What We Can Tell By Analyzing Contributions: a Comparison in Fund Raising Between Hillary and Barack

While not quite prepared to elaborate my public campaign funding ideas, which are really nothing new, I would like to share some interesting information about the various sources from which Clinton and Obama have raised their money: all numbers in the millions rounded to nearest $100,000:

Clinton: Total= $90.9 million
Under $200= $9.5 mil
$200-2,999= $23.5 mil
$2,300 (max)= $46.7 mil
PAC= $750,000

Obama: Total= $80.3 million
Under $200= $20.9 mil
$200-2,999= $25.6 mil
$2,300= $32.9 mil
PAC= $25 (no thousands, only one zero, rather than 5)

Upon examining the numbers elaborated above, there are two comparative numbers, which all but scream for our attention. First, Obama has received over twice what Clinton has in donations under $200, which clearly indicates that his message has resonated with "the people." Also, my own experience as a campaign staffer has indicated that a large number of individuals who contribute in such small donations come from one of two groups. On the one hand, those people who, while they may participate in the process (i.e., they are part of the pathetically small 51% of the voting age population, who in that most pivotal of years, 2000, actually discharged their duty to vote), nevertheless do not generally consider themselves to be "political". The second group, on the other hand, is primarily composed of those who are having their first ever real political experiences, i.e., those who do not generally participate in any politics other than those at the office. Such individuals are often quite pleased that they are not required lie to themselves so as to rationalize the choice not to be involved. The myriad rationalizations offered for their apathy are, almost without exception, prima fascia cynical fabrications. My final comment on this issue is perhaps the most important; SMALL GIVERS ARE BIG SUPPORTERS. People who tithe are generally not those who show up only for Easter and Christmas.

The second set of numbers, which veritably leap from the page are those related to PAC money, Hillary has exactly 30,000 times—yes, that is multiplication and do not imagine the $¾ of a million comes cheaply. In one of the starkest contrasts I have seen between the two candidates to this point. Perhaps Obama will go in quarters on a barrel of oil with some of his buddies with his $25.

I am not in any way trying to suggest that Sen. Clinton is dishonest or could be bought. Nonetheless, this provides us with a powerful motivation to Think about what these numbers mean in terms of a true commitment to transforming our currently decrepit country; does it tell you anything important? If not, I am sorry but you have failed to THINK.