. The Illinois senator ended the month with a hefty $71.7 million in the bank, of which roughly $12 million is set aside for the general election and may not be spent prior to next month's Democratic National Convention. McCain reported a cash total of $26.8 million at the end of June, all of which is available to spend prior to the Republican National Convention in September.

Although his campaign committee trails Obama's in both fundraising and available cash, McCain is greatly aided by the financial strength of the Republican party’s fundraising apparatus. The RNC by itself reported a warchest of $68.7 million, compared to $4.5 million for the DNC.

In addition, McCain and the RNC have created six joint fundraising committees which together reported a total of $9.7 million in cash available to spend on behalf of the Arizona senator's candidacy.

On the Democratic side, Obama and the DNC have two joint fundraising committees with a total of $15.9 million in the bank. A third committee was created earlier this month and did not file a June campaign finance report.

McCain, who has said he would accept public funding for the general election, is also slated to receive approximately $84.1 million in early September to finance his general election campaign. Obama, who already has broken campaign fundraising records, says he will opt out of the public funding program and will finance his general election campaign using private contributions.

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain


Scott L   July 23rd, 2008 3:04 pm ET

No matter how much $$ Obama raises after he lied about public financing, he is going to get crushed in the general election. He doesn't care because he will make millions writing books and going on talk shows and giving speeches. He is set for life now, and I would be willing to bet he doesn't even care about the presidency anymore.

Obama Supporter from Texas   July 23rd, 2008 3:07 pm ET

I support Obama all the way. I am going to donate another $100.00 dollars today!!! Who will join me?

Obama '08

Willow, from Iowa   July 23rd, 2008 3:09 pm ET

So McCain gets the 84 million AND the 105 million from the RNC. I thought he could only use the 84 million. Obama gets to use whatever he gets from fundraising, and will not take the 84 million, but only gets 4 million from the Democrats.

I have read in several places that the RNC sacrificed all of their smaller campaigns for the senate, etc. to give all their money to McCain. Talk about betting on the losing horse. They knew they were going to lose senate seats, so bet it all on the big one.

Obama is free to fund raise all that he can. Well, its time to get out my card and give him another donation.

Abby   July 23rd, 2008 3:12 pm ET

We sill not be outspent this time like we were in past years. Thanks in large part to that scary machine that McCain has yet to learn, the computer!!! Thank you Mr. Gore for creating the internet..hehe

Every kid in college and every elderly person and every one with access to the internet can donate $5, $10 and $15 and take our county back. It's a beautiful thing.

Rob in VA   July 23rd, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Way to beat the Rebublicans at their own game. This is great! Let's face it, being the best candidate for the job alone does not get one into the White House. This society is based on capital and having the most capital certainly does give one more options.

OBAMA 08′

prefer koolaid than your arsenic   July 23rd, 2008 3:24 pm ET

can some one please explain to me how if the public finance system Mccain called Obama a flip flopper for backing out of, if it were not flawed the way Obama said it was, how can McCain raise so much money….loop hole, flawed system or what? now i guess McCain is trying to BUY votes?

Vig   July 23rd, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Obama opted out of public funding because he knew the riches were flowing his way. He thinks he can buy the red states, the Latinos, the Blacks, the Jews, the Whites - how opportunistic can you be? Americans should be disgusted as they pay inflated gas and grocery prices. How can you brag about money while the country you supossedly want to serve is suffering? Mr. Obama, is first and foremost a politician - not a rock star.

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   July 23rd, 2008 3:26 pm ET

"with $105.2 million in the bank as of June 30 compared to $92.1 million."

yeah, but when you take out the crooked repugs' ill-gotten gains, their $12.58 aint so impressive, is it?!?

"The RNC by itself reported a warchest of $68.7 million, compared to $4.5 million for the DNC."

easy to do when you are THIEVES!!!

M.S. Indiana   July 23rd, 2008 3:27 pm ET

So who is buying America now ??? Looks like the Republicans are

Time to do a little donation to Obama

BTW. how are our friend Ron Paul doing ??

Susan   July 23rd, 2008 3:28 pm ET

I will, and will continue to do so until he is elected! OBAMA 08!

Debby, NJ   July 23rd, 2008 3:35 pm ET

McShame:
Your "warchest" is about to be empty, your party will no longer tolerate your gaffs.
BARACK THE VOTE !!!

A little confused   July 23rd, 2008 3:38 pm ET

If people contributed to charities, homeless shelters, Food Banks, etc, the way they contribute to Presidential campaigns, the changes in our nation would be substantial.

LK   July 23rd, 2008 3:42 pm ET

All this money for a job that pays $400,000. I think the American people are the ones the jokes on. No wonder why this country is in BIG trouble. It time for people to wake up before its too late.

Obama 08: white, 60 year old woman   July 23rd, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Boy, McCain has the money to make more of his lame, inaccurate attack ads.

This campaign is too long and the media revenues are too vested in keeping it controversial and to appear close.

Ken   July 23rd, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Please, ALL you neo-idiots, send as much cash as you can to the [R]s. And then send some more. I rejoice at the thought of you throwing even more of your money away. Do you realize how much of your net worth was sucked away by Bush admin. policies over the last 7 years? I love how these [R]s run around thankful for a hundred dollar tax break, while the economy tanked around them, tye buying power of that $100 all but disappeared, and the debt that their children and grandchildren owes skyrocketed. But that's OK, when the debt comes due, the neo-nuggets of that day will just blame the situation on all your 'whining', 'lazy' children and grandchildren. I love it when animals with brains the size of a pea feast on their own.

The Silent Majority   July 23rd, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Time to give McCain another million.

a southern bell for OBAMA   July 23rd, 2008 3:52 pm ET

THE BIG DIFFERENCE HERE IS THAT

OBAMA GETS HIS CASH FROM US.

MCBUSH GETS HIS FROM THE BUSH-CHANEY LOBBYISTS.

Kiah   July 23rd, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Scott L…Obama will not only make more money by HIMSELF and WIN and his books after his 8 years in office will be highly sought after.

So get used to saying President Obama.

Obama '08 & '12

Lorraine   July 23rd, 2008 3:57 pm ET

This group of women is writing Obama another weekly check.

Obama-Junkie, IL   July 23rd, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Let the GOP spend up all its money defending McCain in a general election meanwhile the other congressional races will favor going to the Democrats while McCain still loses on Nov. 4th!

Ian   July 23rd, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Hundreds of millions of dollars for a job that only pays a few hundred thousand dollars a year.

Hispanos para Obama   July 23rd, 2008 3:59 pm ET

with 527 groups hiding under the radar for McCain, Obama needs to raise more cash.
and you can approve this message

Obama 08

Dr.Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   July 23rd, 2008 3:59 pm ET

THERE IS SLIGHT DIFFERENCE HERE.

WE FUND OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN & HE WILL WORK FOR US.

MCSAME IS FUNDED BY PACS & LOBBYISTS &

HE WILL WORK FOR THEM.

Peejay   July 23rd, 2008 4:00 pm ET

"If people contributed to charities, homeless shelters, Food Banks, etc, the way they contribute to Presidential campaigns, the changes in our nation would be substantial."

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks the amount of money spent to buy the US Presidency is OBSCENE.

DMAC in ID   July 23rd, 2008 4:00 pm ET

I read a report several days ago that Obama is receiving donations from places like Kenya and Nigeria and Nicaragua just to name a few that was on his out of country list. and his web site. I didn't think that was legal. Sure wish I could find out how to really check this out and get it on line.
McCain had non.

Mike, TX   July 23rd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Obama should refund his contributions back to his supporters and stand down. His campaign is fraudulent.

Jan   July 23rd, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Repubs don't need as much-they don't try to buy as many votes–besides, McCain gets the public money because he kept his word. Give your money now, Obama people–you won't have much after taxes if he is elected. Only the rich know how to find loopholes to pay less. You will be paying more, not less–take that to the bank!

dave g, minneapolis   July 23rd, 2008 4:08 pm ET

It's sooo nice to hear how much it takes to win an election.

Too bad other voices with real experience and ideas are not heard more loudly.

Here's my contribution: Don't vote for these two.
Vote for Barr '08. Real ideas to get us out of problems and return our freedoms and liberties that both parties are taking.

noMcSame   July 23rd, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Obama has another $20.00 coming from me and most of my coworkers on payday to help in the fight to get to the White House. Still counting baby.
Obama08

ali   July 23rd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

and all that money will be spent here in america?what a stimulus to the economy!i'll go donate to obama again right now.6th time,now!this is better than shopping at wal -marts.i get something american made.obama!

Melinda Charlotte, NC   July 23rd, 2008 4:18 pm ET

I don't care what anyone says, that is WAY too much money for a presidential campaign. The money could be put to such better use in other ways. When I think of the poor and starving people at home here in America, I am filled with disgust at this whole process. We are experiencing an economic downturn and gas is $4.00 ( at least ) a gallon. Yet, these people raised that much money? I have donated before in this campaign ( to neither of these candidates), but no more. My money is going to people who need to eat, not paint their campaign logo on a plane.

Danny G. Boca Raton, FL   July 23rd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

32 years I've been a dem, this is one election I'm not excited about, I really don't know how ready Sen. Obama is, I feel he is my better choice at this point, but he still has not sold me completely on his plans and how he is going to enact them.

we shall see… one thing is for sure, they are going to have plenty of money to show me how they plan on acting as president…

Patty   July 23rd, 2008 4:25 pm ET

It is a sad occasion when that kind of money is going to the campaigns when so many things in this country could benefit.

EDW   July 23rd, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Thank you CNN, thanks for reminding me that I need to make my monthly payment to the Obama campaign.

BARACK THE VOTE.

Mike the Independent from Ohio   July 23rd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Makes me sick that this country has come to the point where one has to buy the presidentency. "A little confused" has it right. You hardcore Obama supporters as well as McCain supporters make me sick to my stomach, I'm ashamed to call you my countrymen

dave g, minneapolis   July 23rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

@ a little confused

Last year Americans donated $300billion of their own money, besides taxes. Think about how much more people could give if taxed less. Private, non-profits are much more efficient with their money because it is the law. It's interesting that the government is so bad at it, and the public keeps wanting more government programs.

Vote for Bob Barr '08 to reduce government programs, pull out of Iraq and to promote individual rights. He encourages individual giving. These are things that both of the other presidential candidates don't talk about.

Erika, KS   July 23rd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Ah, yes, you really can buy your way into the White House. Sadly, this doesn't mean you qualify to actually be there. Neither one of these individuals were the best candidate for the job. Typical American nonsense.

Montana is Obama Country   July 23rd, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Barack is worth all my money.. If I didn't have to pay my mortgage I will give him that money too.. I trust Barack to handle foreign affairs, the economy, the energy crisis, the WAR and everything else in between…

"BarackoterFest" will crush McVain's October surprise..!

Watch for "BaracktoberFest" coming to a town near you!!

Yes WE Can..

karen-phoenix   July 23rd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

I'm a recovering republican, 64 years old. Was a republican election judge for 14 years. Never sent a dime to a republican. Every 3 weeks I send Obama $10 and maybe its time to up the anty!!! I think I'll send $20. Obama is the only hope my grandkids have of a future in the United States!!! Out with old, in with the new!!!! YES WE CAN !

eric   July 23rd, 2008 4:41 pm ET

The fact that the RNC has that much on hand is proof of the broken financing system Obama was talking about when he decided not to take public financing. Obama is already better publically financed than any campaign before him thanks to those of us who give what little we can to get him elected. He can expect a few more dollars from me in the near future. It's all I have to give at the moment.

Erin in Edmonds WA   July 23rd, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Note to Scott L: Guess you didn't get the memo either….

Cathy   July 23rd, 2008 4:49 pm ET

To Scott L and others alike:

Obama would have been crazy to take public funding knowing how much his supporters believe in him and his campaign. I guarantee you, if McCain could raise even close to what Obama raised from his donors he would have opted out of pubic financing too.

So please just stop with the petty bs.

Vermont   July 23rd, 2008 4:55 pm ET

McCain just isn't the same guy I actually used to like and respect 2 years ago.

I have never donated to a campaign but I did this year. Obama, you have my vote! He won over this independant!!

And I don't care if he flipped flopped over public financing. The GOP has 100+ million to spend before the convention then he gets the public financing. What is flawed there?

It's about time there is an even playing field with $$$.

tedious898   July 23rd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

I want to apologize to any PUMA or republican that may have been offending by my comments about you people being idiots.

When Obama is constantly bashed, I'm taking it personally - for some reason. I feel "That's My President" and how dare you constantly blast him. You have every right to criticize him as our constitution provides for that type of "response"

Ok…now I'll go make my donation for "MY Candidate"

P.S. please spend more time talking about the qualitities of McCain and less about what is wrong with Obama. I promise as an Obama supporter; I will avoid the insults.

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