John,
When I get time on the campaign trail, I like to go for a run. On Saturday morning, it was a beautiful couple of miles in Merrimack, New Hampshire. It’s always a good way to clear your head and work off any junk food you’ve been eating while on the road.
This campaign is in many ways a lot like a long-distance run. It’s one we’re all on together. And what’s important is whether or not we can build the stamina to make it not just through the next mile, but through the finish line.
Yesterday we shared our second quarter fundraising numbers. They show that we raised $3.6 million in the last few months and $13 million since launching our campaign in March. Out of two-dozen candidates vying for the Democratic nomination, that puts us in the top third. Even more impressive, we’ve done it all without a dime from PACs, lobbyists, corporations, or special interests. It’s 100% people-powered and it always has been. Our average contribution was just $30.
That means we’ve got enough air in the lungs to make it up the next hill and through the next mile of this run. But to be truthful, we need to pick up our pace this quarter to compete with the handful of candidates who outraised us -- including those who were able to double or triple our fundraising. That’s the only way to ensure we have the same resources to spread our message, to meet voters, and to compete in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada, Texas, and every state across this country.
We don’t necessarily need to be in first place right now. What matters is where we end up heading into those first primaries and caucuses. I’m confident that we have the right message for this moment, we have the best team, and we are ready to take off.
I think about Ruth, who drives up from Massachusetts and goes to every event we hold in New Hampshire. I think about the volunteers we have canvassing in states like Nebraska and Alaska and Tennessee. And I think about our staff, who have picked up their lives to come join our campaign. I’m humbled by all of your contributions, and I carry that support with me every single day.
Thanks for being on this run with me. It means everything to be doing this together.
Beto
