Staff Reports
In the world of campaign fundraising, former President Donald Trump has proven that despite the noise and chaos surrounding his candidacy, his supporters remain enthusiastic and willing to open their wallets. In July, Trump’s campaign raked in a staggering $138.7 million, a marked improvement from June’s haul of around $112 million. This influx of cash comes at a pivotal time as Trump prepares for the upcoming election, solidifying his standing as the financial juggernaut of the Republican Party.
In addition to the impressive fundraising totals, Trump’s campaign finds itself with a robust $327 million still sitting in the bank. This prompt financial boost coincided with a whirlwind of noteworthy events, including Trump’s acceptance of the Republican nomination and the unveiling of Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate. Not one to avoid drama, the campaign even had to navigate a bizarre failed assassination attempt during the month, although one has to wonder if a Hollywood scriptwriter was involved in crafting such a narrative. Amidst this, one might wonder where President Biden has been, especially after he shockingly stepped away from the race.
In stark contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris is trying to cash in on a burst of excitement following Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Harris’s campaign recently announced an astounding $200 million raised within a week. However, the secret to this success might not be about Harris’s appeal but rather about being the last woman standing after Biden’s abrupt exit. With Biden’s endorsement in the rearview mirror, Harris has reportedly gained traction, rallying support among various demographic groups eager to back a “new face.” It seems the Democrats have engaged in a virtual fundraising frenzy, with affinity groups coalescing to ensure their candidate breaks records.
As Harris gears up for her turn in the spotlight, she faces a countdown of less than 100 days to establish her campaign. Yet, while she scrambles to boost her coffers, it’s worth noting that Harris’s team has yet to release July’s total raised, leaving a cloud of uncertainty about how she’ll stack up against Trump’s juggernaut. With an eager Democratic base behind her, her strategy will likely involve a full-throttle assault on Trump, who is already branding her as a radical liberal.
In an added twist, Harris is slated to announce her running mate shortly, a decision that could prove critical not just for her campaign bank, but also for the dynamics at the Democratic National Convention. As delegates engage in a virtual roll call, naming Harris as the Democratic nominee is only the beginning; keeping her momentum alive in the face of Trump’s formidable fundraising and voter base will be the real challenge. The next few weeks promise to be a roller coaster of political theatrics, where cash will be king, and every decision could tip the balance as both parties barreling towards November.
