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Obama Raises $5K ... From Himself

Publicly makes his first donation to 2012 war chest

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 1, 2012 3:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Obama campaign has a lot less money in the bank than Mitt Romney's, but it's gotten a little bit of help from a guy called Barack. The president made a $5,000 online donation to his campaign this week and his campaign released a video of him making the donation as he encouraged supporters to do likewise, reports ABC. "I want to make sure folks know I’m not just talking the talk—I’m walking the walk," Obama says, adding, "I have cleared this with Michelle" as he enters his credit card number. The sum is the maximum an individual can donate directly to a presidential campaign, although as the candidate, Obama is free to donate all he wants.

"On its own, what I gave won't be enough to surmount the unprecedented fundraising we've seen on the other side, both from our opponent’s campaign and from the outside groups and special interests supporting him," Obama wrote in an email to supporters. "But we have always believed that there’s nothing we can't do when we all pitch in." Mitt Romney, who spent $44 million of his own money on his failed 2008 presidential bid, has donated $150,000 together with wife Ann to his campaign and to the Republican National Committee. Obama has yet to donate to the DNC.

In this July 13, 2012 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign stop in downtown Roanoke, Va.
In this July 13, 2012 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign stop in downtown Roanoke, Va.   (AP Photo/Don Petersen, File)
In this July 20, 2012 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks in Ft. Myers, Fla.
In this July 20, 2012 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks in Ft. Myers, Fla.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
President Barack Obama speaks at a fundraiser at the House of Blues in New Orleans, Wednesday, July 25, 2012.
President Barack Obama speaks at a fundraiser at the House of Blues in New Orleans, Wednesday, July 25, 2012.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Barack Obama speaks at a fundraiser at The House of Blues in New Orleans, Wednesday, July 25, 2012.
President Barack Obama speaks at a fundraiser at The House of Blues in New Orleans, Wednesday, July 25, 2012.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 34 comments
Hambone4x
Aug 1, 2012 11:19 PM CDT
  Obama has lowered the taxes for small business 18 times in 3 years. He has lowered the taxes for 98% of the working people. He wants to raise his own taxes and lower yours.    Romney wants to raise the taxes on 80% of the people while cutting the taxes of the top 20%, while the top 2% will receive the largest cuts. He wants to raise your taxes and lower his own.   Who do you trust?    I dont see the problem. If you vote for Romney you are either doing really well already or you are stupid!
summerfairy
Aug 1, 2012 1:37 PM CDT
it's called priming the pump.  It's a sign of desperation and begging.  Looks like the crooked government union money is drying up as expected. Next up?  Obama will be accepting those food stamp cards.
WinglessExtremist
Aug 1, 2012 12:49 PM CDT
It's okay our oligarchy has already decided who will be "President". We planned this election 6 years ago, we had our eye on Barry because of his quick whit and ability to follow orders, but people like change and new things, if we are to hold onto power we must let America think they have new leadership. Woops I mean it won't be decided until late this year...
 

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