Joe Biden's strength at the polls is now being matched by heftier financial muscle as waves of Americans contributed $80.8 million to his presidential campaign in May -- the campaign's largest haul yet. At the end of April, the campaign had $57.1 million on hand to add to $60.5 million in donations that same month.
Biden's campaign said half of the donations it received in May were new. Online donations averaged $30, which indicates ordinary Americans (and not corporations or political action groups) are supporting his campaign. The campaign said educators were the largest single group contributing to his campaign in May.
Biden was profuse in his thanks for this largesse, saying he's in awe of the huge sum. The funds will allow him to battle president Donald Trump on at least something like equal terms in ad spending.
"I understand what these dollars mean," said Biden in an email to supporters. "When facing uncertainty and recession, you chose to back me. I will never forget that. And I promise that when I'm president, I won't let you down."
Trump had a war chest of $255 million at the end of April. Trump and the Republican National Committee (RNC) received $61.7 million in donations in April compared to Biden's $60.5 million.
Political pundits pointed out Biden's donations in April and May were raised under unfavorable circumstances. The economy is stalled; 40 million Americans are out of work and safe distancing measures means in-person rallies are impossible. The huge outpouring of donations despite these drawbacks confirms a mammoth wave of enthusiasm sweeping voters who share a common aim with Biden -- defeat Trump in November.
Most of these donations were collected at virtual events since COVID-19 restrictions made face-to-face interactions at fundraisers impossible.
On Monday, Biden raised $6 million in a virtual fundraiser with his one-time Democratic primary rival, Sen. Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts. It was the Biden campaign's biggest fundraiser to date. A virtual fundraiser with another primary rival, Sen. Kamala Harris from California, raised $3.5 million.
Former president Barack Obama will appear at his first virtual fundraiser with Biden on June 23. Obama said this is a critical moment in our history, and Americans of all backgrounds and political beliefs must join and fight to create a better America where everybody has a fair shot at opportunity. Obama said he's so excited to be joining his friend, Joe Biden, to talk about his vision for the United States.
Biden continues his strength at the polls. The latest Gallup poll conducted May 28 to June 4 shows 57% of respondents disapproving of the way Trump is handling his job as president. Gallup said Trump's approval rating of 39% is his lowest since October 2018. Trump's support among Republicans is eroding.
