Folks, these are difficult times for our country, you don’t need me to tell you that.

We recently found out that April, May, and June of this year was the worst period for our economy in recorded history. As the Trump administration continues to fail to confront the COVID-19 crisis, hundreds of thousands of small businesses have shut their doors, millions face rent checks and mortgage payments they can’t afford to make, and countless others face the deep pain of mourning loved ones who have fallen victim to this terrible virus.

At times like this, it would be easy to give into darkness, to despair. To give up.

But that’s not who we are.

In America -- and in this campaign -- we’re tough, and we’re resilient. We choose hope over fear. And we will not back down from the challenges facing us.

Our team of grassroots donors showed that once again last month. I’m humbled to report that, together with the DNC, we raised $140 million in July, with an average online donation of $34.77. 97% of our donations came from grassroots donors, chipping in whatever they could spare -- even $5 here and there.

This puts us in an incredibly strong position leaving July, with $294 million cash on hand to put towards winning this thing.

I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am to them and to you for your support. It means so much to our campaign. In these times of uncertainty, fear, and hardship, you’re choosing to entrust this campaign with your support. That means the world to me, and I promise you I will never forget it.

Thanks to our grassroots donors, we are continuing to narrow the fundraising gap between our campaign and Donald Trump’s. Every single dollar that everyday people like you chip in is funding the advertising that will convince swing voters to support our campaign; the organizers who will help every voter safely cast their ballot on Election Day; and the movement that will win this battle for the soul of America.

August is going to be the most important month of the campaign so far: I’ll be announcing my running mate, officially accepting the nomination at the Democratic convention, and starting the general election in earnest.

So if you can afford to help us keep up our momentum at this important moment, please consider making your first donation of this campaign by chipping in $5 or whatever you can afford via the links below.

I hate to ask, but I know that it would make a huge difference right now.

To show my gratitude, I’ll be personally calling some of the donors to this email and saying thanks -- for everything you do. Because it matters, and I appreciate it, with all my heart. I really mean that.

Be well. And thanks again.

Joe