When Marilyn of Redding, California heard that George W. Bush helped John McCain raise $3.5 million from the same big donors that Bush always counts on, she was motivated to do something she hadn’t done in forty-seven years: she got involved. Marilyn made a small but important donation to our campaign, which was matched by another supporter just like her.
Marilyn hasn’t given money to a political candidate since 1960, when she gave to support John F. Kennedy. That’s also the last time this Republican of thirty years supported a Democrat ("Though I didn’t vote for Nixon," she says). This time around she knows how great the stakes are, and she sees that it is people just like her that are driving this movement:
What I admire most is the way the money is coming in… Bush helping McCain is standard operating procedure. Barack is getting his funds from the general public. People, even with a small donation, can make a real difference. I think it’s fabulous.
That is how we’re showing John McCain and George W. Bush that the same old politics and the same old money won’t cut it this time. The May fundraising deadline is tonight, at 11:59 EDT. If you join Marilyn by giving today, another supporter will match your donation, doubling your impact.
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In Rapid City, South Dakota today, Barack stopped by the Prairie Edge Trading Co. and checked out jewelry and crafts made by the Northern Plains Indians. Here are some photos…
Check out First Americans for Obama for more on Obama’s support among the First American community.
And make calls today to South Dakotans — June 3 is right around the corner and your voice can make a difference in this final primary day!
Finally, if you can, make a matching donation — it’s the last day of the month and thus, the final day of the reporting period, and we need as many supporters to step up today as possible!
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When John McCain met with President Bush earlier this week for a big donor fundraiser, he was hoping to raise millions of dollars from just a few people. We asked our contributors to do the same, but from thousands of people, doubling their contribution by matching another supporter.
For the last three days, responses have been pouring in to show that America is sick of old Washington politics and that people are ready for change. Their messages, while different, each conveyed the same essense of hope and change. Here is just a sampling of some of those messages:
Tanisha in Michigan…
I contributed to Obama because I believe he is the true American Dream personified. He gives our future HOPE again. He lets out children see that everyone’s dreams can be achieved… It is time to restore our nation’s reputation and lift our people up again. I truly believe that Senator Obama was meant to be the person to make that happen. I wish I had more to contribute, but unfortunately I have become a victim of today’s economy too.
Betsy in California…
I grew up in a similar situation as Senator Obama—the child of a struggling single parent, attended public schools, and I was able to get a college education and become a homeowner. It is shameful that young people today do not have the opportunities to improve their lives as I did. It really is time to get our country back on track!
Jennifer in Missouri…
Thank you for matching my contribution. Actually, my contribution comes from both my 8-year-old daughter and me…having explained to her why I believe this election to be so important and after she’s heard Mr. Obama speak, she’s been motivated to contribute in what limited way that she can. So, pooling a few of her saved dollars from her piggy bank, she and I are joining to contribute towards taking back our country.
Thank you for being another person who has not lost hope in America or the true American dream… America can truly be great again, and not only in her own mind, but it will take the continued efforts of people like you and me to regain control of our rights, our country and our future. And I truly believe that Barack will help us fight that fight.
Renee in Florida…
I am truly done with politics as usual and dare to dream bigger and bolder for this country. Barack Obama has the kind of integrity and intellect that we all need. I trust him and am excited that his enthusiasm and strong belief in this country are contagious. I am dusting off my dreams and pursuing them with a renewed vigor because I know that I can.
We can continue to fight the way politics in Washington has worked, but only with your support. The May fundraising deadline is tonight, at 11:59 EDT. Double your impact and donate today!
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