August 8, 2008
Posted: August 8th, 2008 10:35 AM ET
A new report shows Obama has received more money from Exxon employees.
A new report shows Obama has received more money from Exxon employees.

(CNN) - The Democratic National Committee’s new campaign to spotlight John McCain’s connection to big oil and highlight McCain oil industry contributors like Exxon ran into some inconvenient news this week when a new report revealed the Republican isn’t the oil giant’s favorite candidate.

An analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics found Barack Obama has received more money from Exxon’s employees, including top executives, than John McCain. And the company isn’t the only energy behemoth to favor the presumptive Democratic nominee: Chevron and BP executives and workers have also sent more money to the Illinois senator than to his fall rival.

"Through June, Exxon employees have given Obama $42,100 to McCain's $35,166,” said CRP in a new report. “Chevron favors Obama $35,157 to $28,500, and Obama edges out McCain with BP $16,046 vs. $11,500."

The top producers may favor Obama – but McCain has still pocketed more oil industry cash: $1.3 million, to Obama’s $394,000. The cash haul includes including McCain’s recent headline-grabbing advantage with Hess Corp., whose employees have donated $91,000 to the presumptive Republican nominee’s presidential bid, while giving Obama's just $8,000.

The industry’s support for McCain “shot up after the presumptive Republican nominee announced his support for offshore drilling,” CRP notes in the report, but “the trend started months before that.”

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain • Popular Posts


Mario   August 8th, 2008 11:57 am ET

I am an european following this campaign, it is very interesting. Sorry for the expression but by the looks of it, the republican supporters are in my view as incapable of building a plausible argument as their candidate. Sorry but the impression that I get is that therepublican fail to see the whole picture and most importantly they focus their energy on releasing very offensive and personal attacks on Obama prior to annoucement of a 'positive' iniciative. How substantial is this initiative? Well we don't know because we are distracted by the attack made on the previous day. This tactic is obviously transparent and we all now what the final result will be.
I think that the republicans need to think out of the box....way out of the box. You are not even close. But yeah you can keep fulling yourself, there is nothing wrong with that, it is all part of the process of 'gaining maturity'. Oh and by the way, these people that claim to be Clinton supporters turned Republicans. For godness sake, stop whinning, move to the Republican camp, campaign for them if necessary but stop making a full out yourselves. My four year old son shows more maturity than you guys; I mean are you for real? My son reads people well and most importantly he understands the terms 'team spirit' and 'sharing'. I am not making this up, this was what was said during his graduation ceremony, you know at his pre-school. I have met a lot of intelligent, caring, nice to be with, american citizens but God almighty you have some stupid people in there. My view is that the Republicans can turn this around if and only if they start pushing the right buttons, to do that they need clever, intelligent and mature people on site, they need a proper 'think tank'. Bin the old one.

Apologies if I made any generalisation that may have offended anyone.

Bonne chance everyone.

Obamalism   August 8th, 2008 11:57 am ET

"Obama inspires People" – Someone please tell me what is soooo inspiring about this guy? He gives good speeches and knows how to campaign. What the heck is so inspiring about that?

He's married and has 2 children? OMG! I'm inspired. Does his black liberation church inspire you? How about the Tony Rezco dealings? Meeting with William Ayers prior to his career in politics? These are ALL FACTS that people continue to ingore because Obama won't let people interview him about it. He REFUSES to talk about his character, and is too young to have a record to examine...how convienient.

Obama – fooling people since forever.

Clinton/McCain   August 8th, 2008 11:56 am ET

Informed Voter,

Apparently you are an uninformed. That money that Obama gets from big oil INCLUDES money from CEOs!!!!! Just go to factcheck.org.

Larry   August 8th, 2008 11:56 am ET

This article is a mockery of journalism. All it says is that 2 candidates raised inconsequential amounts from employees of 3 companies. And, by the way their amounts were so similar that it doesn't merit comment. However, when you look at the industry total, there is a clear preference for McCain.

Sane John   August 8th, 2008 11:56 am ET

Given that McCain is demonstrably sexist, and rather extremely so, I can't possibly understand what would motivate a former Clinton supporter to say that they're going to vote for him. Voter for Barr, vote for Nader, not vote at all, these I can see. Can there any reason other than petulance or racism to vote for somebody who not only doesn't agree with you, but is the antithesis of all your political positions on gender and equality?

"If Obama gets the nomination, I'm going to vote for the candidate who left his first wife after she was disfigured in a car accident, who pimped his current wife out to a crowd of bikers, and who voted against equal wages for women! That makes perfect sense!"

Explain this to me! Please! It's like a Christian voting for a Satanist over a pastor because the pastor is a Presbyterian instead of a Lutheran. There is no sense or reason to it, is there?

wolf   August 8th, 2008 11:55 am ET

The Obama Campaign has raised more money than any Presidential Candidate in history. The money comes from everywhere. He can pick and choose what is the right policy to push, knowing that he doesn't have to worry about raising money.

McCain, on the other hand, is far more restricted and needs to push whatever policy his backers want... otherwise, he might not collect another check next time.

TEE   August 8th, 2008 11:55 am ET

JON YOU ARE SO SAD. JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE SUPPORTS A CANIDATE THAT DOESNT MAKE THEM AN IDIOT. I THINK YOU MAY BE THE IDOT FOR THINKING THAT WAY

Stephen   August 8th, 2008 11:55 am ET

I am amazed at the ignorance of the left...putting a tax on the oil companies is not going to bring down prices. This is a free market society, oil companies are not just going to eat the chunk that the taxes will take out of their pockets, they are going to take it out of our pockets by raising the price of gas.

Someone on the left needs to read a book about capitalism. We are moving towards alternative forms of energy on our own...out of necessity. Trying to force the economy to move in a capitalistic society changes nothing. The only thing that happens is that we are no longer capitalistic, we are socialist...does no one see that's exactly what obama is, socialist? You can hate the rich all you want, but they provide jobs. Without jobs, we're all poor and working for the government. Go to Russia and see how wonderful that lifestyle is.

WAKE UP AMERICA! This is the greatest economy in the world for a reason. Think about what "Change" means. Change may be good, but Obama's change is very very bad! Ignore this warning if you want, but don't cry to the republicans when interest rates are at 15% and unemployment is at 20% (like with Jimmy Carter).

God save us all from this!

Clinton/McCain   August 8th, 2008 11:55 am ET

I was wondering when CNN would run a story about this. I knew about this during the primaries when he ran an ad in PA saying he did not accept money from the oil industry. Factcheck.org pointed out that no candidate is allowed to accept money directly from oil companies. So, his add was inaccurate because it portrayed Hillary as one who accepted money from oil companies.

steve   August 8th, 2008 11:55 am ET

I forgot to add the other group of huge whiners.

Hillary Clinton supporters. Grow up if you can. Or you can vote for McCain and register as Republicans. You are Democrats the party doesn't need.

Vote Nader   August 8th, 2008 11:54 am ET

Kelby from Houston, TX August 8th, 2008 10:46 am ET

There is a big fundamental difference between a person and a business. I have stated many times that the GOP is always for big busisness and the democratic party is for the people.

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

Then you have been wrong many times. The GOP has done and continually does more for small business than the Democratic Party. Just because you want to raise the minimum wage and tax and restrict those "terrible" corporations doesn't make you for the people. You harm business, it's going to eventually trickle down to the employess. Let business thrive, and so will the employees (people).

** Nader/Gonzalez 2008 **

john   August 8th, 2008 11:53 am ET

There is a difference between getting money from employees and getting money from corporations.

I know I don't blindly follow what my company says to support, and some times I support politicians that may hurt my company slightly but promise to help society as a whole greatly.

use some sanity people.

Matt, Minneapolis, MN   August 8th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Obama's price is only 394K? Just think what his price is on other issues. Oh wait corporations can't contribute to campaigns, so the claims that the "Oil compaines" are donating are total BUNK. there's not one dime coming from Exxons profits into either campaigns coffers so, I think Obama needs to learn to shut his trap and educate the public vs attacking where he's equally to blame.

Billy Rave Valentine-Capricorn   August 8th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Again, this is only selective reporting, read the article." This is only blog news, no truth to it. McCain has received 3x the amount of donations from "Big Oil" than Obama. Also, when McCain flip-flopped on drilling his donations skyrocketed. This news came from a blog which didn't post all the statistics.

Also, like many of the educated bloggers in this room, they know it was individuals, not CEOs.

I'm really disappointed in CNN for this one!

Deb, Allentown, PA   August 8th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Going to try this again....I am really having trouble posting stuff....

Chicago Nick, you are exactly the type of person who makes me ashamed to call myself American. You have no idea whether Joan in Ontario or Kingsley in Nigeria may be American Citizens living abroad. Even if not, we, as "Global Citizens" should care very much about what happens in every corner of the world, as should they. After all, the Republican certainly seem to worry an awful lot about what happens in the Middle East.

OBAMA BACKER   August 8th, 2008 11:50 am ET

CNN once agains reports pieces of a story in very vague nature and shows it support for MCCain. I guess CNN is short for mCCaiN

RKS   August 8th, 2008 11:50 am ET

Crazy logic. ... . just cos I work for an oil company does not mean I believe we should crazy profits we make / does not make me want to jack up prices / may not even mean i love oil as a sector ...

and just cos I work in an oil company does not mean I can have my personal and family and policy interests ...

CRAZY logic that just cos employees gave – implying that they will get some favor .... remember, employees GIVE ... campaigns are not TAKING ...

weird logic you guys report on.

steve   August 8th, 2008 11:49 am ET

We'll take their money no problem. Keep whining Republicans.

WAAHHH- I was in a Vietnam prison camp. So were lots of other people but they don't keep WHINING about it.

WAHHH- Obama is popular with voters.

WAHH- Our allies in Europe respect.

WAHHHH- People are enthusiastic about voting for a candidate with a vision for the 21st century not the 20th,.

Phil Gramm was right about one thing a lot of American's are whiners. They are called Republicans.

Oh boo hoo.

IKE   August 8th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Obama is a hypocrite plain and simple. He is nothing more than an ordinary politician and it makes me sad that the media and half the country is so simple as to believe all the hype. Perhaps I should start a traveling revival show. I could retire in a year if this is any indication of the gullibility of the us electorate. I have voted dem my entire life this will be the first time I go the other way.

1911   August 8th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Would some of you Obama bashers PLEASE read the entire article before commenting !?! It clearly says that the employees support Obama while the executives support McCain.

Hayolom   August 8th, 2008 11:48 am ET

CNN, this is where you mislead people and you do it from time to time. I work for a document management company and donated to Obama from my desktop at work. Now does this in anyway mean the company i work for is for Obama, not at all. I watch you news everyday and hear why the polls are so close and it because of B.S. like this that is so misleading and you know the many Americans are so easily influenced. So can you do your job and inform the American people with facts and truth and stop this. Because fox news is doing a great job of destroying his name and chances of winning. This is so sad on your part CNN.

Tennisguypitt   August 8th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Obama gets money from the workers, McCain seems to pocket money from the CEOs, who want offshore drilling. There is a difference.

Try and reword the ticker, CNN. It is a little misleading.

Obama '08

Engineer...making your gasoline!   August 8th, 2008 11:47 am ET

People who work for oil companies (yes, even their CEOs) are voters too. and they have a hard time coping with rising gas prices. i know this may come as a shock to ingnorant america....

You People Are Stuck On Stupid   August 8th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Ummm...CNN, why aren't you posting my comments? I'll try this again....

To James from Chicago: "If the stupid Obama supporters would read the whole article, it says
employees and TOP EXECUTIVES. Employees give to who the BOSS
tell them to give to."

^^^You are such an idiot…..TOP EXECUTIVES are employees too. How did you come up with the notion that employees give to who the BOSS tell them to give to???? Are you out of your mind? Don't you think that would violate their constitutional right for someone to tell them who to support and who to give their money too?

Wow you people are really stuck on stupid

Ian   August 8th, 2008 11:47 am ET

What difference does it make? These two are our only options right?

JW   August 8th, 2008 11:46 am ET

McCain used to oppose offshore drilling. Now he supports it. Flip-flopping? He's a big-oil chump.

Lee from FL   August 8th, 2008 11:46 am ET

CNN is sounding like FOX news!!!
misleading........................................

GoHillary   August 8th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Are Democrats STUPID or what – how many times do they have to be told that Corporations can't donate money to campaigns but still they try to argue their point.

What are they teaching these kids in school these days????

Lone McCain Blogger   August 8th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Big difference between people's personal donations and the companies. CNN, I continue to be disgusted by your bastardization of the real world.

KJ   August 8th, 2008 11:44 am ET

Shame on you CNN. I listened to you because I thought you gave news on the good, bad and ugly on both candidates. This story is very misleading. Aren't journalists supposed to tell the facts and not their views?

Thank you Billy, Baltimore, MD

Nate   August 8th, 2008 11:44 am ET

More Dem. hypocrisy.

MD   August 8th, 2008 11:44 am ET

Employees of any organization can make donations to any campaign they want. It is the auxiliary industries (research & drilling) that want McCane to win. The concept of donations should never be an issue unless they are illegal, like the $50,000 McCain had to return.

Dig deeper, and McCane would probably have to return more.

GoHillary   August 8th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Nancy, since you are obviously a simple homemaker with limited intellect... the general point is that OBAMA is a treatcherous lier and makes unsubstantiated claims and accusations that he can't back up!

Ted:Canada   August 8th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Nick from Chicago

We love you to!!

See if you can get some professional help. If you cannot afford it – just come across the boarder and we will see if we can help you out.

be good! the repubs got you in the "bag"

Obama supporter: When is it McCain's turn for Scutiny?   August 8th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Such hate and division. Reading these comments reveals an ill informed electorate who would rather go with talking points, half truths and partisan politics.

Obama has repeatedly said that he will only support limited off shore drilling (which McCain conveniently does not say must be approved by the states involved) if it is part of a comprehensive bipartisan package. It is called compromise while unfortunately most of the bloggers here prefer partisan, gridlock policies which leaves nothing done.

Vote Nader   August 8th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Terry From GA August 8th, 2008 10:44 am ET

There's a HUGE difference between the employees of energy companies who are donating to the Obama campaign and the current Republicans who are investors and board members of these energy companies. That's because Investors and Board Members make HUGE amounts of money when the energy companies make profits.

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

All investors and board memebrs, regardless of industry, make money when companies make profits. It's called business. Why do people have to single out the oil industry? It makes no sense.

Making the claim that all investors and board members are Republican is truly ignorant. I invest, am a board member of a non-profit company yet I am not Republican. There are plenty of Democratic investors and board members (I'm not one of them though).

I wish people could discuss things without being blinded and/or led by their partisan feelings.

** Nader/Gonzalez 2008 **

Dez   August 8th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Ticker is misleading. Obama is receiving money from the workers while McCain is getting money from the companies and people who want their policies implemented.

Salina, Washington, DC   August 8th, 2008 11:40 am ET

The top producers may favor Obama – but McCain has still pocketed more oil industry cash: $1.3 million, to Obama’s $394,000

That says is all!!

Obama '08/'12

Kingsley Orji, Oyigbo, Rivers state Nigeria   August 8th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Chicago Nick.

I don't want to believe you are so myopic you don't realise America's position in the world's economy/politics.
Think before you start yapping.
I'll give you a little education .. the whole world are interested in this election.

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   August 8th, 2008 11:39 am ET

CNN–
SHAME ON YOU FOR PRINTING A MISLEADING STORY.
THE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE FROM EMPLOYEES CONTRIBUTING ON THEIR OWN BEHALF-NOT EXXON.

ANYTHING FOR RATINGS, HUH?

Vegas   August 8th, 2008 11:39 am ET

I guess this means Obama can quit saying McCain is in big oils pocket... since he appears to be as well...

Obama... lie lie lie

Joan, Ontario   August 8th, 2008 11:38 am ET

Chicago Nick. You have every right to your opinions but so do I. It's up to CNN to not post my opinions, not you. What happens in your country does not just affect you, it affects the whole world. The last seven years has brought a lot of unrest to everyone. We actually have a more neutral opinion of what is going on in your country. As for your comments about Canada, that's your right to have your opinion but overall we do have a pretty peaceful, clean country wirh a pretty high standard of living. All of our citizens have basic health care and we take pretty good care of everyone. It's not perfect but I'm proud to live here.

fella from Chicago   August 8th, 2008 11:36 am ET

I'm sure Obama returned the contributions. Bull!! Just another politician who speaks with a forked tongue. I just know the three 6's are up there somewhere. I guess only his barber knows.

Marie Ontario   August 8th, 2008 11:35 am ET

To Chicago Nick better watch your mouth cause if McCain gets elected you will likely want to immigrate to Canada since most rats are prone to abandoning a sinking ship!

FactCheck   August 8th, 2008 11:35 am ET

> Brendan you are correct, McCain did oppose drilling YEARS AGO

Yeah, YEARS AGO like 2007 when he figured out where the big money can come from if he panders to the right crowd.

Jim   August 8th, 2008 11:33 am ET

And HESS give VERY BIG to the McCain Campaign...it's how he spreads his LIES on these TV ads.

NEXT...

Bob   August 8th, 2008 11:32 am ET

The public may not realize this, but employees of oil companies are people too and can make their own minds up about who to support and give money too. Individuals in no way speak for the industry as a whole so it's not fair to say "oil companies gave Obama more money" when in fact it was individuals who have their own ideals and beliefs.

DocReal   August 8th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Key quote: "he top producers may favor Obama – but McCain has still pocketed more oil industry cash: $1.3 million, to Obama’s $394,000."

Misleading media and lying Republicans in bed together.

McSame will never crack 44% and will lose in a landslide.

LOL!

PrObama   August 8th, 2008 11:30 am ET

Obama _ Big Oil Employees Favorite

McCain – Big Oil CEO's Favorite

I am not a rocket scientist, but I do know that there is a difference between empoyees and CEOs, about a few million dollars to be exact.

Obama 08

dk   August 8th, 2008 11:29 am ET

CNN the McCain Head Quarter! Very irresponsible and trashy Reporting. you know go ahead and help your candidate the gray haired guy. during this third bushes term CNN will Lay off More than Half of Its staff Because of economic crisis. then you will feel the rest of Americans Pain.

Watermann   August 8th, 2008 11:29 am ET

CNN, many of your viewers did not fully read or understand your post. Is it that what you want?

Go McCain   August 8th, 2008 11:29 am ET

I'm tired of hearing how "struggling workers" are contributing to Obama's campaign. If they are struggling, use that money to support their own family. Look into investing that money into a retirement account or into a health savings account. This is what is wrong with America–no sense of responsibliity. These libs want Obama to win just to get freebies.

DR. YES   August 8th, 2008 11:29 am ET

exxon knows who will win,and they want their hands in obama's pockets.wont work.we,the people,have been the one's to support barack throughout his run,so,you cant have him.he's ours.our children ,and the planet we leave for them,are too important.

miken   August 8th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Another inconvienent truth for obama. Does obama imagine that with so much of America declared off-limits, the planet is less injured as drilling shifts to Kazakhstan and Venezuela and Equatorial Guinea? That Russia will be more environmentally scrupulous than we in drilling in its Arctic?

Nikki, Florida   August 8th, 2008 11:28 am ET

READ THE ARTICLE BEFORE COMMENTING.

Informed Voter is absolutely right:
Obama = Employee donations

McCain = CEO donations

Come on, CNN, be more objective with your headlines.

Mike - Iowa   August 8th, 2008 11:28 am ET

I WISH SOME PEOPLE WOULD ACTUALLY READ, I KNOW IT'S ONLY THE 1ST SENTENCE OF THE 2ND PARAGRAPH BUT C'MON PEOPLE.

"An analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics found Barack Obama has received more money from Exxon’s employees, including top executives, than John McCain."

maynard hopkins wi   August 8th, 2008 11:28 am ET

this is to big oil companies....... BUILD MORE REFINERIES...... it would cost between 2-5-millions dollars to build, with all the profits the oil companies make it should be a snap for you to do this... also stop the ethonol production .....get on the EPA and change the 10% ethonol rule .... it does not help mileage it hinders it.

the ethonol plan was another mistake issued by your top leaders.. it has done nothing but raise the cost of food items a simple test will prove this... buy some gas without ethonol and check your mileage .

talk to the people at aoutomotive shops and ask questions about this ethonol problem...... ask the EPA where they get their facts and from whom

this is just another plow by your government and the EPA to squelch the screaming of high oil prices

David   August 8th, 2008 11:27 am ET

I agree with you shawn and Obama bandwagon should wake up and come to reality.. It was a favoritism by the oil producersf or his 2005 vote for Bush Cheney energy plan. And that could be why he is trying to keep it quite from public.

Mark   August 8th, 2008 11:27 am ET

bob shepard, Your comment shows alot of ignorance on your part. If you enlighten yourself a little bit, or even read the global surveys that are done , you will know which countries are hostile to USA. And remember, one of Obama's stated goals is to restore the goodwill and the confidence of the rest of the world in the USA by demonstration of good global leadership on main issues.
Mark, Germany.

Melanie Jones   August 8th, 2008 11:27 am ET

32,000 dollars is hardly anything to write home about. It seems like real people who happen to work for oil companies support Obama. When compared to a couple of million that McCain is receiving, please give me a break.

Anyone but these 2   August 8th, 2008 11:26 am ET

If you don't like candidates that get money from big oil, then vote Nader or McKinney, duh. The Dems and Reps are the same party, essentially. They'll both tell you anything to get elected, then they'll do as they please (to please big business, where they get their cash).

Michael Shea   August 8th, 2008 11:26 am ET

First CNN becomes the Clinton News Network during the primaries.

If Campbell Brown wasn't a Hillary Cheerleader, I don't know who was.
Ms. Brown also milked the Pastor Wright issue ad nauseum.

The psychology behind this story is to say that Obama is no better than McCain by accepting contributions from "EMPLOYEES". These are not corporate PAC dollars.

Until the primaries I watched the CNN morning show and evening news. Now it's MSNBC all the way. However i do like Jack Cafferty and Lou Dobbs. They remind of the way news use to be instead of all these pretty faces who have no clue about life and politics.

kennywest   August 8th, 2008 11:26 am ET

The fact that Republicans don't see the difference is why we're seeing these supid comercials.

TechDude   August 8th, 2008 11:26 am ET

The reality is neither McCain or Obama are perfect fits for the Presidency. If we as a nation do not reform how our Presidents are elected, we will consistently get candidates who are crownies for big money corporations and political lobbyists. If we want good Presidents who care about America's need verses there own agenda's we must reform how they are elected and get back to the basics of what does America need in a President and what criteria we need to establish for who would qualify.

truth   August 8th, 2008 11:25 am ET

Let's look at Obama's contributor breakdown, so people can honestly decide whether this represents the company, or people who work for the company, supporting Obama.
Here, I'm looking at (a) who contributed max. amount (which you'd expect from a underhanded "subsidized give") and the relative position in the company of the donor (i.e. upper management vs. the IT guy or clerk):
76 contributors (for $36,557)
- Three (3) $2300 contributions. Individuals could be considered "upper management"
- One (1) $1500 (Engineer)
- Nine (9) $1000 contributions (mainly middle mgmt. and engineering staff)
- Twelve (12) $500 contributions (middle mgmt. mostly, some IT staff and a lawyer)
- Ten (10) contributions between $413-$264 (IT workers, accountants, various middle and floor managers)
- Thirty-Nine (39) contributions between $250-$200 from various positions ranging from IT, to the graphic design staff, engineers, some middle management, and one retired
I'll let you judge what picture this paints vs. a PAC. However, I thought I should fill-in some of the gaps in the report to create a somewhat fairer report.

andy, Missouri   August 8th, 2008 11:25 am ET

From the tone of just about all the posts I read here and everywhere else, its pretty clear that we would elect Bush again if given the chance. chicago nick, maybe we should take a little time to listen to what people around the world think... we wouldn't be in the Iraq war mess if we had.

Southerner   August 8th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Of course, if we looked at how much money Obama has gottem from labor unions, it would make McCain's $1.3 million from oil companies look like peanuts. Service Employees International Union alone plans to spend $150 million to get Obama elected. Thats ONE union. Now, who's in someone's pocket? The candidate who gets $1 million from emeployees of several companies, or the one with $150 million from one labor organization?

Jim Schimmer   August 8th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Hillary supports – Please get over it!
It's not about you or its not about Hillary. It's about America.
We need a democrat to fix the mess up.

McSame is definitely 4 more painful years of McBush.

Please, be sane and start supporting Barack.

fairandstraight   August 8th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Exxon employees are voters as well. They are probably feeling the pain at the pump and want relief just like the rest of america.

This article is so misleading. Of course, it doesn't take much to mislead the minds of some people. There is a clear difference between employees and employers. Most employees are going to support the candidate that are looking out for them rather than their employers who usually benefit from a republican president who looks out for the rich and well to do.

Obama 08

kenny   August 8th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Obama makes me think, McCain just makes me think about getting old.

Mike, Syracuse, NY   August 8th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Brian, so this is all one big right wing conspiracy? Please call 911 immediately. You need emergency psychiatric help.

Informed Voter, learning to read might help you in life. CEO's gave more to Obama, not just employees.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   August 8th, 2008 11:22 am ET

Oil industry executives and their lobbyists will support the candidate they believe is most likely to win. In the meantime–I'm sure both are getting plenty of bucks from the industry–to universally feather their nests.

Upon Further Review,Texas   August 8th, 2008 11:21 am ET

Nationalize them now.

P   August 8th, 2008 11:20 am ET

It's only low-level employees donating to Obama? What part of "including top executives" are we not understanding here, people?

Canadian black & white man for Obama.   August 8th, 2008 11:20 am ET

Yeah!!!!! McCflipl flop is in touch with his many side of the story. Mcflip flips will support you when he needs you vote, Mccflip flop is in touch when he pocket big oil money , Mccflip flip is in touch with his rich wife, Mccflip flop is in touch with bomb bomb Iran, McCflip flop is in touch with the economy when he said he has no idea about the economy, but now he is champion of everything, Johny, give us a break.
Drill drill ..............solution is not being touch, America can do better than drilling our land for nothing. Talk about what you know best...war war becuase you know "how to win wars" in touch.

Drill here drill there drill now. Of course McCain will drill everywhere in the country, destroy the land and it will not help the taste of our oil consumption.

McCain and those who think drilling here,there failed to realize is after drilling the country upside dwon it will only give us 3% of our consumption.

America consumed 25% oil the world oil, if McCain drill the country he will only find 3% of the oil.

25% -3%=22% dump a–s how does that help?

McCain and those who want to drill ofshore drilling should take 7 grader mathematical test.

Drill now , drill here , drill everywhere. McCain will

Employee democrats donated money to Obama and republican ceo donated to McCain there are differences between those 2 category.

Why no one can change your mind who to vote for, it is necessary to state the facts. becuase you have brain.

RH   August 8th, 2008 11:19 am ET

Are we to believe that the boards of these companies control each employee's political will?

There is no truth in anything anymore – anything. America has become nothing but cynical manipulation all across the board. None of this matters, all this he said, she said, this money came from here, that money came from there, Senator A voted for this, Senator B voted against that – people will vote for one candidate or another for petty personal psychological reasons. I pity anyone who believes they are making an informed decision in the ballot box and anyone who believes that casting their ballot is anything more than masturbation.

Bob   August 8th, 2008 11:19 am ET

The truth about Senator Obama is finally coming to light– he is a politician wtih a capital "P".

Obama4change   August 8th, 2008 11:18 am ET

Md(C)ane (N)ews (N)etwork are you competing wih FOX News for the worst news organization in the worrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrld? Why are spreading the lies of McCane blogger Michael Goldfarb. He is the real story: overall, McCain’s campaign has gotten three times more money from the industry than Obama’s has — $1.3 million compared to about $394,000. The donations to Obama are from Oil companies employees who are making small donations while McCane's are from CEO of oil companies that are making large donations. This is a big difference, but is a fact missing from the CNN story as usual to favor their favorite candidate. Wolf you should be ashamed of yourself for these bias stories.

bert   August 8th, 2008 11:18 am ET

I agree with this comment: From theyaredesperate.

August 8th, 2008 10:56 am ET

what a Republican piece of propaganda this story is!!

1. the Exxon EMPLOYEES gave money, NOT EXXON!!
2. Exxon and other big oil gave McBush 2 MILLION (not 1.3 million )just 2 weeks after
he started his stupid 'drill our way out of this' line..coincidence?
NOT!
3. They fail to mention that the Exxon employees and executives who gave to Obama are most likely Democrats…that is….people with a brain!

4. 'Center for Responsive Politics'??? never heard of them but obviously they are a Republican mouthpiece

Man, the Republicans are running soooooo scared, and should be!!
They just lost another couple of seats: witness the primary loss yesterday in East Tennessee of David Davis, a freshman Republican who's ties to Big Oil got him BOOTED, the first congressman in Tennessee to lose a PRIMARY in FORTY YEARS!!!

SAY NO TO REPUBLICANS!!
NO MORE BIG OIL!!! OBAMA '08!!!

Andy in Charlotte, NC   August 8th, 2008 11:18 am ET

I'm a computer consultant. But my vote doesn't represent the computer industry. Just as an oil executive's vote or donation doesn't represent the oil industry itself...donations are being accepted by individuals, right?

John Allen   August 8th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Exxon employees are Americans, correct ? Hard working Employees are for Obama and hardly working corruptive CEOs are for McCain.

As usual McCain doesn't have any credibility and keeps pointing towards Obama, but one thing he forgot when he's pointing one finger towards Obama, rest of his fingers are pointing towards him !!?

McCain you did nothing fix any issues in last 8-years, in fact he's the 75% of part of the all the issues we are having today. Job loss, Economy, Housing mortgage, Iraq war overspening & mishandling.... Without McCain, Bush & Cheney we'll solve most of the issues because at least that removes the major problem creators & now we can concetrate on resolving issues created by those.

GO OBAMA-08.

independent now   August 8th, 2008 11:17 am ET

This is what is wrong with our country!!! THIS IS DISGRACEFUL NO ONE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CONTRIBUTE TO ANY CANDIDATE THIS KIND OF MONEY. NOONE... THAT IS WHY WE ARE IN OUR SITUATION. OBAMA AND MCCAIN MAKE ME SICK. I AM VOTING HILARY SHE HAS NO OBLIGATIONS TO ANY OF THESE MONSTER COMPANIES

Generation X   August 8th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Employees are donating to Obama while the corporations are donating to McBush. Big difference! CNN, your headline is mischeavous journalism at best.

spoton   August 8th, 2008 11:16 am ET

do facts really matter to anyone with these comments. fact both candidates received donations from employees and executives at oil companies not the big oil companies.companies are not allowed to donate.fact we will need oil for years to come.whom do we desire to get it from.chavez,middle east with its cost to protect or usa sources provided by evil big oil which is actually made up of thousands of ordinary americans doing their jobs to keep our standard of living one of the best in the world.i am tired of this talk. these donations are all legal so therefore they must be ethical to accept.i am tired of politicians and their defenders targeting american corporations as evil.these corporations employ many hard working honest dedicated americans whether its oil,pharmaceutical, healthcare,banking,taxi fleets,farms,and even law firms.

karen-phoenix   August 8th, 2008 11:15 am ET

Everyone likes Obama!!! He's educated, intellegent, excellent judgement and he will be the next president of the United States in November!!!! Out with the very, very old and in with the new and educated!!! And I've voted for over 50 years for republicans. NO MORE!!! Go Obama

24 male independent from chicago   August 8th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Chicago nick.....Stop being such an ignorant idiot. People of the world are just giving opinions because we happen to stick our noses in every countries business plus we are a world power. They may not have the right to vote in our country but they still have freedom of speech here.

To all others stop complaining about each others candidate they can only do so much. Stop putting blame on others for your unhappiness and do something for yourselves, one of these candidates is going to win and it may not be yours so get use to that now before you start using it as an excuse. OUR LIVES ARE EMPTY AND MEANINGLESS AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN...ABSOLUTELY NOTHING BECAUSE OUR LIVES ARE EMPTY AND MEANINGLESS..PS THAT'S A GOOD THING SO STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT IT AND ENJOY IT.

what if?...   August 8th, 2008 11:14 am ET

what if everybody just kept their money to pay their bills, mortgage/rent, loans, etc. instead of donating to candidates. What if we just made public financing for campaigns mandatory for all candidates (but not mandatory for all tax payers to pay into the fund): candidates would then be on equal footing in terms of funding & availabilities, might have to actually plan their campaign expenses (ads, etc.) intelligently to get the most bang fir their more limited buck, no more studies on who gives how much to which candidate, have a third-party body hold the campaigns accountable for each dollar spent...

Sarah, ME   August 8th, 2008 11:14 am ET

The OIL INDUSTRY, which makes the decisions, not the employees loves McCain. End of story.

O/08

Pat Riot   August 8th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Change? Hope?

Snerdboy says   August 8th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Rush Limbaugh and big oil think global warming is a hoax,I wonder why?

Mj   August 8th, 2008 11:14 am ET

All of this talk is useless. The only point that can be taken from what is presented in the article is that Obama is just as guilty as McCain of having special interest groups influencing their politics. The overwhelmingly sick part of all of this is I remember watching an Obama ad that attacked McCain for him receiving money from big oil.

Ian   August 8th, 2008 11:13 am ET

BobBarr2008.com

Doesn't get bought out by any companies or industries, and won't tax Americans to death..... Nice change of pace huh?

You People Are Stuck On Stupid   August 8th, 2008 11:13 am ET

To James from Chicago: "If the stupid Obama supporters would read the whole article, it says
employees and TOP EXECUTIVES. Employees give to who the BOSS
tell them to give to."

^^^You are such an idiot.....TOP EXECUTIVES are employees too. How did you come up with the notion that employees give to who the BOSS tell them to give to???? Are you out of your mind? Don't you think that would violate their constitutional right for someone to tell them who to support and who to give their money too?

Wow you people are really stuck on stupid

Jim   August 8th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Why don't you talk about the oil companies employee Union donations, or those oil company donations to the Democratic Party. Must be that inconvenient truth.

RA   August 8th, 2008 11:12 am ET

To everyone responding , simple McCain received more money because he supports drilling any money that Obama received from Oil Company they want to maintain static quote... After a 26 year vacation McCain finally has a plan?

Chut Pata   August 8th, 2008 11:11 am ET

A pretty deceptive piece of "news"! It confuses small donations by employees with the big donations by the corporations.

I have said many times on this forum, that I worked in an oil company and donated money to Obama many times, so did many of the colleague. It is because he is going to cut taxes for everyone earning less than $60,000.

The company, on the other hand donated money to McCain because he is going to provide billions of dollars in subsidies!

Shame on you CNN, for distorting these news. Did the oil mafia bought you too?

Joe Kiloz   August 8th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Remember what Rev Wright said about Obama's convictions, when he says he won't take Oil Money, he means currency tainted with oil, so long as the contribution is made by check or cash, all OK.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   August 8th, 2008 11:11 am ET

I bought a Camry Hybrid – I don't believe in sitting around complaining about government not helping me. I help myself. I still walk when I can. And my tires are properly inflated. They last longer that way.

Obama '08

chicago nick   August 8th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Obama 08

Can you not read? It explicitly states that more EXECUTIVES (that would be CEO's, CFO's, etc., get it?) give money to obama than to mccain! Try learning how to read with the comprehension of at least a second grader before you open your ignorant mouth. Maybe I sholdn't blame you for being uneducated and unintelligent, you are, after all, probably just the product of our liberal-teachers-union public schools!

Deb, Allentown, PA   August 8th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Chicago Nick, you are exactly the type of person who makes me ashamed to call myself American. You have no idea whether Joan in Ontario or Kingsley in Nigeria may be American Citizens living abroad. Even if not, we, as "Global Citizens" should care very much about what happens in every corner of the world, as should they. After all, the Republican certainly seem to worry an awful lot about what happens in the Middle East.

greenfun   August 8th, 2008 11:10 am ET

This is not NEW. However, MSM just hasn't reported anything negative about BO. Disgraceful!!!

Joe Kiloz   August 8th, 2008 11:10 am ET

I'd like for CNN to compare and contrast Obama's unions' contributions vs McCain

Jeff   August 8th, 2008 11:09 am ET

This just seems so hard to measure. I work for a fourtune 20 company and contribute small donations regularly (atleast twice a month) to Obama. I have no idea or really care who the executives and board of directors donate to. I'm voting for the candiadate that best represents myself, not my company. I'm not contributing on behlaf of my company in any way, but I still must report who I work for when making a donation.

LOVE MY USA   August 8th, 2008 11:09 am ET

This article is very dist urbing! please read. Why isn't CNN jumping on this? Guess they are to busy to polling, that is of no interst to the voters.

By MAUREEN DOWD

OBAMA'S TROUBLING
INTERNET FUND RAISING
Published: June 29, 2008

Certainly the most interesting and potentially devastating phone call I have received during this election cycle came this week from one of the Obama's campaign internet geeks. These are the staffers who devised Obama's internet fund raising campaign which raised in the neighborhood of $200 million so far. That is more then twice the total funds raised by any candidate in history – and this was all from the internet campaign.

What I learn ed from this insider was shocking but I guess we shouldn't be surprised that when it comes to fund raising there simply are no rules that can't be broken and no ethics that prevail.

Obama's internet campaign started out innocently enough with basic e-mail networking , lists saved from previous party campaigns and from supporters who visited any of the Obama campaign web sites.
Small contributions came in from these sources and the internet campaign staff were more than pleased by the results.

Then, about two months into the campaign the daily contribution intake multiplied. Where was it coming from? One of the web site security monitors began to notice the bulk of the contributions were clearly coming in from overseas internet service providers and at the rate and frequency of transmission it was clear these donations were 'programmed' by a very sophisticated user.

While the security people were not able to track most of the sources due to firewalls and other blocking devices put on these contributions they were able t o collate the number of contributions that were coming in seemingly from individuals but the funds were from only a few credit card accounts and bank electronic funds transfers.

The internet service providers (ISP) they were able to trace were from Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other Middle Eastern countries. One of the banks used for fund transfers was also located in Saudi Arabia.

Another concentrated group of donations was traced to a Chinese ISP with a similar pattern of limited credit card charges.

It became clear that these donations were very likely coming from sources other than Americ an voter s. This was discussed at length within the campaign and the decision was made that none of these donations violated campaign financing laws.

It was also decided that it was not the responsibility of the campaign to audit these millions of contributions as to the actual source (specific credit card number or bank transfer account numbers) to insure that none of these internet contributors exceeded the legal maximum donation on a cumulative basis of many small donations. They also found the record keeping was not complete enough to do it anyway.

This is a shocking revelation.

We have been concerned about the legality of 'bundling' contributions after the recent exposure of illegal bundlers but now it appears we may have an even greater problem.

I guess we should have been somewhat suspicious when the numbers started to come out. We were told (no proof offered) that the Obama internet contributions were from $10.00 to $25.00 or so.
If the $200,000,000 is right, and the average contribution was $15.00, that would mean over 13 million individuals made contributions? That would also be 13 million contributions would need to be processed. How did all that happen?

I believe the Obama campaign's internet fund raising needs a se rious, in depth investigation and audit. It also appears the whole question of internet fund raising needs investigation by the legislature and perhaps new laws to insure it complies not only with the letter of these laws, but the spirit as well.

Marc PDX   August 8th, 2008 11:09 am ET

Russia is attacking part of Georgia right now while the world is watching the Olympics. John McCain is calling on a UN intervention immediately. Barack Obama hasn't done anything. I imagine he's stammering around trying to quickly figure out what to do to appear ready to lead. But I guess he'll be our next president anyway (jimmy carter).

Susan   August 8th, 2008 11:09 am ET

These are individual contributions made by employees. Cnn is trying to bring out another expose that hashed out months ago. An individual can donate as he or she see fit. The Big Corporate donation are McCains. Whys does the MSM continually let McCain off the hook. Theie latest stupid poll says people are tired of looking at Obama. perhaps if the MSM delved more into McCain and showed a balanced picture, America will realize how bad John mcCain really is. Instead, they continually let him slide. Of course, it does help to be owned by the big corporations, and journalists no longer do their jobs, just mimic what their bosses tell them to do. I am so tired of this nonsense. LETS HAVE FAIR AND BALANCED JOURNALISM NOW!!!

Kingsley Orji, Oyigbo, Rivers state Nigeria   August 8th, 2008 11:08 am ET

Why was McCain not mentioned in the title? Talk about Obama receiving more media coverage. Most articles are targeted to discredit him by presenting halftruths.
It's disgusting.

j tech   August 8th, 2008 11:08 am ET

As a Auto Repair shop owner I would like to know who did the research and came up with the numbers? Just what percentage of the vehicles on the road today NEED a tune up or have under inflated tires? Those of us that do take care of our vehicles save nothing. The un educated will loose the expense of the tune up that was not needed because they wil see no improvement in fuel mileage. Yes you can conserve fuel by tuning your car up,if it is in a bad state of tune. Yes you can conserve fuel by inflating youre tires, if they are under inflated. Over inflated tires are dangerous! I have to wonder how many people may have heard this and will think all I have to do is put more air in my tires? Those who are over inflating tires are putting dangerous vehicles on the roads we all use.
The computer controlled engine managment systems on modern day vehicles (late 80's up) recieve information from various sensor and adjust fuel and ignition thousands of times a minute.
We have some of the best technicians in the country and there is no way they could make any adjustments to improve the fuel mileage of these vehicles faster than the on board computers do.
1996 and up vehicles with on board diagnostic 2 computer systems (Fed. mandated they all do) check for engine missfire the whole time you are driving. When the computer detects a miss fire it turns the check engine or service engine soon light on or flashes the light. Modern day vehicles have no adjustments to be made.
There are un fortunatly un scrupulus shops tha wil tell you otherwise! Check youre fuel mileage before and after. You be the judge the numbers won't lie.
For those that may not know how to check actual fuel mileage. Go to the gas station and fill up, Let the pump shut off automaticaly and do not top off. Re set the trip meter and drive as you normaly would. Run the tank down below 1/2 and fill it back up without topping off. Divide the number of miles drivin by the number of gallons it took to re fill

gee   August 8th, 2008 11:08 am ET

So much for CHANGE!!! The only change will be that he wiil be the first black or half black president. Everything else remains the same. Except he is a rookie with a bunch of spin bull crap. This really stinks!!

HIllary 08!

bert   August 8th, 2008 11:08 am ET

CNN must have a problem with my support of Obama, seems they won't let my comments through but they like to put out misleading reports like this one! The picture is amazingly transparent when you take a close look at CNN and the way they cover information.

Charlotte   August 8th, 2008 11:07 am ET

It is called bundling, Obama has received over 52 million dollars by way of bundling. He is no different then any typical politician. Rev. Wright knew him best and what did he say? I cannot figure Obama out, I am a democrat who would love to support the candidate, if I only knew which Obama he really is. Obama is a snowflake, never the same. The pandering goes on and on..I will write Hillary on my ballot in November come what may.

Test.   August 8th, 2008 11:07 am ET

The glen beck post drive naked doesn't seem to allow comments even though it specifies that it does. Is this on purpose?

Mikey   August 8th, 2008 11:06 am ET

Since Obama has raised several times the money McCain has, the take from all employees of pretty much any industry should be way more for Obama than for McCain. So, if McCain has generated over three times the cash from oil company employees than Obama, that is an even bigger difference than it appears.

Who do you think big oil shareholders are supporting?

This article really is poor journalism. I understand that McCain's change to "drill here, drill now" occurred simultaneously with a spike in oil company donations to his campaign. Please do a little investigation and analysis next time instead of just quoting figures with thin analysis and a misleading headline.

Chris, New York   August 8th, 2008 11:06 am ET

this article is really misleading – like people said, most of Obama's cash comes from oil industry employees vs. the CEO's donations to Mccain.

And even if SOME individual companies gave more money to Obama, that still means obviously other companies gave more to Mccain since since received more in total from oil companies.

Obama/Not-Hilary 08!!!

chicago nick   August 8th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Seriously, all of you people are having trouble reading the article! It says, "more top executives are giveing Obama money than McCain" – paraphrased. Please re-read the article, Dems! All you Dems like to do is lie, even when the FACTS are on the same page as your lies!!!

Sifa   August 8th, 2008 11:05 am ET

PEOPLE, please read the the facts before you start writing. Obama has received $394,000 to McCain's $1.3million from oil companies. We all know that Obama is no saint, he said it himself, but as for McCain, I am not sure why any one would voet for him. At this, I am sick of the campaigns altogether and cannot wait for November for this nightmare to be over with.

Sane John   August 8th, 2008 11:05 am ET

The only reason why "Big Oil" is helping Obama is because anyone with half a brain knows, Obama is going to wipe the floor with McCain.

Canadian black & white man for Obama.   August 8th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Drill here drill there drill now. Of course McCain will drill everywhere in the country, destroy the land and it will not help the taste of our oil consumption.

McCain and those who think drilling here,there failed to realize is after drilling the country upside dwon it will only give us 3% of our consumption.

America consumed 25% oil the world oil, if McCain drill the country he will only find 3% of the oil.

25% -3%=22% dump a–s how does that help?

McCain and those who want to drill ofshore drilling should take 7 grader mathematical test.

Drill now , drill here , drill everywhere. McCain will

Employee democrats donated money to Obama and republican ceo donated to McCain there are differences between those 2 category.

Why no one can change your mind who to vote for, it is necessary to state the facts. becuase you have brain.

curly   August 8th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Obama is a hypocrite.

He is destroying our party.

It's not too late for Hillary. The super delagates can still switch their vote to her. They could not deny 18 million voices for Hillary in Denver. I hope to see you all there!

Susan, NC via LA   August 8th, 2008 11:04 am ET

You call this "reporting," CNN? How about including what percentages of those donations were under $250? Way to pick and choose the facts.

soy   August 8th, 2008 11:04 am ET

So if employees of an organization or a corporation give to a candidate then that means that the employee is giving because he or she feels that it'll favor the corporation or industry as a whole? Are you kidding me? Everybody works for someone (at least those that have jobs) and in that case no one that has a job should give to any candidate because it'll be looked at as the candidate being in the pocket of the industry. Look people, there's a KEY DIFFERENCE between employees of an organization giving to something (this includes charities) and the organization/industry as a whole giving to something. And if you fail to recognize that then I'm not so sure you should be voting at all.

tony   August 8th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Has anyone added up the numbers?

Oil company employees (Exxon, Chevron, BP) for Obama: $93,303
Oil company employees (Exxon, Chevron, BP) for McCain: $75,166

Thus oil company employees (Exxon, Chevron, BP) favor Obama by $18,137

Oil industry for Obama: $394,000
Oil industry for McCain: $1.3 million

Thus overall oil industry favors McCain by about $900,000

So who is in the pocket of Big Oil? McCain, by a mile.

Shawn - GA   August 8th, 2008 11:03 am ET

This is one of many reasons he wants to have his funds recieved in secret and not have to say where it all comes from.

Obama = Demise of USA   August 8th, 2008 11:03 am ET

CNN YOU GUYS ARE SO BLATANTLY BIASED... YOU DONT POST 90% OF ANY MCCAIN SUPPORT TOPICS THE THREADS A LITTERED WITH ONLY OBAMABOTS.

ME AND 12 OTHER COWORKERS HAVE HAD NUMEROUS POSTS SITTING IN MODERATION FOREVER WHILE POSTS MADE WITHIN 5MNS ABOUT OBAMA BEING JESUS ARE POSTED INSTANTLY.

WAY TO TRY WEED OUT PRO MCCAIN POSTS, MY ENTIRE COMPANY IS WITNESS TO THIS AS WE ALL NOTICE THAT EXACT SAME THING.

ALSO YOU OBAMABOTS ARE SO IGNORANT... MAYBE THAT IS A SIGN WHY YOU OBVIOUSLY WORSHIP A COMPLETELY UNDER EXPERIENCED LYING TOOL.

sylvia   August 8th, 2008 11:02 am ET

duh.....
I am a democrat turned Rebublican thanks to Pelosi, Kennedy, the democratic congress and OBAMA
GOD HELP US!!!!!

Ted van Tol   August 8th, 2008 11:02 am ET

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh,
I have heard that the most elephants in the USA circus
donated to McCain.
Tomorow we can read on CNN that all circusvisitors
are McCain voters.
Shhhhhhhhhhhhh,
It dos'nt matter at all, as long as the next Circusboss
of the USA will be Barack Obama!

Charles   August 8th, 2008 11:02 am ET

So let me get this straight. If you work at an oil company, one of the only industry jobs left thanks to jobs being shipped overseas, you can't support the candidate of your choice? With the number of donors (over 1.5 million to date), i would think people from every job market imaginable has contributed. Don't confuse individual contributions with corporate contributions. Do me a favor CNN, find out the dollar amount of each individual contribution. I'm pretty sure you'll find the contributions for Obama to be of the 100 dollar variety while the McCain contributions number in the thousands. Employee vs Employer numbers. That's why the total numbers are $394,000 for Obama and @1.3 million for McCain. Don't be fooled people.

RealVoter   August 8th, 2008 11:02 am ET

All of the above bloggers are airhead idiots. It is clear that employees can donate any campaign and they chose Obama. McCain is getting all from Executives and CEOs who he will if he wins (in his dreams).

Robert   August 8th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Kim, Charlotte, NC – last week Obama took a $1.2 million dollar check from Exxon Oil exec. looks like he has gotten more from the Execs than McCain. You folks need to get a bit more informed before posting on here and verifying that the Obama supporters are just a bunch of drones.

Obama has been taking money from the Oil Execs for years so this is nothing new. Obama says things against McCain because he is doing the same thing – or at least for today until he flip-flops.

Birds of the same   August 8th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Hard working employees for Obama
Lobbyists and the Oil companies for McSlick-McSlippery
Wake up America

Tommy   August 8th, 2008 11:01 am ET

The only spin here is the article itself. You repukelicans are not smart enough to figure out that the article says EMPLOYEES! You know, not the ones making over $250K a year. They are giving their money to the PACs which McSleaze is clearly benefitting more from. Get a clue!

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   August 8th, 2008 11:01 am ET

I guess CNN and FOX will be really happy for getting headlines after they stir up more loonies like the one in Florida.

Irresponsible, rabble-rousing is not NEWS – it's inciting riots (if they ever happen, you'll get your headline ratings !!!!)

Nicole In NE   August 8th, 2008 11:00 am ET

Wow – two misleading posts in a row. Factcheck denounces the McCain ad and this whole article is basically saying McCain got more money and mostly from corp., not employees.

Maybe you should TRY to be a little more un-biased in the headlines CNN. I know McCain is whining a lot, but that doesn't mean we should just hand him his "lies blanky" so he'll stop!

Give me a break!

Reality Check Richmond Virginia   August 8th, 2008 11:00 am ET

This is what multi-death corporations do, the give a boat load to the one they like(McCain).......and a little less to the one they don't like(Obama).

dude   August 8th, 2008 11:00 am ET

–"but McCain has still pocketed more oil industry cash: $1.3 million, to Obama’s $394,000."

Does big oil favor Obama? No, the above statistic from the story answers the question clearly. Industry cash versus employee cash.

Akin Koraja   August 8th, 2008 11:00 am ET

The PEOPLE for OBAMA and OBAMA for the PEOPLE...

The CEO's for McCAIN and McCAIN for the CEO's...

What do you want?

Ignorant   August 8th, 2008 10:59 am ET

McIgnorant talks rubbish.

Adam   August 8th, 2008 10:58 am ET

The only reason why "Big Oil" is helping Obama is because anyone with half a brain knows, Obama is going to wipe the floor with McCain. Just remember when Obama wins, Iran gets the bomb.

J Houston, TX   August 8th, 2008 10:58 am ET

We don't need to ENFORCE fuel efficiency standards, auto manufacturers are moving away from trucks and SUVS ... WITHOUT BIG GOVERNMENT STEPPING IN. We don't need to enforce conservation, that's all anyone talks about anymore. We need to look at the large scale systems because YOU CAN'T CHANGE PEOPLE.

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   August 8th, 2008 10:58 am ET

McCain is already in the pockets of Big Oil Industries.....now they are trying to influence Obama. With McCain, the status quo remains and the oil companies continue with their historical windfall profits because McCain is a constant. With Obama, who is a vairable, they are uncertain on how he is going to fluxate, which will absolutely effect the status quo.

vic nashville,Tn   August 8th, 2008 10:58 am ET

Most trusted name in news
Good Job
Thanks
Hillary 08

chicago nick   August 8th, 2008 10:58 am ET

Kingsley Orji, Oyigbo, Rivers state Nigeria

Same to you, worry abot your own country, which, by the way, is in shambles. Stay out of our election boards, your opinion doesn't matter at all!

Pink Elephant   August 8th, 2008 10:57 am ET

I'm going to try this again:

Informed Voter and others:
Obama received the maximum contribution from the CEO of Exxon/Mobile. What does that tell you?

I don't know about anyone else, but I support Hess. It is an American-based company investing in alternative fuels (not ethanol).

Have you looked at the contents lately at the pump? Exxon/Mobile contains ethanol and Saudi oil. Obama's campaign is largely influenced by big ethanol. Do you like that? Does that make you feel empowered to vote for Obama? It certainly turns ME off.

Russ   August 8th, 2008 10:57 am ET

Well they should favor Obama since he voted to give them millions of dollars in corporate welfare, and McCain voted against it.

bob shepard   August 8th, 2008 10:57 am ET

Let us look at this in a new light. we have a man that remains a mystery to most americans. A person who is said to be born to one american parent born in a land that hates the usa. does obama who refuses to accept american taxpayers money but has rasied close to 100 million dollars have the american working people at heart when it comes to enegry. dont think so obama has a hidden desire to do what ever big oil business says, he is being very decepted when it come to how to get america out of this oil mess. remember jimmy peanut carter said wear a sweater obama answer . learn to walk again and carry a tire gauge

James From Chicago   August 8th, 2008 10:56 am ET

If the stupid Obama supporters would read the whole article, it says
employees and TOP EXECUTIVES. Employees give to who the BOSS
tell them to give to.

Brian   August 8th, 2008 10:56 am ET

This is subterfuge, pure and simple. The oil companies make a few donations, and then it looks like the candidate is beholden to them.

You know who is going to support big oil... say it with me, "McSame McSame McSame."

obama 08   August 8th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Every ticker or "news" article is negative towards obama. and they are employees donating to obama.. just like i am an employee at a law firm that donated to him. whats the difference? if it was the CEO's of all these major companies then it would be a problem, but cnn why dont you headline it towards mcsame since he recieved millions of dollars from these oil companies and he is constantly screaming fro drilling and obama demands clean and new forms of energy besides oil. yes we do need oil now because it is what is in demand, but once we increase production in clean energy, then we can remove ourselves from oil. mcsame just wants oil and nucelar power plants when that is dangeous, being more plants could spell out more terror targets. obama as more than one solution to our energy crisis. not just drill from our petroleum reserves, because we need oil now, but to begin investing in new forms of energy so we would not have to be going through our current crisi now

NotFallingInLine.org   August 8th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Big oil would be favoring Obama if they knew him the way Democrats have come to know him, as a guy who will publicly denounce big oil to win an election and then, after he wins, do the exact opposite.

He'd be as good for big oil as was George W. Bush.

Barack Obama is a huge disappointment.

Knoxville NFIL

theyaredesperate   August 8th, 2008 10:56 am ET

what a Republican piece of propaganda this story is!!

1. the Exxon EMPLOYEES gave money, NOT EXXON!!
2. Exxon and other big oil gave McBush 2 MILLION (not 1.3 million )just 2 weeks after
he started his stupid 'drill our way out of this' line..coincidence?
NOT!
3. They fail to mention that the Exxon employees and executives who gave to Obama are most likely Democrats...that is....people with a brain!

4. 'Center for Responsive Politics'??? never heard of them but obviously they are a Republican mouthpiece

Man, the Republicans are running soooooo scared, and should be!!
They just lost another couple of seats: witness the primary loss yesterday in East Tennessee of David Davis, a freshman Republican who's ties to Big Oil got him BOOTED, the first congressman in Tennessee to lose a PRIMARY in FORTY YEARS!!!

SAY NO TO REPUBLICANS!!
NO MORE BIG OIL!!! OBAMA '08!!!

chicago nick   August 8th, 2008 10:56 am ET

JOAN IN ONTARIO

Get out of ouor message board, last time I checked, Canadians' opinions mean ZERO to our elections. In fact, last I heard, Canadians' opinions on ANYTHING means NOTHING to the rest of the entire world. You will forever just be "America's neutral, cold, pansy neighbor." Go worry about your own stupid monarchy.

Shotta Nic   August 8th, 2008 10:55 am ET

There are way too many ignorant, uninformed comments showing up on these boards.

People, if you give to a campaign, it is marked as coming from the company or industry in which you work. The fact that Obama is getting SOME support from employees of the oil business shows that even people working for oil companies are slowly warming up to him.

The difference is that the huge support that McCan't is getting are from people who will see huge profits from Off-shore drilling, which is why the donations jumped drastically after the announcement.

Wake up people! (and I dont even like Pepsi)

Southerner   August 8th, 2008 10:54 am ET

SInce many of you don't seem to grasp this, let me explain something. Oil COMPANIES donate ZERO to political campaigns. It's ILLEGAL for them to donate as corporations. It is ILLEGAL for the CEO to donate company funds. ALL of the donations that ANY candidate got from "BIG OIL" came from employees.

All of these arguments about the differences between MCCain and Obama donations are BS. There is no difference, except that more employees of oil companies support McCain. Does that really surprise anyone?

Chris, Texas   August 8th, 2008 10:54 am ET

There is a HUGE and misleading difference here that if you are not intelligent enough to comprehend then you are not intelligent enough to vote. The CEO oil money goes to McCain. The personal contributions from the employees go to Obama.

When you give to a candidate on their website, you must disclose your occupation and employer. So, when I give a personal donation to a candidate, I indicate that I work for the University of Texas. That does NOT mean that money came from the University itself, obviously.

Misleading and irrelevant

Sing it Sister   August 8th, 2008 10:54 am ET

Leaving the dem. Party Sing it and sling it if this is correct, we all need to know exactly what we are buying before the Nov. election or even before the dem. convention. Mail the info on to who needs to know. Now.

david   August 8th, 2008 10:54 am ET

despite what the media is trying to say Barack Hussein Obama is for sure favored by the oil giants

Just ask David Axelrod Obama camp manager who is a former oil exec from Exelon company who (exelon)gave obama $230,000 dollars just a week before obama flip flopped on off shore oild drilling
exelon wants a pice of the pie to own this oil rich land

CONNECT THE DOTS PEOPLE. DON'T JUST DANCE TO THE MUSIC THE MEDIA IS PLAYING
CNN AND MSNBC DOESN'T WANT TO COVER THIS ANGLE OF THE STORY.
JESSICA YELLIN IS TOO BUSY STILL YELLING TABLOID STYLE LIES ABOUT CLINTONS
ROLAND MARTIN IS TOO BUSY CALLING AND MAKING UP STORIES CLINTONS ARE RACIST
BILL OLBERMANN AND KIETH O'RELLY IS TOO BUSY FIGURING OUT WHO CAN ATTACK AND PUT DOWN CLINTONS FIRST

Kentucky   August 8th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Another example of Obama saying one thing and doing another. Remember when he claimed Hillary was the candidate of big corporations? Obama cannot be trusted. He has proven it time and again.

Michelle   August 8th, 2008 10:53 am ET

"The top producers may favor Obama – but McCain has still pocketed more oil industry cash: $1.3 million, to Obama’s $394,000."

I rest my case....McCain has received more than Obama.
Obama=employees, McCain=employees and Industry......BIG difference.

ClintonDem4Cynthia08   August 8th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Now isnt that ironic? The great uniter is a fraud. This is what happens when the Democrats and Republicans become the same party. Im thru with both of them. Im voting Green this year. So should all of you. Arent you guys tired of the lies??

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   August 8th, 2008 10:52 am ET

If Hillary is on the ticket I'll vote for Barr !!

Foreign Observer   August 8th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Another irresponsible headline from CNN. According to your own story, it's not "Big Oil" that favors Obama, but of the people who work for oil companies, more have donated to him. Since more people have donated to Obama in general, this merely means that oil employees act the same way as the citizenship in general. What's your game here?

Independent-Latina-for-OBAMA   August 8th, 2008 10:51 am ET

I know that Big Oil has ALWAYS contributed to campaigns, NOTICE that McCain has been given MORE MONEY than Sen. Obama.

McCain= Oil Execs.

Sen. Obama= oil employees......... interesting.

We need to move on from oil, we need alternative fuels. In the meantime, as T. Boone Pickens, has pointed out, natural gas will help!

Also, CONSERVATION. Drive less, slower and yeah......... make sure your tire pressure is where it should be and that your vehicle is tuned-up! Duh...its the easy simple things that make a difference!

Kim, Charlotte, NC   August 8th, 2008 10:49 am ET

The top producers may favor Obama – but McCain has still pocketed more oil industry cash: $1.3 million, to Obama’s $394,000. The cash haul includes including McCain’s recent headline-grabbing advantage with Hess Corp., whose employees have donated $91,000 to the presumptive Republican nominee’s presidential bid, while giving Obama's just $8,000.

The industry’s support for McCain “shot up after the presumptive Republican nominee announced his support for offshore drilling,” CRP notes in the report, but “the trend started months before that.”

gary   August 8th, 2008 10:49 am ET

( AMERICA FOR OBAMA) THE ONLY PLACE O.B. WILL LEAD US IS INTO WORLD WAR 111. READ THE GOOD BOOK. YOU FOLLOWERS ARE SO CONNED. HE ALREADY TURNED OUR COUNTRY BACK 100YRS. WITH RACIST, DIVISION AND HATE. AMERICA GETS WHAT THEY ASK FOR.

Jake   August 8th, 2008 10:49 am ET

Tell me it aint so, St. Obama. Those big bad oil companies are our enemies. We can't be friends with them, they make too much money. We don't like people who make too much money. We want to take their money and give it to the poor. Which reminds me, when will I be getting my $1000 check?

Michelle   August 8th, 2008 10:49 am ET

There is a big difference in getting donations from "employees" compared to "CEOs". Employees don't have a say in how the company is ran the CEOs does. So therefore, Obama is right, Big Oil companies want McCain which is why he's received over a million dollars in donations from them.

Mary   August 8th, 2008 10:49 am ET

Obama was right! The McCain campaign takes pride in being ignorant!!

Bobby, Triangle, VA   August 8th, 2008 10:48 am ET

I really thought I could not see CNN reporters get any dumber and writing reports where the title and the body do not match......well they did it again!!! Title: Big Oil favors Obama????? Body: Employees of Exxon and BP gave more money to Obama's campaign then John McCain's campaign.

Employees and managers do not own the company you idiots!!!!!!! The owners of the company do not favor Obama!!

Republicans are liars and cheaters with no brains. No wonder they're voting for John McCain.

chicago nick   August 8th, 2008 10:48 am ET

This is really no surprise from anyuone living here in chicago. Obama has lied, cheated, and stolen everything he has ever gotten in politics–and probably even life. He still refuses to give back all of the money donated to him by Rezko, and he still has a fence around his side yard (that Rezko bought for him for $700,000.00!!!).
Obama and Dems are the party of big business, thats the dirty little secret! Republicans are the party of small business owners, people that truly believe and understand that, if you give the business owners a break, they can hire more workers, which will in turn spur the economy! Why dont all these idiotic Dems understand this? WAKE UP! Obama lies!

empty vessel   August 8th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Hey Obamabots, not just regular folks "including top executives", reading is so fundamental.

Now we know Obama can read, the teleprompter for instance, as without it, he is clueless and tactless.

I applaud CNN for finally reporting this as it has been a story for a few days now elsewhere.

"Another negative Obama ticker", are you for real "uninformed voter"?

Brendan you are correct, McCain did oppose drilling YEARS AGO, unlike Obama who OPPOSED it and now WANTS it in a matter of DAYS, there uh, uh, uh, uh, is kind of a difference.

Southerner   August 8th, 2008 10:48 am ET

So, "informed voter", how do you figure that John McCain is getting his campaign contributions from CEOs? With campaign contribution limits of 2300 dollars, it would require 565 CEOs making max contributions to hit 1.3 million.

A more likely scenario is that you have no idea who donated to either campaign, and you're just blowing smoke.

jfs Memhis, Tn   August 8th, 2008 10:48 am ET

You all must realize and EMPLOYEE contribution is not the same as a CORPORATE contribution. There are many employees in many big corporations who do not support their employers political choices. Obama has always done well with individual contributions. This is more SILLINESS......which candidate has received the most from OIL COMPANIIES AND OIL LOBBYISTS ??? That's the question...not who the individual voter from that industry is contributing to.

Jim

The Bush Twins : George and John   August 8th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Did anyone notice it was the employees donating to Obama, and the oil INDUSTRIES donating to McCain ?. There is a difference there.

Clinton Fringer   August 8th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Tsk, Tsk..........money from special interests?? Say it ain't so.
March for Hillary....overthrow the DNC and show America who the REAL chosen one is......the candidate chosen by the people for the people.

Peter   August 8th, 2008 10:47 am ET

yeah, Obama gets money from the poor people which arent paid much money

Kingsley Orji, Oyigbo, Rivers state Nigeria   August 8th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Are Oil company employees not allowed to support the candidate of their choice? They are American citizens. I personally feel this article is misleading.
Candidates receiving money from oil company employees is quite different from donations made by the oil companies CEOs on behalf of the companies. Please, this distinction should be made to avoid misleading voters.
The press is creating a lot of controversy where there is not in this election.

Joan, Ontario   August 8th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Misleading headline again. The article about this study says that several of the executives support Obama but the big oil companies have given more to McCain especially since his "drill, drill, drill" speeches. Even though all of the smart, knowledgable economists and financial analysts say undeniably that oil would not trickle out for 5-7 years and there would be little if any drop in oil prices for many, many years, the Republicans keep singing to the choir who must be extremely gullible. Doesn't it say something that even though the big oil companies' boards support McCain , several of the intelligent CEO's know who is the smartest leader overall and support Obama. Now the McCain camp is saying that just talking about oil drilling is causing prices to drop. How ridiculous. It's probably more to do with the fact that Obama has threatened oil speculators, has called for taxing the big windfalls and has drawn people's attention to everyday things they can do to cut down on gas use such as the famous "keeping your tires filled" which actually does work. If John McCain's campaign for the last couple of weeks has shown how he would lead the country, then heaven help everyone if he gets in.

gary   August 8th, 2008 10:46 am ET

IT ALWAYS DID. OBAMA IS JUST A CON MAN. HE TOOK LOTS OF MONEY FROM BIG OIL. HE CAN TELL THE AMERICA PEOPLE ANYTHING HE WANTSTHEY WILL BELIEVE HIM. HE LIES RIGHT TO THEIR FACES THAN SMOOTHS IT OUT WITH A SPEECH. WHAT A BIG JOKE.

jamaal   August 8th, 2008 10:46 am ET

People in general favor Obama Everybody contributes to his campaign i send 50 dollars every other week they don't talk about the other million of people that also donates there money to Obama every Month Obama is next to my Phone bill in the amount i send him monthly Mccains people can't make that same claim since ordinary joes don't contribute to his Campaign. if they were to look at Obama donors he got employee contributions from a long list of companies Common Everybody Loves this Man so why wouldn't they donate matter of fact here i am sending him 20 dollars now to quiet the MSM because Obama campaign is fundind by working families Obama 08 Yes we can and will!

Why won't CNN post my comments?   August 8th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Trying this one more time. Not sure what's offensive about this that it won't get posted.

It's pretty obvious what's happening here. Isn't it possible that some of the employees of Big Oil are not all about the "me, me, me GOP" and believe more in the ideals of the Democratic party?

I think what's more telling isn't so much the individuals' contributions but the corporate and industry contributions. They really demonstrate that the industry as a whole knows which candidate will do the most to continue lining Big Oil's pockets.

Deb, Allentown, PA

Kelby from Houston, TX   August 8th, 2008 10:46 am ET

There is a big fundamental difference between a person and a business. I have stated many times that the GOP is always for big busisness and the democratic party is for the people.
Obama inspires people. People give him money because they believe he can return America back to their best traditions and progress this nation out of the hole we're in to a better and brighter future.
I don't care where the individual people earn the money that they give to the Obama campaign. I am certain that when these employees donated money to Obama, they were not thinking about the company they work for.
Big business contributes money to the GOP because they need to effect policy in their favor. They give money to the GOP in order to make more money and step on people as they do it. That is why you see corporations give more money to the GOP than they ever will give to a Dem. I read the comments and I see that others don't see it this way. And the ignorance persists. The dems are not going down in November, the nation is going to come up!

OBAMA '08 DEMOCRATS '08 AND FOREVER!

NY State of mind   August 8th, 2008 10:45 am ET

three post none of them out of line and none hit your board FU CNN, going to MSMBC, BYE

America for Obama   August 8th, 2008 10:45 am ET

What credentials does this so called "Center for Responsive Politics" have?

Republican endowments would be my guess.

Either way, Obama will lead America on a path towards energy independence in a more peaceful way than McWar could even joke about.

And, Alice in Florida needs to accept the FACT that Obama is the nominee. Hillary is done ... move to New York if you love her so much.

BHO Not my candidate   August 8th, 2008 10:44 am ET

HILLARY at the Convention... Obama can take a new job as the Spokesman for foreign Oil Drilling... which are large corporations like Exxon have Monopolized and require, wheras domestic drilling is much more COMPETITIVE... so Obama Monopoly... Mccain Competition....

john   August 8th, 2008 10:44 am ET

I am a CPA and give money to Obama, does that mean all accountants want Obama. John quit being so rude, calling Americans idiots just proves how much of a jerk you really are.

Mike fromBoston, there is a huge difference between an admin or low-level employee giving money and the CEO who makes millions to give money, the CEO cares about regulations instilled against his company while the admin can care less, he/she just wants a better life for their children.

Scott L, gas prices went up after we invaded Iraq remember that, so go punch your time card back into the GOP. BJ from Texas, you do not want me to tell you what your name really means.

Terry From GA   August 8th, 2008 10:44 am ET

There's a HUGE difference between the employees of energy companies who are donating to the Obama campaign and the current Republicans who are investors and board members of these energy companies. That's because Investors and Board Members make HUGE amounts of money when the energy companies make profits.

JC   August 8th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Whoops....so what is next now that the DNC can't use the "McCain gets financed by Big Oil" without it getting bounced back with Big Oil gives move to Obama. Maybe the Pharmas?

Ivy   August 8th, 2008 10:43 am ET

And people don't go for Hillary because she receives funding from pharmaceuticals?!?!?!? Obama is no different. People should just look beyond all the hype and dazzle.

James   August 8th, 2008 10:43 am ET

And seriously, shut up about Hillary already. She won't get nominated, go get a tissue and hush up.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   August 8th, 2008 10:43 am ET

CEOs prefer McCain

Employees prefer Obama.

Who's the person for the little people? Get a life.

raheen PA   August 8th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Well EVERYTHING ABOUT MCCAIN IS A LIE . OBAMA08

James   August 8th, 2008 10:42 am ET

This whole article is pointless. If the employees donate money to Obama, that doesn't necessarily "Big Oil" favors Obama, it just means their employees do. What a dumb ticker.

To Informed Voter:   August 8th, 2008 10:42 am ET

the article clearly states: "(...)found Barack Obama has received more money from Exxon’s employees, including top executives(...)Chevron and BP executives and workers have also sent more money to the Illinois senator than to his fall rival". What's misleading about that? If they did a thorough analysis they would probably find that employees and executives from certain industrial sectors tend to donate more the republican candidate, those in other sectors to the democratic candidate...this does not mean that either candidate therefore owes that industrial sector something in return. These are mostly just individuals donating as is their right.

Nancy   August 8th, 2008 10:41 am ET

"Everything" about Obama is a lie? Sort of a ridiculous overstatement. Some of you need to learn how to read. Remember? You learned how in first or second grade??
These are EMPLOYEE donations, not industry donations! This is another example of how people do not read articles closely at all..........

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   August 8th, 2008 10:41 am ET

I won't even watch CNN any more – they spin and twist and create fake havoc. Not NEWS – it's gossip. Any of you being persuaded by the talking heads should get a brain and use it.

Ez   August 8th, 2008 10:40 am ET

CNN the way you guys right your ticker title seems to need some fine print under it b/c most of the time you try to make news by using by implying

Snerdboy says   August 8th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Here comes the paid dittohead bloggers,you can spot them by the yellow streak down their backs.All they do is attack Obama and never have a plan or anything good to say.

Will from NYC   August 8th, 2008 10:40 am ET

again CNN rather have a misleading headline than objective news telling.

Obama gets his money from individual employess...
McCain gets his money from PAC, bundlers, lobbyists....

Jan   August 8th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Sounds to me like no matter who wins, the public will once again pay the price. They do not even take care of the areas around them by getting around paying taxes for the property they do business on. Our government just lets this go, because our politicians are pocketing some of the profits. Vote.

prairieguy   August 8th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Employees dont' run the company folks...the CEO'S do and they give to McShame!

I see where McShame had to return $50,000 that he collected from very questionable tactics.

GOP...same ole dirty politics and scandals!!!

Dan, TX   August 8th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Either McCain is in the pocket of the Big Corporations, or Obama has better policies. Take your pick.

Puck   August 8th, 2008 10:38 am ET

And, just as I predicted, the Republicans here
don't UNDERSTAND the article at all.

Gerald in Georgia   August 8th, 2008 10:38 am ET

CNN could you posible print anymore negative stories about Obama than you do right now.? And you have the nerve to ask "why can't Obabm seal the deal with America?" Maybe it is because he has to deal with so much negativity aimed at him on so many different fronts. Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, John Mcain, Fox News (the whole channel is dedicated to destroying Obama) PUMAS (who ever they really are) the Repubilcan Party and the Swift boaters soon to make their presence known.
Give the man a break!

Observer   August 8th, 2008 10:37 am ET

This article is very misleading.
Because someone works for a company doesn't mean they share the company’s political views. Comparing individuals to corporations doesn't make sense since most business have employees who support both political parties. Does that mean the business supports both political parties? No. To compare corporation donations to its individual employees is a misguided attempt to create a story.

Obama Supporter from FL   August 8th, 2008 10:37 am ET

This is a non-story. So if nurses send money to Obama, "big healthcare" might favor him? Anyone with half a brain knows corporations can't contribute, only private citizens. Just because you are a secretary at Chevron doesn't make you the voice of "big oil."

S. Boatman   August 8th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Obama Is Probably Getting His Donations From Workers That Are Democrats While Mccain Is Getting His Money From Employers That Want To Get Him In Their Pockets To Further Their Agenda To Keep Prices High! Big Difference!

Alice in Florida   August 8th, 2008 10:37 am ET

The Democratic Party can still save itself from another humiliating defeat by nominating Hillary at the convention. Sticking with Obama guarantees McCain being elected in November.

Dan, TX   August 8th, 2008 10:36 am ET

It's good that business now realizes that Obama is best for the economy and best for business.

Democrats love Obama, and Republicans love Obama. Pretty good news for OBAMA!

Independent voter   August 8th, 2008 10:35 am ET

what's up with this BS headline?

Obama = Employees

Mccain = Lobbyists

NOT THE SAME!

MD FOR OBAMA   August 8th, 2008 10:35 am ET

The employees who give to Obama aint giving by the thousands. They are giving by 20 Dollars. The CEO's are giving to McCain by the thousands. Big difference.

Obama by a landslide 2009!

Indep   August 8th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Obama doesn't have Oil lobbyist working in his campaign like McCain does. Obama's donation probably from regular workers of Oil Company. We all know RNC member own major share of Oil companies. So do your researches before you point to DNC.

Shari, NY   August 8th, 2008 10:35 am ET

It is pretty interesting to me that Sen. McCain's name is not used as a headline grabber, even though the story gives both candidates equal coverage? Hmmmmmm!

jgzeger   August 8th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Here we have yet more of Obama's "change you can believe in." Democrats heed the call - Dump Obama Now!

Cathy   August 8th, 2008 10:35 am ET

I'm an employee of a law firm so they consider that possible lobbyist money when I donate every month to Obama. I donate on my behalf not my law firms behalf. That statistic is misleading for both candidates...

Jorge   August 8th, 2008 10:34 am ET

I heard the interview this AM with the head of the non-profit that made that study. It includes EVERY employee - from CEO to janitor - of oil companies.
I work for a VERY conservative, right-wing firm that has contributed to Juliani and McCain. I contributed to Obama.
Why should THEY get credit for MY support of a candidate they dislike?
Same thing here. The oil industry would MUCH rather have McCain so it can continue business as usual!

Obamalism   August 8th, 2008 10:34 am ET

McCain opposed offshore drilling when the price of oil was super cheap. Even in the face of $130/barrel, Obama wouldn't relent until he decided that the polls suggested he change his tune.

Leaving the Democratic Party now   August 8th, 2008 10:33 am ET

We in Houston know that a ceo of a large oil company has been giving Obama lots of money. That has buzzed our local papers all through the primaries. As to why he lost in Texas.

Allen, Jacksonville, Florida   August 8th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Hilarious.

Latinos for Obama   August 8th, 2008 10:33 am ET

So as an average American if I work for 7-11 (which I don't, just an example) and I donate to Obama's campaign does this mean that the 7-11 franchise supports Obama?

Think America, think! By the Jon ignorance is bliss.

J   August 8th, 2008 10:32 am ET

WOW looks like someone is injecting more right wing conversational garbage on the Non New Channel...

Jiggles   August 8th, 2008 10:32 am ET

The answer is quite clearly not. While I am suprised to hear to hear Obama has recieved so much, the simple fact is the McCain is the one whos campaign is being directly supported by big oil.

Its also worth pointing out that even if you could suggest that oil companies are suporting Obama, he is not being swayed from his policies by their money. They can support him, but he is certainly not pandering to their agenda – not a bad display of the mans integrity to be honest.

Obamalism   August 8th, 2008 10:32 am ET

It said executives...

As reported by the nytimes, we now know that the majority of Obama's campaign funds are NOT coming from small donations. $1000+ donations are topping the list. No change here...just more lies so you can hear what you're hoping to hear. Not "Hope and Change", more like "Smoke and Mirrors"

Canadian black & white man for Obama.   August 8th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Drill here drill there drill now. Of course McCain will drill everywhere in the country, destroy the land and it will not help the taste of our oil consumption.

McCain and those who think drilling here,there failed to realize is after drilling the country upside dwon it will only give us 3% of our consumption.

America sonsume 25% oil the world oil, if McCain drill the country if will he will find 3% here there and now.

25% -3%=22% dump a–s how does that help?

McCain and those who want to drill ofshore drilling should take 7 grader mathematical test.

Drill now , drill here , drill everywhere. McCain will drill your pocket. He is getting millions from the oil company.

Terry From GA   August 8th, 2008 10:31 am ET

There's a hug difference between the employees of energy companies who are donating to the Obama campaign and the current Republicans who are investors and board members of these energy companies. That's because Investors and Board Members make huge amounts of money when the energy companies make profits.

Sarah   August 8th, 2008 10:31 am ET

I wish these statistics would separate between "executives" and regular workers. Do people really think gasoline delivery truck drivers making $30,000 a year are giving money to Obama because they think his policies will favor Big Oil? Please.

Executives are one thing, but lumping in workers just skews the numbers. I mean, Obama's gotten more money OVERALL from the population as a whole, so it makes sense that he'd get more money from everyday workers, too.

B   August 8th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Isn't receiving private donations from workers different than receiving money from the company itself? This sounds tilted and inaccurate. How much of the cash was from the top guys and how much was from just regular workers? Most of Obama's contributions are in very small increments.

Donkey Party   August 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Thank you Informed Voter. That's all that needs to be said. CNN, go ahead and close the comments, and focus on real news.

NY State of mind   August 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Read between the miss leading info, Obama money coming from employees, people like us struggling and wanting change. Read the last line closely, the INDUSTRY gives to McCain by a 4 to 1 margin. Way to try and miss led again, top nouch spin writting!

Caryn, WDC   August 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Very misleading information CNN!!!!

Barack Obama is Our 44th president! YES WE CAN !   August 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Sen. Obama has made himself very clear where he stands on this issue. He has said many times that he wants to restore balance and fairness in this country. It's time for Washington to work for ALL of its citizens and not just the wealthy and well-connected. He believes every working family in America should immediately receive a $1,000 energy rebate, and we should pay for it with part of the record profits that the oil companies are making right now.

On the other hand, McCain voted against increased fuel efficiency standards and opposed legislation that included tax credits for more efficient cars. He voted against renewable sources of energy. Against clean biofuels. Against solar power. Against wind power. Against an energy bill that – while far from perfect – represented the largest investment in renewable sources of energy in the history of this country. McCain talks about the failure of politicians in Washington to do anything about our energy crisis, it's important to remember that he's been a part of that failure.

McCain so so "out of touch" with the needs of the American people who are hurting everyday day and need immediate releif. Instead of him supporting Sen. Obama's plan to use the windfall profits of oil companies to help the American people pay rising costs, he’s offering $4 billion more in tax breaks to oil companies like Exxon that just made the largest quarterly profit in the history of the United States of America. This is why Washington is broken.

It's time for REAL change in Washington, it's time to elect Barack Obama for president !

Obama = Carter the 2nd   August 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Well depending on what day it is Obama is for or not for drilling so I am sure big oil likes him when he is not for drilling. That way big oil can say that not being able to drill for more oil the price goes up.

Obama = Carter the 2nd.

afrahx2   August 8th, 2008 10:30 am ET

INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL MINIMAL DONATIONS CANNOT BE COMPARED TO WHAT THE OIL BARONS SYSTEMATICALLY DISH OUT TO MCCAIN DUE TO HIS STANCE. LET'S NOT TWIST FACTS.

James Doe   August 8th, 2008 10:29 am ET

Anybody have any idea how many people work for those oil companies or in which capacities? The cleaning crew for the offices are considered Exxon employees. I bet we all have people of differing political beliefs at our place of employment.

Mike, Boston   August 8th, 2008 10:28 am ET

iNFORMED VOTER......................?

REALLY....WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE INFORMED VOTER?

Jim   August 8th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Simple: With an Obama presidency, the economy will thrive and there will be more demand for Oil. Therefore, the oil companies will make more money. Let's take a look at China with a thriving enonomy where the demand for oil has skyrocketted.

therealist   August 8th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Evidently the meaning of hypocrisy isn’t taught at Harvard Law School..

Obama = Demise of USA   August 8th, 2008 10:27 am ET

Blatant lies by Obama claiming McCain is behind the oil companies... Is everyone stupid, why would McCain be like this, he's rich already, you tards.

Obama lies profusely, he'll do whatever it takes to get elected.

Look at McCain you all call him McWar and whatever, but he has a son in Iraq right now, another in the Naval academy and he NEVER even mentions it. He doesn't use his kids as leverage. He doesn't do whatever to get elected. He is a war hero, he put his fellow POW's above himself and spent all that time being tortured.

You people want to elect a lying, flip flopping, racial dividing empty suit. Who has basically 1/100 the experience of McCain.

PEOPLE WAKE UP... YOUR UNINFORMED VIEWS COULD TOPPLE THIS GREAT COUNTRY.

Mac' 08

Mike   August 8th, 2008 10:27 am ET

Obama is proving to be another Democratic Nominee JOKE!! Unbelievable, the Democrats really know how to pick them.

DEBBY, NJ   August 8th, 2008 10:27 am ET

And McShameless gets it directly from the oil companies...OBAMA gets donations from employees and Exec's...BARACK THE VOTE
GET IT RIGHT CNN !!!

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   August 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Personal to Jon:

We only see one "idiot" here.

PELOSI SUCKS   August 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

To "informed voter"

CEOs ARE employees

Stop the rhetoric.. Obama received more from Exxon

You are so brainwashed you can't even accept cold hard numbers!

Anonymous   August 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Employees of Big Oil WANT CHANGE

Republican for Obama   August 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

You can't tell employees who do donate to but you can say you won't take money from PACs. That's a good litmus test for your candidate for you McCain idiots!!!!!!

See it goes both ways.

Minnesota against Johnny McSame   August 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

People (read employees) are donating to Obama because they care about their kids.

CEOs are donating to McSame because they care about their pockets.

NotFallingInLine.org   August 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Big oil would be favoring Obama if they knew him the way Democrats have come to know him, as a guy who will publicly denounce big oil to win an election and then, after he wins, do the exact opposite.

He'd be as good for big oil as was George W. Bush.

Disappointing right, that he could make promises and then renege on them?

Members of PUMA PAC, you must see that Darragh Murphy – treasurer and absolute ruler of PUMA PAC – is equally a disappointment.

Darragh Murphy is squandering resources that we all need to achieve important goals.

Knoxville NFIL

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   August 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

McCain once opposed off-shore drilling – strenuously.

But now, faced with angering the extreme right wingers, he's flip-flopped, again!

But McCain's an up-front guy, any day now he's going to explain his career at Annapolis and how that qualified him to jump ahead of hundreds of better qualified flight school candidates.

Upon Further Review   August 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

We need to Nationalize big oil.Then we keep the profits.We all know what happens in the game of Monopoly,the rest of the players go broke and that is us.

Bob   August 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

EVERYTHING ABOUT OBAMA IS A LIE.

TexanOilWorker   August 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Big Oil (employees and CEO's) want offshore drilling and do not want a windfall profit tax so why on earth we would want Obama.

BJ, Texas   August 8th, 2008 10:23 am ET

It may explain why the messaih has flip-flopped on offshore drilling. Let's see how the obama groupies (the Libs) are going to spin this one.

Scott L   August 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

HAHAHAHHA! Dems going down in November. It is simple people. Dems took over House and Senate majority 2 years ago. EVER SINCE THEN gas prices have skyrocketed. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Pelosi promised low low gas and she lied. Period.

Tammie From Cleveland Ohio   August 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

This is just another reason I do not trust Obama. Everyday
something new pops up about how he is deceiving the American
people. They tore her apart about the sniper fire incident, Obama has
lied over and over again. Now he want to count Fla & Mich, he was
totally against it in the primary, if Fla & Mich would have been counted then, Hillary would have been the canidate.

John J.   August 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

When I donate to Obama's campaign, that does not mean that my business supports him. This is an empty metric when the donation numbers from the industry itself reflects how the industries view the candidates.

v.a.   August 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

$1.3 million versus $394K. both figures are disappointing but the $3.1 mill is hard to overlook.

John Hussein Karsten   August 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Goodness CNN, you wacko have got to stop. You have a problem of diaerhia of the mouth. Just like you always say the race is "close", too funny my friend. Hey CNN, try this conduct a poll using cell and land line and then tell me this race is close. Please post this b/c if you do not then I really know that I am right about this. This race aint close people, trust me.
Hey PUMA, cry me a river. They are repug opertives anyway stiring the pot. Don't worry Obama fans, we got this thing in the bag!!

MO   August 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

OBAMA IS PEOPLES CANDIDATE AND MCCAIN IS BIG COOPERATES CANDIDATE. THAT'S SIMPLE.

jen   August 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

This reporting is so slanted. The amounts given to McCain from the industry is so much larger then Obama. Plus I see this is more worhty of reporting then all of the contributions McCain is now returning. You are so bias CNN, and then you have the nerve to ask why Obama isn't farther ahead.

TESAP; SAVANNAH, GA   August 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

The top producers may favor Obama – but McCain has still pocketed more oil industry cash: $1.3 million, to Obama’s $394,000

YOU ANSWERED YOUR OWN QUESTION..................... A MCCAIN CRONEY WAS ON TV THIS MORNING AND SHE WAS TRIPPING OVER HER OWN WORDS WHEN ASKED WHY IS THIS AN ISSUE IF MCCAIN HAS RECEIVED OVER 1MILLION FROM THE OIL COMPANIES.

The industry’s support for McCain “shot up after the presumptive Republican nominee announced his support for offshore drilling,” CRP notes in the report, but “the trend started months before that.”

Puck   August 8th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Right, these companies' EMPLOYEES like Obama -
there's nothing wrong with that. Just because you
work for a pertroleum company doesn't mean you're
not allowed to have an opinion when it comes to
who would be a better president for you and your
family.

McCain is making his money from the oil companies,
and, like the article stated, when he started pushing
for offshore drilling, more money started pouring in
from the oil companies.

But, of course, some Republicans will come in here
and talk about how this is an Obama camp gaffe,
when, in fact, its not.

Individuals, regardless of where they are employed,
can choose to support whomever they want in the race.

Enlightened Voter   August 8th, 2008 10:20 am ET

These people are small time donors and do not represent the oil company. I am an Obama supporter financially also, does this make my employer a supporter too?

harriet   August 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

I think the amount the employees give is irrelevant to both candidates positions on the oil industry.

If you think for a second that an employee at Exxon thinks either of the candidates positions are going to seriously effect their job growth/stability/etc, in the next four years, you are kidding yourself.

I work in the "tech" industry. Do you think I am voting for Obama specifically because I think his plans for technology are going to help my career? Of course not.

MMN-Milwaukee WI   August 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

An Antichrist Obama in McCain Ad?
We are in the 21st century and hate is still so real and alive in America and worst of all cowards are hiding behind religion to spread the hate.

Today is the only 08/08/08 you'll ever see in your life time.
Make your vote count in November so we can all have a better day on 09/09/09 a year and a month from today.

Veteran for Obama   August 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Who cares if employees give money to a canidate. Secretaries, accountants, warehouse workers, janitors. These are employees that give money on their own time with nothing to do with the company itself. The reason McCain is "ExxonMcCain" is because he is bowing to their lobbyists and interests to get more federal land to drill more. It has nothing to do with individual contributions.

The media sure has taken lessons from politicians on how to take things out of context and spin.

martin   August 8th, 2008 10:18 am ET

C'mon who talks about employees!!!. I think it is the constitutional right by any employee to support either candidate!! The fundamental question corporate money: which candidate got big checks from oil companies!
I wish during elections this stupid childish game would stop and people focus on the bigger picture.

Tony   August 8th, 2008 10:17 am ET

HYPOCRICY! HAVEN'T WE HAD ENOUGH OF THAT OVER THE LAST 8 YEARS???

Cheri   August 8th, 2008 10:17 am ET

Oh please!! we all know the republican party is in the pockets of the oil companies.McCain has gotten way more money than Barack Obama has.After John McCain announced his plans to support offshore drilling... the oil companies dumped 2 million into his campaign UNBELIEVABLE!!

Tony   August 8th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Obama or McCain. Who cares? They are all liars and crooked.

California Gold   August 8th, 2008 10:16 am ET

McCain received campaign money from Exxon.

That's not the same as employees making campaign donations as individual voters.

Whoever pulled together this ridiculous parallel was grasping at straws. Lame.

John McShame, Obama Is Going to Tax You & Cindy, but Not Me & 95% Americans Making < $250,000/Yr   August 8th, 2008 10:16 am ET

smear reporting CNN; americans know that McSame is in the tank with BIG OIL!!!!

next?

Julia in Eugene, OR   August 8th, 2008 10:16 am ET

I've learned so very much in the last nine months or so of following a political campaign closely for the first time in my life. But the biggest is that the MSM will do or say anything to get headlines. False; true; doesn't matter. ANYTHING.

There is no story here. Senator Obama has received more donations from EMPLOYEES!!!!! These are everyday average people who want something better for our country.

Pay attention, CNN. You've making fools of yourselves.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   August 8th, 2008 10:16 am ET

This is so misleading CNN.

The OIL COMPANIES DO NOT PREFER Obama.

Oil Companies' SMART employees prefer Obama. I'm so sick of your spin and twist and smear. Print it correctly or join National Inquirer. A lot of us are sick of it.

Barbara

Tired of W, OH   August 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

Quit trying to stir the pot, CNN. McCain has taken nearly $1 million more than Obama. Tabloid journalism at its worst.

Vanessa   August 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

"The industry’s support for McCain “shot up after the presumptive Republican nominee announced his support for offshore drilling,” CRP notes in the report"

Deb, Allentown, PA   August 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

So why is this news? Isn't it possible that some of the employees of Big Oil are not all about the "me, me, me GOP" and believe more in the ideals of the Democratic party?

I think what's more telling isn't so much the individuals' contributions but the corporate and industry contributions. They really demonstrate that the industry as a whole knows which candidate will do the most to continue lining Big Oil's pockets.

Enough!!!   August 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

CNN, I can truly understand why youall would post such a conflicting article that would appear to be in favor of McCain, since you guys are pretty much owned by Big Oil yourselves. Do you people still think that the American people are still ignorant to your manufactured news geared for mind control..............I'd be surprised if you posted this comment.

Jon   August 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

Not a surprise. All of them are getting money from big oil. No one is holy. That's a good reality check for you Obama idiots!!!!!!!!!!!!!

informed florida voter   August 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

Now we know why Obama fought the gas tax relief. He was being paid off by the oil companies because that would have cost them millions. And you people still swallow his BS. Open your eyes and come back to your senses.

anthony for hillary   August 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

really??? that's shocking news!!! he is so squeaky clean i would never that thought it.

what fools you mortals be.

-

Abby   August 8th, 2008 10:13 am ET

These are contributions by executives/ educated individuals. No doubt that more educated (informed) people favor Obama. Nothing new here.

A Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   August 8th, 2008 10:12 am ET

So the individuals support Obama and the faceless, heartless, price gouging corporations favor McCain. Makes sense.

sarah   August 8th, 2008 10:12 am ET

what a misleading article – oil industry cash is what matters, not who the employees themselves are favoring.

as far as the actual oil INDUSTRY goes, mccain is raking in $1.3 million to Obama's $394,000.

Informed Voter   August 8th, 2008 10:10 am ET

Obama – Employees

Mc Cain – CEOs

Big Difference .. another negative & misleading Obama ticker ...

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