and in the future cont on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He saved the federal gubment 84 million dollars, Isn't that a GOOD thing?

Good for him. I feel better that the person in charge knows how to rasie money. For those who hate stop and appreciate what he was able to do. Maybe he will be able to help put this country back on track. It takes a smart person to do that. Not some C student cheerleader with big daddy keeping him out of trouble.

As far as the other party. I hope they like the way Sarah looked. At least my money help put the guy I wanted into office. Repubs your money made lipstick look good on the pig.

Will everyone who didn't vote for the best man in this elelction (he won by the way) please sit back and take a chill pill because….President Barack Obama is going to show you how a real president operates and runs a country. If the Right Wing wants to continue to send up good ole boys then this is what's going to happen to them going forward. Stop being anti intellectual. I for one really would rather have someone very intelligent running my country not someone i can sit down and have a beer with. President Obama will be the best president we've had in a very long time. Sit back, watch, relax and enjoy the show. It's going to be great!

POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!

From the June 20th NY Times Article "Obama Obama Forgoes Public Funds in First for Major Candidate"

"In fact, Mr. Obama stopped short of making a flat promise to participate in the public financing system. Asked in a questionnaire whether he would take part if his opponents did the same, Mr. Obama wrote yes. But he added, “If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election"

Just some food for thought.

Moderator, how is the poo-poo butter and jelly sangwich?

To all those mourning the "death of public financing" –

Q. Where do you think the $750M came from?
A. The American Public

I rest my case.

The last 8 years tells us that the Republicans don't know how to manage money. Example from the campaign : $150,000 (+ another $30,000 just reported) for clothing for the Palin family. I hope the days of money from taxpayers to fund any party campaign are over.

I'm so mad that Obama is smart and makes decisions that have great outcomes! It pisses me off that we are going to have a leader that is willing to ammend his policies in pursuit of a better outcome. Someone who compromises in order to achieve success. It's down right UN-american to actually make smart decisions!

Next thing you know, he'll start making progress! GRRR…it's so frustrating!

Imagine that…a President who knows how to finance America. What was all that hype during the election that he had no experience? Man, I take actual knowlege & wisdom of finance & budgeting over experience anytime!! Try this on for size, Gov. Paliin. HA!! You're not even in the same league as President Elect Obama.

A lot of people donated money-like some at work and my sister-thousands of little doners-but it is not the end of public financing-most candidates will not have Obama's appeal and will have to use public financing

Nurul Aman December 5th, 2008 1:21 pm ET This remarkable fundraising model is not only unprecedented in the history of modern democracy, but also reflects the power of the citizens who really cared about the value of President-Elect Obama's strong leadership with his intelligence and eloquence for bringing change to America///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
That is such BS………… Nobody believes that all of this money came from concerned citizens. Funny how dems will criticize Repubs for something then justify it when it is of their benefit. This excessive in-balance of funds is bad for the process. Obama=Lie

I donated money, I bought collectibles from his online store, I financially supported "Artists for Obama", and I purchased both of his books. My son was a first time voter for Obama, and my daughter volunteered in the local office. I endured having the kindly local 'pubbies steal a campaign sign out of my yard. I just replaced it and put a camera and DVR on it

In the end it was worth it as we captured the Presidency, and now Virginia has two Democratic senators and my own US Representative is also now a Democrat. Barack Obama ran one of the greatest, most historic, and might I add, timely presidential campaigns ever. The new administration will hit the ground running. Things are going to change rapidly next year.

You Repubs.should get over it. The man has a brilliant mind. Good
looking and a great personality. Good family man and father.
I wish for all the world that he was our Priminister. I would'nt care if he was a Marxist.He loves his country and that's all that matters.He will get you out of this mess which will also benefit Canada.

Sarah Who??????????????Plezzzzzzzzzzz

Just proves everything is for sale, including the Presidency!

Money is free speech according to Republican Senator Mitch McConnell.

Not bad for a country in a recession?

2 things – #1 – are they going to list his donors? That of course meaning the ones that donated using credit cards and not verifying the names?

#2 – how much of the $750 mill is going to pay off Hillary's mess?

Kudos to beating the system – now let's see what you can do with the economy (do I hear $1 trillion dollars??)…you now have no one else to blame.

Totally unprecedented!

And to think this is a Man that all of the Republicans and the Clintons said was 'JUST A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER" What a Showing and proof positive that if you are a Good person, and believe in God and one that does not try to discredit or defame anyone God will see you through and you will be the VICTOR!

GREAT JOB, JOB WELL DONE! PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA
I PRAY THAT GOD CONTINUES TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ABUNDENTLY!

The name of the game is buying the Presidency ! And all Americans are losers for this charade !

Hey Alan,

Put down the crack pipe and check yourself in. Once you've completed the program in 4 years, you will realize electing an amateur like Obama was this countries worst mistake in political history

DON'T WORRY THE RNC ALWAYS GETS MORE MONEY THEN THE DEMOCRATS FROM LARGE CORPORATIONS AND THE RICH.

It makes one wonder where the $ came from (especially in this past year's economy) and if the contributions were all legal. It would appear the US presidency was "bought"…..and the question becomes by who…….

Public financing at it's best!!!

This was a candidate that 2 years ago was written off by most pundits, but managed to connect directly to the people refusing funding from lobbyist and PACs and built a stellar campaign.

Over 1 million individuals donated to this inspiring campaign, and as a first time campaign donor, I am proud to have been one!

Obama didn't BUY the election – there were just more smarter people who voted for him. Not like the other guy.

Interesting how so many of you keep saying that those of us on the right need to "get over it" and "show some respect, he's your President now." No problem…how about if we show him the same respect that you showed President Bush? Gee…how many of you sported bumper stickers (sponsored by MoveOn.org) saying "He's not my president".

Jeez, with all this hoopla you would think he rigged the election through the Supreme Court or something.

I know there are many who would criticize him for his decision not to take government funds after he said he would. And I, myself, find that a bit troubling. But, in the end, ya plays ta win. And win he did.

What is really amazing is that the average campaign contribution to the Obama campaign was only 86$.

86$!!! If you do a simple standard deviation, you would find that the majority of people didn't give more that 50$.

LIke George Will said, that, ladies and gentlemen, is the ultimate expression of the 1st Ammendment. 3 million donors put their money where their mouth, and votes were.

Even for a liberal, that's pretty amazing.

HE,,,,,,,,,,,DESTROYED,,,,,,,,,,,PUBLIC,,,,,,,,,,FINANCING,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

F———–O————–R—————E————V—————–E—————R

This remarkable fundraising model is not only unprecedented in the history of modern democracy, but also reflects the power of the citizens who really cared about the value of President-Elect Obama's strong leadership with his intelligence and eloquence for bringing change to America. I gave monthly contributions between $25 and $50, with a total of over $600 to Obama campaign (I wish I could donate more). This was a symbol of supporting the greater future of this country. The power of the people is the power of democracy. This historic fundraising, with its significant transparency, has brought a clear message that the movement of this election is owned and delivered by the people of America, for the people of America, for bringing a real change to America.

We are proud of our democracy! We will do again in 2012 and afterwards.

Here's a wake-up call, Republicans:

A LOT of Obama's money was donated because of Sarah Palin!

I remember reading all the comments here from people announcing they were INCREASING their donations and adding to them every time she opened her airhead mouth.

The ability to effectively use capital to achieve a desired result is a positive quality in a leader in my opinion.

Get over it already, President Obama never sign anything that I know of that he would take public financing. The way I remember is that he would sit down and talk with whoever the republican nominee would be and come to a conclusion. This never took place and he decided to opt out of the public financing. He took a gamble at the the time and it work out for him and his camapign. So get over it!
Same thing with this other mess about his birth certificate. All you people on the right just need to get a life; on January 20th this counrty will finally get some desperate needed leaqdership.
Because the Busch administration has checked out and he is going around to the news media telling anybody who would listen that he does not accept the responbility for his failures. Belive me we have had complete failure from our governemnt. Over the last 8 years; from 911, Katrina, and now econmy. Just an ultimate failure under the Buch administration.

NOTICE TO ALL RIGHT-WING NEO-CONS:

The people have spoken. Majority still rules. We realize you hate it when people stop buying your fear-based, ultra-religious babble…but we sent our money to Obama instead of buying into your nonsense.

If you want to have a party back after this you better start to realize the PEOPLE have had enough of everything Reagan started and change. Not change like McCain tried to fake…REAL change.

Or go away. It is still a free country.

who cares…?

This was a people's movement, mostly. Millions of small donors put up most of this and millions got involved. A new paradigm.

"Obama bought the White House.

It was always bad when a Repub did it, but when a Dem does it, it is HISTORIC."

Obama couldn't have purchased a TOOTHBRUSH, since he decided to forego public funding, without MILLIONS of people donating to his election because they WANTED to see him win.

Republicans have always done it by taking all the money they can from major corporations and — look who gets ALL the help and attention from THEM. Maybe, this time, Obama really will care about the PEOPLE to put him in office.

You do remember "we, the people," don't you?

So THAT'S what it takes to win……I KNEW there was more to this than change.

Make my Koolaid cherry so I can stomach it.

If money had of been the issue, the Republican nominee would have been Romney rather than McCain….

Hw won the election. HE ROCKS.
We raised money for him. WE ROCK.

It's unbelievable what some of you think. I donated $50 proudly. So did my mother and brother. There's a $150 of it. Use your small brains and think about it this way…almost 67 million people walked into the voting booth to cast their ballot for Obama. If each one of those individuals donated $12 that would give him just under $800 million. Would $12 cause you to go bankrupt? Would you invest $12 in something you believed would put the US in a better position? Be realistic people.

I voted for Bush in 2000 because I believed he would be good for America…turned out to be a big turd though. So I voted for Kerry in 2004 (even though he ran a weak campaign). If Obama turns out to be a bad president, you can vote for someone else in 4 years. We survived, although barely, after 8 years of Bush. It really can't get much worse than it is now. I honestly believe that some of you just can't get past the fact that a black man is president of the USA. We're not to far removed from segregation. A lot of people still believe that black are inferior. It's just that no one has wanted to face it but now it's out in the open. And yes, I'm a white male. It's time that we learn to move on from this divide and learn to love. Everyone, please stop judging others!

Well, well, well…I'm glad he did and happy that my little $150 that I contributed, helped!

Can we talk about something more important to this country

CAN I GET A LOAN!!!

I think the previous comment says it all. President-Elect Obama's was well organized and transparant. I was grateful to receive email messages from his campaign. I felt connected.

Time to move on from this and focus on the present and future. Many families and individuals are suffering due to the economic mess that was allowed under the past administration. Our country will overcome and be proud again. Be patient change is already in place.

I donated. Proudly. Three times.

Why is public money funding these people….they should raise their own money or have other people do it instead of the regular tax payers footing th ebill. Our world is nothing but a big scam. We pay half our money in taxes then we have to pay taxes on the little interest we gain…we get ticketed for parking on the street…for littering….for speeding…why don't you just take 90 % of our money kinda like an allowanceand keep they rest cause you gonna tax the hell out of us…and don't say see that is why you should have gone republican…no even worse….cause the money in tax breaks they continually give the big giant elite companies also comes from my pocket. What we have to realize is that we are being ripped of….we are being tricked cause with AMerica we have always had an enemy….like the one we created in Korean when we claimed they shot at us when we really shot at them. The general in charges admited this before he died….we are pathetic as humans in generals alway claming others…yet we steal and plunder small countries (again not us but the elite that countrol our society…we are supposedly civilized yet our country was built on the back of slaves and the genecide of the native population….we don't use that same rationale when it comes to Palestine…funny isn't it….but then again if we ever turn the TV and think how these governments or elite rich people had ripped us of…we may duplicate the same thing the Canadians did to the white house a cetury or so ago….cause I believe the forefather left Europe to elude the elite rich of controlling us but it has happended again….look at Kerry and Bush higlighting their blue blood in the 2004 election…aren't these the same idiots we got rid of….the only difference is now it rotates amongts their families….I'm sure Obama has some disttance relative that was royalty in some European country. ALL I"< SAYING IS WE WERE DUPED PEOPLE THES RICJ PEOPLE ARE TAKING EVERYTHING AWAY FROM US AND WE DON"T REALIZE IT

if obama "BOUGHT" the white house then i guess the American people paid for it right? Is that not what elections are about? The people spoke. let it be. in 4 years you can donate to your candidate and vote

Are you such an abused people, that when a leader demonstrates a true interest and faith in Americans, you accuse him of being the great evil? So much so, that some of you will make up lies to defame him. Reminds me of an abusive relationship when the abusee refuses to let go of and protects the abuser. Snap out of it! The wrong choice was made twice, people, TWICE! Let go of your abusers and their abusive tactics. Free yourselves, and your enslaved mindsets. The people voted for and funded this new president. Yes, US, the people. The game just changed, so join US!

Well, Republicans are still complaining about Obama's money, but at least he managed his money well, finishing with $30 million cash in the bank. Now THAT'S fiscal responsibility.
McCain's campaign went bankrupt in the fall of 2007, long be the primaries. Clinton barely finished the primaries and ended up over $22 million in debt. I'm glad they won't be in charge.
What's really awful — well, one of many terrible things — is that the GOP spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on Palin but she still didn't look great. Certainly, they should demand a refund on that hair thing.
Remember, everyone who criticizes Palin is only doing it because she's a woman. Nobody would say anything if a man did all those things. Not only does she say that with a straight face, but many of the Fox Noise Zombies — I mean 'viewers' believe it.
But it's okay, because they're donating all the clothes to charity — evidently the homeless.

HE BOUGHT THE PRESIDENCY WITH FAKE DONATIONS

Some of you don't get it. The money left over from this goes into his war chest. That chest will allow him to run in 2012. In case people can't give as much next time as much as they did this time.

They're still asking for money because they don't to have to touch that money for Hillary fund. Make sense?

While I'm glad that Obama won, how great would it be if we could raise this kind of money for other projects. Why can we raise 3/4 of a billion that quickly (and easily?) but not in other areas. I think that says something

good judgment is back

leadership is back

scicence will return to the US!

the U.S. is back!!!

We are back my fellow Americans!

hopefully we will not see as warriors and arrogant fools

but the leaders that we once were!

Anyone who does not like Obama's idea of raising money can do themselves a great favor and jump off a bridge.

I like millions who gave to his campaign did so because we knew the deep crap we are facing and the economic crisis we are in.

We need someone who is smart, someone who will think about the little people and not just a few rotten rich folks.

All the CEO's who received hundreds of millions over the past few years are in hog's heaven while the average workers are in the unemployment lines.

If you ask me; I'd give more just the make sure the changes Americans need will be fruitful come January 20th.

While we are on this subject; people should note that the 1/3 billion was spend RIGHT HERE IN AMERICA employing people and food on the table of Americans. That 1/3 billion dear friends was well spend AND many of those same employees are without a job today.

Barack Obama KILLED public financing. Does ANYONE think a Republican will go back to public financing after Obama's record haul?

He will be an historique president…

not because he is Black. Because the chagnes that he will bring and the contrast between him and the current Bush-CHeney administration.

billions of dollars borrowed from the China and other foreigners to finance a war that has nothing to do with the war on terror, over 4000 died. 4000! unbelievable.

we have economic, foreign policy, education issues

Obama is the man! we voted for the right one! America has spoken and 365 electoral votes went to only qualified out of the two

Viva Obama!

All of you people are sick and need to worry about others things – like real problems!

Mike in Syracuse…

Obama discussed accepting public financing with McCain and they had a preliminary agreement. But, nothing was signed.

Good now why not use that money to help the economy instead of bragging about it.

Thank God, we have a President that is fiscally responsible and knows how to manage money. I’m glad Obama opted out of public finance, voters like my self were enthused about his candidacy and giving money consistently through out the campaign. Furthermore, realistically the right wing nuts had no chance of winning the oval office, especially when Mc Bush brought in his counter part from Alaska. The race was over at the republican convention, funny the right wing nuts actually thought they had a chance.

Obama/Biden 08
God Blessed America

Give the man a chance.

Let's hope President-Elect Obama and his team will be able to use their magic on our economy or none of us will have much on hand to donate in the next election. Good luck Mr. President-Elect!

Barack is a good for the whole world. He is the best choice for the US. He will bring good things to the world. Let us all work with him and be patient.

Yes we can

Seven Words and I quote "Build a bridge and get over it" end quote.
Don't hate the player…hate the game…fools….

Why isn't Sarah Palin at work? Whose paying her salary?

The ones that are still crying over the election can eat a cookie and go to sleep for the next four years. Im tired of all the crying and grow up.

the Republicans are sooo sad, they just won't concede and try to work with this President. I guess that's what happens when you have been lied to so much and made to live in fear for the past eight years. Seems like they need to be deprogrammed from all of the brainwashing they went through

For those of you on this blog who have never learned about good sportsmanship…Obama is a true champ…no cheating…no cherry picking…no unlevel playing field. Historic activities are hard to believe aren't they? Be good sports…as we learned in elementary school…accept a genuine defeat…go give an Obama volunteer who knocked on thousands of doors a high five…and get ready to learn the definition of 21st Century Leadership

The reason he opted out of public funds is that he did not want to be beholden to special interest groups. i.e. – the oil companies
VERY smart move.

I happily donated to him.

No offense to any of you haters out there, but do you really think if Obama signed a contract stating he would accept public finiancing he would be able to back out of that? He never signed anything! He never met with McCain about it, his advisors did. So that image that McCain put in your head is completely false. I will drink Obama Kool Aid all day long before I swallow a drop of the Republican McCain juice you keep pouring yourself. At least it is a positive message.

Obama's victory still seems a bitter pill for some. Never mind that he ran the better campaign, and most of his money came from individual donors making small contributions. I should know, I was one of those donors; more than once, in fact. Those in denial need to check their kool aid. Consider the choice of Palin; Obama's donations went up in record numbers when the announcement was made. She galvanized the left more than she did the right. It's amazing the difference in appeal between hope vs. fear, vision vs. vagary, reason vs. hate-mongering.

Dr Mimi De La Cruz – please don't shout………Thanks much!!

750 million pieces of evidence of a broken promise. My contributions have gone to a food bank.

SO YOU BOUGHT THE ELECTION, AND THAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT HOW? WHO WERE YOUR FORGIEN CONTRIBUTORS ANYHOW AFRAID TO SAY HUMMMM.

BY THE WAY I'M NOT A REPUBLICAN NOR DEMOCRATE ANYMORE I'M WITH THE HONEST PARTY, INDEPENDENTS

For those who think McCain or the RNC was proud and without frustration with the meager $325 million raised compared to Obama, you're kidding yourself.

To those who are "shocked" or "appauled" by the amount of money spent, you haven't been paying attention for the last fifty years.

Want to be President? You have to campaign. Want to campaign? You need money. Where do you get the money? From those who have it and are willing to part with it.

Welcome to the real world. If you don't like it, run for office and change it, then let us all know how the campaign goes.

Thats is why our country is so great. AMERICA

I find it funny that "news" authors are STILL talking about this. I find it funnier that they still need to justify that he won the election because he "spent" more money than the other candidate.
First of all, he never signed anything, and he justified his reasoning for not taking public financing. Second of all, it's no easy accomplishment to raise that much money. Just ask the girl scouts. Third of all, it's hard to keep track of donors when you have that many. But trust me, there's more transparency than you might think.
Some people just need to accept that MORE people wanted Barrack Obama this year. They were more devoted to his campaign than people were to McCain. That's the final truth.

Tom…………Businesses/corporations are considered to be part of the private sector.

Get Over It. Geez people.

Oh, Jim in Florida, get over it already. I am sure if your party could do it, and they did try, then you would be the happiest person on this CNN blog. Sit back relax and enjoy the next 4 years.

My goodness people, get real and sensible and see things the way they are………………….

- Barack Obama opted to go after private funds – didn't break any laws
- He ran the best campaign ever – got young people fired up!!
- More than likely let over funds will be spent on his 2012 campaign
- He was born in the USA
- He won the election beacuse he was the BEST candidate
- He is not a hate-monger nor is he a moron
- He is charismatic, inspirational, dynamic………need I go on?
- He will work hard for the american people, will please some and disappoint others – such is the life of a politician!!

We the people helped raise the campaign funds for Obama and because of that we will support him during the financial crisis. We like Obama believe in John F, Kennedy's quote "Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country".

To: Sean December 5th, 2008 11:19 am ET

How do you buy an election? I voted and I didn't get a dime for my vote… how much did you get for your vote? I can careless how much money is raised or used … you make the final decision when you step into that voting booth… and I know I didn’t any money on the voting table saying if you select me a $5 dollar bill will dispense from the bottom… Now I have heard and seen an election being stolen by not counting votes or losing them but buy an election…. this is 2008 not the Mob years…

i seee. money in the bank

The country was hungry for change. So we gave our change to a man who knew how to use it. He gambled, but we didn't–we made the right choice.

The country and the world are better for it. Now if we could just speed up the clock and get GW out, we'd be in better shape.

He did the right thing in allowing normal folks to contribute to his campaign (and I could care less what Campbell Brown thinks)…he let us be a part of his history making nomination and I'm proud to be a supporter.

I understand Obama has quite a bit of $ left over from his campaign. Where does this excess go? Does it have go to the DNC? Can it go to helping the economy in some way? Add to the unfortunate "bail out" fund?

Tim, from MN:

Yeah, thats what happens when republicans rule for 8 years with Bush. Republican's ideology of reregulation paid fat cats billions of dollar off of their manipulation on the market and now people are seeking government's help and seeking government to do something about it . Figure it out stupid, people dont want you're republican belief to control our failed economy.

There need to be an investigation into how much and how the money was actually raised. There are a lot of suspicion and questions floating around about this.

New campaign funding rules are needed after seeing the difference the limits placed on McCain made. It was painful for me to see how muchmoney was wasted on ads etc. It was over the top!!!

How sys money can't buy you everything?

Why would it be a bad thing that Barack Obama spent $5 million on a election night party during a recession? Lack of spending is one of the things that leads to a recession so bravo to him, I wish he had spent 10 million!

It is over, you guys can get over it now. This happens every election, of course over time the amounts will continue to rise, and when there is finally an inspirational figure running, people will feel more comfortable donating to a cause. You can come up with all of the attacks that you want, he broke the law, he lied etc., they're wrong. GET OVER IT. You guys had your pick the last eight years and looked what happened. I can't believe you guys voted for that idiot once let alone twice. It's our turn now.

Obama/Biden

3.9 million people donated to his campaign. That is the number that is more impressive. I don't think some of you people get it. He made a promise or he didn't make the promise to take public financing is not a real question. Obama's campaign was supported by it's supporters and not taxpayers who may or maynot be for Obama. But that is not even the point. Here is the point I am trying to make.

He raised $10 millions the day after Sarah Palin's speech at the RNC.
He raised $10 millions the week afer he lost the Pennsylvania primary.
He raised $10 millions the week after he lost Taxas and Ohio primary.
He reaised $151 millions in the month of September after RNC and when John McCain edged up in the head-to-head polls for the first and only time.

My point is that people donated money when Obama's campaign was most volnerable. They were so enthusiastic about his candidacy and his vision for this country that they reacted to bad news as such. I did the same. Every one of my $25 donation was after a loss in the primary and when he was down in the polls in September and October. As President Elect Obama stated in his victory speech – WE WON THIS ELECTION…

Sounds like he did a pretty smart thing, doesn't it? Now he is using the internet to "cheat" by going directly to the voters to find their opinions on things like health care! Imagine trying to use the peoples preference to set up a program that they will support-unheard of in washington. What kind of radical idea is next?-Actually setting policies that will be workable?-Unheard of in washington! And getting input from not only policy wonks, but real citizens- thats against the politicians best interests! And his cabinet and advisors- the best of the best, and who will be sure enough of themselves to disagreee with him! That might lead to a government that (GASP) might actually be functual enough to work and be successful! Plus, by going to the people, and getting their input, he may force congress to do their job! And he said there would be change in washington- and now he is keeping his word! What is wrong with this guy?? Imagine, keeping his word and making washington function effectively!

You know whats funny, all of you people complaining didn't pay a cent to help his post primary campaign. It ISNT YOUR money so DONT COMPLAIN. where as i paid and america paid 84 million to a losing campaign. As for where the money goes, its a shame that that can't be used toward the Inauguration becuase if he has a surplus and the gov't has a deficit, why should the government refuse funds?

I know that is my money, and it was well spent! We know have a competent president Elect that knows the constitution as if he wrote it. Actually I bet you that he could sit down and write it if not most of it by memory! So can Joe Biden!

Given that the GOP has always enjoyed the edge in raising money due their constituency being better helaed, what does it tell you about the confidence level the rich, GOP had for McCain?!

I love how CNN doesn't even include the fact that he agreed with McCain to take public funding. Big omission CNN!

President Elect- Barack Obama showed astutely his financial smarts from the very beginning as the article points out; there's no doubt that this trend should continue well into his presidential years, with him making the right calls financially where the economy and the American people are concerned.

I just thank God that we will finally have a President in office who will sincerely put the American people first and put an end to all of the selfishness, corruption and greed that's coming from places like wall street. Obama is in the right place at the right time. What a nice blessing for us!!!!

It's fun to read all these retards that want a president in office who refuses to ammend plans in the pursuit of a better result.

The GOP has turned into a bunch of dirt bags stuck in the past who prefer leaders that are stubborn and unable to change to meet the challenges of the future. This whining and crying about Obama making a great decision that turned out to have fantastic results (for him) is more then proof that the current GOP is filled with worthless morons that have nothing but prehistoric idealogies stuffed into their pea sized brains.

If and when these morons move out and form a party of their own, let's call it the Sadist American DieHards…or SAD for short, then perhaps the GOP will have a chance at surviving. Until then, I'm happy to have moved my affiliation outside their ranks.

I like leaders that seek strategies with a better chance of success then leaders who refuse to ammend their plans when a better solution is plainly visible to them. Grow up you worthless whiners and do something other then throw a tantrum for a change! The GOP has turned into a SAD and pathetic lot of losers!

"The funds still in his account can be kept there for his next political campaign or be donated to a legitimate Non-profit organization."

Paul is correct…

BO cannot use the funds for his inaguaration celebration – actually its specifically against the rules to do so. He also cannot use it to pay off Hillary's debt . He could donate 2K to another campaign, but $2,000 is the limit there.

He could save it for next time, donate it to charity or back to the dems. He could return it – but how does he decide which donations to return?

According to an earlier article I read from(CNN) Obama had accepted money from Shell Gas Company, Verizon Wireless, and a few other known companies. Isn't accepting money from corporations different from just private donations?

IT WASN'T A GAMBLE !!!

IT WAS A CALCULATED RISK ON

HIMSELF & THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

I remember when I used to play little league baseball; the losing team would congratulate the winner. I also remember my coach saying: "Don't be sore losers, we lost because a better team came out to play, and we have no excuses" In fact through out high school and college, coaches seem to say the same thing. In that spirit of sportsmanship, why are people still upset Obama won? Please don't be sore losers.

Get over it ..we're long overdue for some commen sense and a little logic in the White House. Obama won because he understands what we need to get back on track..enough of the editorials from the people that got us in this mess and continue to blame everyone but themselves..open your minds and THINK about it ..its not about party lines anymore..its about working together to solve our problems..stop the negative feedback and give this guy a chance…another happy independent..

A common man's representative will be in the White House. This is where the money came from. Imagine the extent to overwhelm that coming from corporate interests for the GOP. That paints a picture of desperation to have a non-GOP candidate in the White House, one not answerable to special interests as George W. Bush has been. The W. in Bush's name should stand for Wrench as that being tossed into any working machinery will break the operations therein. Nearly everything George W. Bush has touched has had a dismal effect, including the financial industry, but especially, the armed forces! You can bet with right-wing advocates attempting to call this the Obama Recession is a poor attempt to rewrite the forthcoming history as anybody elses problem but George W, Bush, the man who will be noted as this economy's Hoover!

The PEOPLE got behind this campaign. Many of us gave when we had little or nothing to spare. That's how important it was to us. This is REAL "public financing"- This wasn't lobbyist and oil companies running an election! The PEOPLE elected OUR President.
The Greedy Oil Party can't seem to deal with it because usually it's them who raise more money.
They will squeal like pigs undeer a gate, but the fact is- they LOST. I can't wait until 1/20/09!

It disgusts and sickens me to see so many of the B.O. kool aid drinkers give their money to B.O. instead of giving to a charity and/or those in desperate need.

You people helped him buy the presidency. How do you sleep at night!!!

It appears from the comments that many/most of the B.O. followers are low-income or welfare people who expect to get more money from the B.O. government. Get a job! Get a life!

I am amazed at the stupidy of some of these comments. The man did what he needed to do to win… He won, get over it.. Winning is necessary if you want to be in a position to do what you believe to be the "right thing". YES, he can…..

I hate when people say the Obama "bought" the election. All of the money was donated to people, including me – that wanted to see change for this country. The fact that Obama raised that much money goes to show how much people wanted to see a new voice in this country.

For once we have a President that is smart, precise and ready to make decisions that are best for this country. I love when Conservatives say: "Just wait to see what happens to this country now, we're going to be in so much trouble" – are you serious. Do you see where we are NOW!? We're here because of failed policies, and an idiot president ruled by Rove and his idiot conservative base.

Its our turn. Finally.

for all you haters out there. get over yourselves. the repubs have had 8 yrs to jack things up. That is why President elect Obama appealed to so many people. We are tired of the dirty,lying repubs. dumb,dumb bush , crazy cheney and the gang had to go. bush & cheney have stolen plenty from the American people. The money that President elect Obama got, people gave because they chose to.

if he wants to make hillary sos, then he can pay off her debt, and they can stop asking me to donate more.

It's really sad that our government is so corrupt that an election can be bought and paid for with monies from huge corporations. I honestly don't believe our votes even counted in the last election. How is it possible that 533,000 jobs were desolved in the Month of November , 1.9 MILLION for the year 2008 and the general election generated almost a BILLION dollars? Doesn't anyone see the insanity in this? The worst economy EVER yet in order to get elected all you need is 750 million dollars?

Sean, at 11:19am said:

"It just goes to show you, you CAN buy an election in America…."

Wrong, Sean. What it goes to show is that ordinary Americans, like me, can have a voice and an influence in an election, and We the People can choose a President worthy of the office.

And, there still is no indication of where more than half of Obama's donations came from and who donated.

If a Repub did this, the media would be screaming.

Doodad Pro, phone home.

Just want to clarify that the following I had included in my previous commetns and pasting them again her was stated by Angie and not me:
Angie December 4th, 2008 9:50 pm ET
I've been a Baptist Christian all my life and I must say……..these holier-than-thou, hypocritical, right-wing, nutballs are what's wrong with this country. NO ONE knows for certain what the afterlife will bring…it's a BELIEF! We believe in our God, the same way, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. believe in theirs! Oprah not having Palin on her show has NOTHING to do with God! Get over yourselves.
It is people like this that make others view our country as being rediculous and unstable.

Congrats Mr. Obama. I am eager for the 20th of January. GOBAMA!

It was a very large number of small donors who pitched into Obama's campaign–so yes, I suppose you could say it was "bought"–by the vast majority of American people who have been voiceless, powerless, and financially disadvantaged for way too long. About time, I'd say!

Obama bought the White House.

It was always bad when a Repub did it, but when a Dem does it, it is HISTORIC.

So if all his debt is paid off from the campaign, he should donate it to the american population that became unemployeed over the last 12 months. They sure could use a helping hand.

Obama didn't pledge, much less sign a binding document to opt out of public financing. He merely discussed it as an option which he decided in the end to forego. And if you look at it – all those millions of individual donors, what are they if not the public?

One worthy man in American Politics in recent years. Amazing strategy planner and hope with his similar attitude he will take us out of this financial chaos the current president created. I hope and want to see my country strong, proud, rich,sound and fair as always.

ok so the press had a field day with Palin and her wardrobe and nobody cares how they spent 700 million …what a joke and double standard. We are in a recession and he spent 5 million on an election night party???Give me a break

@Chuck

President Elect Barack Obama did not sign anything. Do you realize if he had signed any document stating he would accept the funding he wouldn't be able to back out of it.

Please, get your facts correct before posting.

thanks

For the first time in my life I feel like the person in the White House will speak for me. And to all the unhappy right-wingers: I am proud that my money was used to counteract your slime machine. You better get used to a new reality.

EW is wrong.

By NOT taking Public financing like he promised he would do, Obama doesn't have to report the identity of donations under $200.

The campaign website's donation apparatus did and does not match credit card names to addresses.

So, anyone, say, in Kenya, Chnia, or wherever, could sit on the Internet with a prepaid credit card and click $200 donations all day.

I suspect some did.

The Obama campaign wants you to believe that $750 million dollars was raised in the middle of the biggest economic crisis , in Obama's own words, "since the great depression", by mom and pop intenet donations from across the country.

The fact is we will never know where the money actually came from and certainly the Obama campaign isn't going to tell us.

I am not drinking this kool aid.

Perhaps some pointy headed liberal will write a book "The Purchase of the Presidency in 2008″

That is what happened America. With enough money you can easily indoctrinate some of our less brainy American citizens into believeing anything….

Change you can be brainwashed into believing.

So show me a link to the pledge Obama signed with his signature on it Mike. Have you seen one?

Funny that the GOP ridiculed his background as a community organizer. I guess that was a good skill set to have after all considering that he organized a campaign that broke fund raising records and crushed the competition.

This goes to show you that IF you don't have at least a BILLION,
or IF there isn't anywhere you can get it, the bottom line is :
"Don't Run" (you will never make it)
Plain & Simple…

Larry C.
Houston
Texas

I hope an investigation is conducted to make sure all of those donations were legit.

This goes to show you that IF you don't have at least a Trillion,
or IF there isn't anywhere you can get it, the bottom line is :
"Don't Run" (you will never make it)
Plain & Simple…

Larry C.
Houston
Texas

See i Knew It Barack H. Obama Can bring change to America he is the chosen one.

When Sarah said he palled around terrorists, i got so offended and i donated $303 for Obama campaign, the money that i saved to pay for my car note.

Average donation $80. This was in fact what the "public financing' folks had in mind. I have to admit that this was better accoplished through the private sector than throught the tax form check-off. I am hapily surprised that he was able to get so many to contribute (my-self included).

This truley shal be an administration "of the people,by the people and for the people"

It is about time…………..

Monies that were donated to the President-elect's campaign may not, by law, be used for any other purpose, including the transition, inaugural parties, and retiring Senator Clinton's campaign debt.

BTW, he did not "get around" the law. Because he opted out of federal campaign financing, he was not bound by the particular part of the law that requires disclosure. I understand the frustration of his opponents' supporters, but he did nothing illegal. If you don't like the way the law is written, then lobby to get it changed.

I'm very proud to have given a donation to this campaign. President Elect Obama will make us all proud to be an American! The USA will be number one again.

Obama is a genius. He in no way avoided any laws (DAVID). He was intelligent enough to realize that he was going to need more than $80 billion to counter all of the attacks on him by the Republican Party.

Obama needs to be held accountable for the millions of foreign & very questionable donations he accepted. He also needs to prove to the American people he is legally able to be POTUS. Mr. Obama: SHOW YOUR VAULT BIRTH CERTIFICATE!!

President Elect Obama is no turkey like Sarah Palin and the Republicans Kunckleheads.This is a TRUE KNOWLEDGEABLE LEADER WITH REAL CHANGE.

Too bad all that money was based on a lie. Obama had signed a pledge that he would accept public financing if his opponent did. I guess to him, the end justifies the means.

David: "Obama is a very smart man, he knows how to get around the law."
Yup, just what we need, a President who knows how to 'get around' the law. That's change alright.

Obama's decision to opt out of public financing is to "gamble" as same sex unions are to "marriage", an attempt to redefine a word that is already clearly defined.

It's a history that I find will be difficult to break. Well done Obama/Biden

Spread the wealth and help out us regular folks.

That's a lot of money left in the bank. Now that he's accomplished his goals, and there's money left over, please, send me some to pay off school loans and medical bills….I'd like a hand out!

TangoDancer December 5th, 2008 9:30 am ET

"… I'm not offended or irritated since I support the cause, but what is to become of unspent campaign funds that still reside in the Obama bank?"
______________________________________________________

The funds still in his account can be kept there for his next political campaign or be donated to a legitimate Non-profit organization.

TangoDancer, all unspent funds are going towards his Inauguration Event.

Maybe Obama can start a soup kitchen in the White House with his campaign money so at least he can feed some folks. It seems obscene to tout his campaign take when so many are suffering!!!

Proud to have contributed to that effort, and see such a worthy person elected to this nation's highest office. Can't wait 'til Jan. 20!

David doesn't seem to understand campaign finance rules. If a candidate takes public (read: taxpayers) funding, that is all you get. You can't take donations. Obama refused public funding and therefore has to release donor information to the FEC. This is done to make sure that donations do not exceed limits or come form foreign countries.

Please, educate yourself before posting.

Obama's campaign (movement) was the best that anyone that ever seen, he had many young smart people working for him. A new generation was awaken, to the young out there, we have the opportunity to write next chapters. This is our time, let's become the change we want to see.

Brilliant…. A leader should be able to adapt. Good luck to our new president. He not only boosted his campaign but boosted the economy and the great mood of our country if not the rest of the world.
He has the smarts to lead us out of this mess we are in now.

CAST OUT HATE IN TWO THOUSAND EIGHT

Obama/Biden you will always have my support.
Let's roll up our sleeves now, and get the job done.

Keep foaming at the mouth right wingers. Your "arguments" fall as flat as your policies.

Obama opted out because he knew he was going to need a significant amount more of money to repudiate the right wing slime machine. He was right, not that they didn't try. Actually, not that they don't CONTINUE to try. Especially with the silly birth certificate story.

The real question we should be asking has nothing to do with auto companies,Obama,or election money,its where did our $700,000,000 billion,that Paulson and Bernachi stole go?

Perhaps Obama should give back his excess cash to those who donated to him who are less well off financially. That'd be appropriate for the current economic times.

So… had the competition been equal, do you really think Obama would have won? Or would the margin be a little closer.

It just goes to show you, you CAN buy an election in America….

I have/had absolutely no problem giving to Obama/Biden, because I truly believe he will have no problem getting this country back on it's feet. I can't believe haters are still swinging on this man's clothes, he is here to stay – so get use to it and give him a chance.

I <3 Obama…he's going to make a great president!

I'm another Obama supporter/donor who agrees that his campaign's continuing requests for donations need to be explained better. If there are unpaid bills in excess of $30 million or if they are saving up for 2012 or whatever, contributors deserve to know.

Obama is a genius and a superior, intelligent leader. I have every confidence that he will do the right thing in every situation that is presented to him as President of the United States. It's pitiful that small minded, racist people have to keep bringing up his race. Yes, he's a black man with a white mother and grand parents. So what, this is the new age, get over it and let's get on to the next level of rebuilding our country for the good of all humanity.

I never got used to Bush's name in my household and I won't get used to Obama's either. You people think you can just "make" everyone want Obama and think he is some kind of God. By the way, if Obama has so much money and is "sitll" asking for more, he should pay off Hillary's debt – after all they are all one democratic party right? Obama also lied to McCain and said he would only accpet public funding and then back off of his agreement, some might call that smart, but others veiw it as being a liar and cannot be trusted.

@ Paige, yes, 'evil jealous people' …… they are idiots and will fall on their face!

I believe that President-elect Obama IS brilliant, he knew that he had/has a message that would resonate with America. We are SO sick and tired of the Republican…….lies……hate…..fear ….and…..division! We needed some hope, something to inspire us to believe in the ……basic GOODNESS of America! OBAMA PROVIDED THIS AND HE IS ELECTED!

THAT'S WHAT THE FAR-RIGHT-HATE MONGERS DO NOT GET!

HOPE TRUMPS HATE & FEAR EVERY TIME!

I hate the fact that people running for POTUS can take public funds. Why? I don't want my tax dollars going to any candidate running for office, even the person I voted for. Let them raise their own money like Obama did. McCain got $84 million from the tax payers and I am sure Nader got a bunch as well. It's time to end that practice!

I am so relieved Obama is going to be our President. It is nice to know we will have a President in office who is actually an intelligent person. Smart equals good results.

And it is sure nice to not have to see or hear -you know who- in the media anymore.

TangoDancer,

The reason they are asking his supporters to pay off her debt is because he cant use money that was donated to him by his supporters for Hillary Clinton's debt., its against the law. The law only allows individuals to give a total of $2,300 dollars to a candidate in a election cycle. Therefore, he can only give her 2,300 dollars and then ask his supporters to help as well. Also, the extra money left over from this election cycle can only be used for election purposes. Therefore, it will be saved until he runs for reelection in 2012. This is all dictated by election laws.

Obama's decision to opt out of public financing is to "gamble" as same sex unions are to "marriage", an attempt to redefine a word that is already clearly defined.

With that, democracy is dead.
Since future candidates will have to worry about being out spent, and the taboo has finally been broken, they will also opt out of the public finance system. Money, and the special interests that give the money, will become even more important to the process. Could some please explain how injecting even more money into the election process is a good thing?

Worth every penny.

It's a pittance to pay for getting the country back.

God bless Barack Obama and his family.

So, he essentially outspent McCain by nearly ten to one and for all that money, he only beat him by a few million votes, something like 62,000,000 to 57,000,000. Not much bang for your buck. Had McCain opted out of public money, would he have won? If elections are bought due to TV and mail solicitations, then theoretically, McCain would have won if he had raised and spent only half of what Obama raised and spent.

Maybe Obama should take the money that has left over or even fund-raise some for the people who need money to just survive….

i still think he would've won w/o all that money raised… he should've taken the money to help the poor and that would done the same effects of being a responsible presidential candidate then.

why dont they use some of the money to pay some of the unemployed house payments

Obama's fundraisisng was done through a website that his team knew or should have known could be used for foreign donations or even money laundering. We were promised CHANGE and it looks like we got Clinton's third term. He even kept Gates, the Bush admin. defense head. There have been no new racial minority members added to his cabinet. Even Bush had more Black people and Hispanics. Does Obama know any smart minorities, but himself. His so called CHANGE is very self serving. After 2 decades of a female Secys. of State, it would have been better to have a man, since most of our foreign policy issues are with Muslims and Russians, who do not respect women. By the way, is Obama's female staff still being paid 83 cents on the dollar? Where's the real CHANGE?!

Gamble? You have a funny definition of gamble. Gambling involves risk, Obama took absolutley zero risk when he opted out of public financing, and he also went back on his word.

Change you can believe in?

Good campaigne, good budgetting …congratulations Obama …This was my first time ever that I donated to a presidential campaigne…my best investment ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cool! Maybe he can loan some of that to the automakers so the rest of us don't have to!

As a gay man, I voted mcCain becuase I believe experience and military service trump idealism and a cult of personality. We have four yrs to see. And as for all the Palin bashing, I thought we on the left (yes I am a registered Democrat) were suppose to be "open minded" and those on the right were narrow minded hate mongers? Seems like both sides are guilty of mud slinging

way to buy an election! it doesn't help the media was in the tank too

To President (Obama/VA)–you wrote "Obama is a household name -get used to it." So is Hitler…… What does this have to do with campaign money…idiot!

Glad to say 2K plus was my money and it was very well spent!!!

End of term 2012.

I think it is a shame. The presidency is now bought. I am glad Obama won but I think these amounts of money should be outlawed. They should do it like they do in England. A set amount of money each gets and no TV commercials! The money Obama has leftt should be donated to the poor or some other non-profit org.

Tango,

the reason Obama can't give much of his $30M to Hillary is campaign laws. Like the rest of us he is limited to $2K max personal contribution, which he has already given.

As for the remaining, $30M, he needs to keep that for 2012 AND he needs to maintain his existing election machine.

On NPR this morning, they were saying he earned more $$$ in this election that the DNC and RNC combined. He has redefined election finance, and American Presidential campaigns as well.

peace

recieving money from foreign governments for the election is not kosher. how ever that is what this guy is all about. he should not be president. maybe it will be a short term president

Gee golly! thats a lot of monee!

2012??? yeah…smart and quite an organizer he is….also showing that he is in charge and feeling good and confident about himself. With the leadership skills, organization skills, fundraising skills and all…..consider 2012 bagged… Anyone else dreaming of the oval office should simply focus on 2016.

go obama!!!!

Getting around the law aint breaking it.

TangoDancer – From what I understand the rules allow him to either keep the money for future campaigns, give it back to the donors, give it to the DNC or something else I don't remember. I think he's asking for moew, because the transition process is expected to cost quite a bit and of course, there's HRC who has run a debt. I kinda think donors wouldn't wnat to give to HRC since they DID give it to BHO…but it's still for the purpose of supporting the DNC in the end I guess.

Nice Girl December 5th, 2008 9:34 am ET
Barack's victory is very hard for "certain people" to accept.
________________________
Actually, his victory is very EASY to accept. It was a result of the biggest marketing scam ever pulled on American voters. Obama's inaugural theme should be "Gotcha!"

I would loovvee to meet Obama's speech writing team I would propose marriage in a heart beat. Granted some of the credit goes to Mr. Obama himself.

On the campaign fund raising it shows hes willing to take risks to achieve goals. He will not conform to norms during his presidency – how he ran his campaign proves it.

S.B. Never under estimate late night show hosts and how quickly the american public can turn on someone… there still be plenty of cheap shots by plenty of hosts.

I really think there should have been some accountability on where the funds were coming from, but it's done and not worth crying about. I'm focusing on what's going on now and what is yet to come.

I didn't vote for Obama, but he is the next president. We will see if he as effective as everyone hopes he is. If he isn't, then we need to react approriately and not repeat the public linching policy we have had on our leaders. Then things will begin to change… not before. We all seem to think change can only happen from the white house. Reality check… change can only happen when we change how we do things.

If Obama had not opted out of taking public funds, he would never have won this election. Even though in the end the Bradley Effect did not materialise and America has come some way away from racial prejudice, being a black man, he had to work that much harder, reach out that much further and campaign as though his very life depended on it in order to win. He could not have done any of this without money – and huge amounts of it. Even now, some Americans still believe he was not born in the USA!!! He took a decision which he knew would result in the backlash that ensued, but had he not done that, all those months, long painful months would have come to nought.

obama is most likely saving that extra money for his 2012 campaign.

Obama does have to list his donors. People can still only contribute the lists per individual. The most amazing thing is that the money he raised was from small donations. I am under the impression that he is limited on how he uses the money. An Ohio congressman got in some small trouble a few years back, if I remember correctly, for using left over money to purchase a little league team their uniforms. It counted as 'campaigning' because the rep.'s name appeared somewhere.

I don't know if Obama can give this money to pay off Hillary's debt. I know he can give it to future campaigns though.

Okay, first, he is a constitutional lawyer, and would not have opted out of public funding if it was not legal. Next, where do you think public funding comes from….tax payers…at least he gave people a chance to choose to donate. Public funding does not give you that choice. Also, he is not able to transfer his campaign funds to Hillary….that would be illegal. He can use the remaining funds to help local Democratic races, or it can stay in the coffers, as a start on 2012. And as for the requested help for her, it is a choice, not a requirement. You don't have to!! But is a nice thing to do for our new Secretary of State. Good for TangoDancer for contributing.

David……………

Believe me………If McCain thought he could have done the same………he would have. Obama KNEW that he had a message that would attract the average voter….including me. I am one of Several million Small contributors. I gave between the primaries and the General elections about $1500. If I felt that my candidiate was TRYING to get around the system; he would not have gotten ANYTHING from me. My issue is that if there is $30 million left over why not give some back to his supporters ???

I PRAY OPRAH NEVER INVITE DT. PHIL.

David,

Either way you need to report your donors who give more than a certian amount, I think $100, go check out the Federal election commission website, you'll see it there.

Let's not be naive about taking federal money, it's not like John McCain only spent his 84 million. He simply sets up a separate "compliance committee" and still raised hundreds of millions of dollars. So really they were both raising money, McCain just got 84 million dollar advantage out of all of our pockets.

His great fundraising is painted as sinister. It's important to remember that those dollars came from people, not lobbyists. The money comes from so many different places that it doesn't create a scenario of being beholden to anyone. I am a happy Barack donor–all $350 (over several small increments) of it. it already seems like money well spent and he's not even in office yet.

I believe Pres-Elect Obama is not allowed, by law, to just give Sen Clinton part of the $30 million. He can help her by doing fundraisers and such. Also, I think the money sits there for him to use in the next election. If I'm wrong, someone help me out.

I for one, will not give money to Sen Clinton. She should've gotten out the race much earlier than she did, when she knew there was a very slim chance of winning.

The left over funds will either sit there and be a war chest for him for re-election, or he will use some to help out the party and that includes Hillary. Go Obama!

Obama would not have raised that much if it were not for people like Oprah W. One comment under Oprah snubed Palin :
Angie December 4th, 2008 9:50 pm ET
I've been a Baptist Christian all my life and I must say……..these holier-than-thou, hypocritical, right-wing, nutballs are what's wrong with this country. NO ONE knows for certain what the afterlife will bring…it's a BELIEF! We believe in our God, the same way, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. believe in theirs! Oprah not having Palin on her show has NOTHING to do with God! Get over yourselves!
I hate to think what this person will feel when she stands befoer her Maker becasue she is giving lip service not heart service. She could not be a Baptist Christina all her life and say the above. If Obama will put his left over money for good for thos of our coun try whao are homeless and hungry then he will have done a great thing for mankind and that my folks would be history. I would wish that he would be awared the Nobe Peace Prize for humanitarian good and perhaps he will. I will pray that he will indeeed tarn our country around and we will be the better for havinf had him as president. I do not care what color he is. The color brown is one of my favorite colors anyway. I goes very good with blue and red and white, tan and etc.

Some things didn't change I guess with this election, he who spent the most won.

Is any of that money left over to help the country now?

750 Million – WOW… I’m in the wrong business my friends. I love this guy….

what happens to the left over money?

God Speed, Obama . . . God Speed!

I wonder what slogan he will utilize for re-election since the whole "change" thing is played out now.

Just as he raised so much money for his presidential campaign, please believe that he is going to restore the prosperity of this great nation. I think we have forgotten what it feels like to have true leadership in the white house.

2012???? Way to be positive Kaz, he hasn't even started yet. Give him a chance, he might surprise you.

@david — if accepting anything other than public funding was illegal, then he wouldn't have been allowed to do it at all. I have no problem when someone criticizes the President-Elect, but at least have a rational point to make.

Wow… Even with NO-bama winning, there is much hate spewing from the liberals. Why is that?

Also, interesting that the article left out how much of that ~$750 came from overseas "interests". (Hint: it was A LOT)

So who donated? we'll never know.

Let's bail out the politicians but let the manufacturing industry die off? Boy, we seem to have genuinely misguided ideas still.
As for KJL, get over it. Your comment is nothing more than a mini hate-fest.

Then stop asking for money from people. Pay off Hilary's debt since she is ur employee. Why would any obama supporter want to pay off Hilary's debt to the bigot Mark Penn's debt.? We all read his comments.

i very curious to know where all that money came from.

cool!

Before it becomes a rumor..He cannot keep the money for himself by law. But it can held for his next campain or for donations. Not even for his inag. on 1/20.

But trust it is in good hands….

TangoDancer, I think with campaign finance laws he can't just give that money to Hillary Clinton. He can't even use it for his transition. He can save it and use it in 2012 for his reelection campaign.

And it paid off,I love it!!!!!

Let me tell ya:
Obama is a great man.

He needs money for the inauguration since he's not accepting money from lobbyists.

the Obama campaign reported spending over $100 million during the final few weeks leading up to the November 4 election,

And we are worried about Palin receiving 150k in cloths over two months.
Is this sexism or are dems just hypocrites.

And the Republican smears of "public trickery" and "lies" to get campaign funds start in 3….2……1…..
———
Tango Dancer at 9:30am
"I'm not offended or irritated since I support the cause, but what is to become of unspent campaign funds that still reside in the Obama bank?"

Federal Law states that campaign funds left over from one election can either be saved and stored to use for the next election, or given to a charity. He is not doing anything illegal by having money in his campaign fund. Still, thanks for caring enough to donate!

Donating to the Obama campaign and other Dem campaigns was a good investment and a small price to pay to remove Republicans from the White House and from the House and Senate.

If only I had more money to give in order to completely remove the Republican Culture of Corruption that has plagued our nation's government for the past decade!!! Republicans have become a cancer in our Government and need to all be surgically removed!!

To all you evangelicals who 'prayed to God' for Republican candidates to win this election… I guess God now likes Democrats more than Republicans. I guess also God wasn't too happy with your party for that whole 'pray for rain' gig you guys did for the Dem's convention.

Republicans… go forth and sit in judgment of yourselves!!

Thats all MCCAIN??? 84 MILLION?? and Thank Goodness that was it, because i hate to see how much Palin would have spent on her Clothes!

It was brilliant campaign move President Obama. Now lets fix the economy and end this war.

David,

every dime of contributions has to be public already.

according to oprah, obama is greater than God. So, why does he need money?

If the 18 million people who voted for Hillary give $1, then her debt will
be settled.

Well now I hope Michelle Obama will go and get some new clothes, something that looks good on her, since they have the money!!!

Tango,

Right now the answer is paying for the inaugural stuff. Usually contributors and big business and lobbyists host many of these… Obama is on his own in that regard. I have given several times to Obama also. I will now begin sending some to Hillary.

I wonder if he would have raised that much money if people had known how bad the market would tank and how many jobs would be cut this year. A lot of people are probably wishing they had held on to that $20 so they could buy groceries this week.

Lend the $30M to the automakers.

Tango: PE Obama can not contribute money donated to his campaign to pay off Clinton's debt.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the way President Obama raised money. Instead of concentrating exclusively on fat cats and special interest groups he would have later been beholden to, he opened up his pleas and got contributions from millions of average citizens. That's even BETTER than government-run public financing! OBAMA ALL THE WAY TO 2017!

This is yet another example of the President-Elect thinking strategically. The real figures are how much was spent by Mr. Obama and the DNC vs. Mr. McCain and the RNC. Mr. Obama saw that the RNC had deeper pockets than the DNC and that his campaign had to make up the difference. His decision to forego public funds proved to be prudent indeed!

I gave a small portion of that and I see it was well spent!!

This is obsene! We are at a point in American history when the White House is "For Sale" to the highest bidder.

I can't wait to see his wifes new $30,000 dollar ring and the faces of the all the dopes that voted for him during the impeachment hearings, he out spent at a ratio of 4 to 1 one on the campaign and if recall the final vote was 52% to 48%. Yes , its true 48% of America did not vote for him ,

You can gain alot of interest in 4 years (2012) with $30M in the bank!
Good start for 2nd Term

I am back Obamabots, and though none of you could comprehend the rational thoughts that I posted about the bars being opened for extended hours so people can get EXTRA lit for Obambi's big three day party, I will try again.

By the way, when people get hurt because of this, I WILL post "I told you so".

Who are the certain people you refer too "nice girl", do you mean the 48 percent of the country who didn't buy into the media hype?

The same people that said he will go back on all of his "promises" and guess what "sweetie", HE ALREADY is on record reneging on his tax LIES and ending the war LIES. FACT.

And the fallacy that "only" the people donated to his campaign is again a LIE as more than 75 percent of his donations came from LOBBYISTS, again FACT.

Did he do a good job getting regular folks involved, YES, but don't let the media leave out the FACT that he got more dough from the lobbyists that we ALL hate than anyone EVER. FACT.

I am no huge fan of Hillary, but she was far, far superior to this fraud.

2012 can't come fast enough.

Barack Obama opted out of public financing because of all the loop-holes the republicans are experts at getting around. His campaign funds consisted mostly of people like me donating $25 at a time.
Improvements will not occur overnight, it is going to be a long,
hard stretch of time to undo the damage that has been done
these last eight years.
We all need to continue to support his sincere desire to get
America back to the once great nation we were.

Obama has a good brain and he uses it. We haven't seen that in Washington in a long time. I'd trust him with my life.

They are STILL asking for money, too. Emails every day. Amazing.

If he runs the country as well as he ran his campaign, he will be one of the greatest presidents of all time.

To all the people questioning the money.

The money is legit!!! If a movie (The dark night $529 million in 3 months, $10 tickets) can make that kind of money why can't a presidential campaign using the internet. Prez-Elect Obama has been running for 2 years.

Obama – Biden 2012!!

people believe in you and biden, bless both of you.

Instead of using our taxpayer dollars for a bailout to Wall Street, the big 3 auto makers and the UAW, why don't Obama go on a roadshow tour for the next month and asked for contributions? Surely his adoring fans will dig even deeper into their wallets and purses for such a worthy cause.

Oh, drop the snippy Sarah Palin comments about her wardrobe.
How much did Obama spend on those fake Greek columns? That too was from donations.
Obama raised $750,000 for his campaign? So why not give that money to help the less fortunate, rather than tax me to fund his proposals?

We all know why he raised $750 million, because he went back on his own statement of accepting public financing. I guess you small minded liberals forgot that point of fact. Essentially, he bought the White House. Bring on the change liar!

I am really getting to like Mr. President-Elect, Barack Obama.

Oh and the reason he opted out of taking public funds is because that would have then required him to make public a list of donors. Obama is a very smart man, he knows how to get around the law.

Some in the GOP are already starting to push Sarah Palin apparently as an early favorite for the race in 2012. Independents and Libertarians are talking about Jesse Ventura. Should be interesting to see who actually has legs four years from now.

And most of it was "dirty money", he was the only candidate to never make available the entire list of donors.

Some in the GOP are already starting to push Sarah Palin apparently as an early favorite for the race in 2012. Independents and Libertarians are talking about Jesse Ventura. Should be interesting to see who actually has legs four years from now.

TangoDancer:

According to an NPR report this morning, Barack cannot by law give more than $2000 of his overage to the Clinton campaign.

People seemed to believed in his message and wanted to help him win by donating to his campaign. It worked. He is the president elect now. The question is will he let people down and if so, how many. If he is to do what he needs to get done, he may disappoint many people on the political left and right.

He will make it harder for the late night comedians to have jokes at the president's expense. Joe Biden might come to the rescue on that one.

Obama is a household name. Get use to it!

2012!!!!!

Barack's victory is very hard for "certain people" to accept.

Evil, jealous people are insisting that Barack was not born in America.

Well that's great that he still has dinero in the bank, but I've personally put a lot of my funds into his campagin coffers. Today I was petitioned again to donate to Hillary's campaing retirement debt. I could only give $50. Not that I'm perturbed, but why do we need to keep giving our personal money to HRC if BHO still has $30M in the bank? I'm not offended or irritated since I support the cause, but what is to become of unspent campaign funds that still reside in the Obama bank?

Who would want to contribute to buy a few more snazzy outfits for Sarah Palin to wear to her hate-fests?