Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden has been experiencing a rise in numbers following the latest public opinion polls. Following this surge in the polls, the Biden campaign also experienced a dramatic spike in online donations.
Politico reports that the Biden campaign released an email to the supporters the previous month, revealing that they have seen three times more online donations, bringing the amount up to $81 million. The former vice president’s campaign also saw an increase in followers by 1.5 million. Although a big part of the donations gathered by the campaign came from the big donors, May saw an increase in new donors and the majority of donors were educators.
Despite this increase in funds for the former vice president, President Donald Trump still maintains a sizeable lead over him in terms of cash. However, because Biden spent most of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown in his home in Delaware, the campaign was able to save millions as he was not traveling to hold rallies or getting television advertisements. Biden’s big endorsers, including his former presidential rivals, were also able to haul in money in separate fundraiser events. Former first lady Hillary Clinton also brought in $2 million in cash for the campaign during a virtual fundraiser.
Trump’s response not just to the pandemic, but also to the ongoing protests following the death of George Floyd have led more and more Democrats to donate. “Nothing raises money like hatred of Trump,” said someone who also held a fundraiser for Biden.
Deadline reports that Biden will be joined by his former boss and colleague, former president Barack Obama in another major virtual fundraiser that will take place next week, the 23rd of June. The fundraiser is also noted as a “grassroots” event, so low-dollar donors will be able to participate.
This would be the first time Obama and Biden have appeared together since the former president endorsed his former number two back in April.
“Folks, I’ve got some big news. Next week, I’m getting together with my friend and former boss, President @BarackObama for a virtual grassroots fundraiser. We would love to see you there,” tweeted Biden.