Anyone that looks at a calendar can see that there’s a dead zone for political fundraising from around Nov 15-Jan 1. People’s thoughts turn from politics to the holidays and they’re more inclined to give to charity (which is tax deductible) than to political donations.
So, that leaves the Democratic Presidential candidates in an awful situation. Immediately after their Q3 fundraising blitz, they now have to turn around and do the exact same thing to raise as much as they can in the first few weeks of Q4. And, for some of the third tier candidates, this is due or die as most of them are churning through money. But, even among the top tier, there’s a desire to show how well they’re doing. Biden’s numbers have been remarkably low for a former VP. Bernie has a great Q3, will the heart attack and Warren surge hurt him? It was my hypothesis that Bernie’s strong numbers were caused by college students returning to school in Q3. Do they stick with Bernie going forward?
Pete has been recycling the same techniques that worked in Q3, pizza with Pete, a trip to see Hamilton with Chasten and cute pics with the dogs asking for $$$. He’s also been full steam ahead with fundraising events in Chicago and D.C. this weekend. Obviously, he’s aware of the upcoming dead zone and wants to maximize his fundraising now and he’s also got Chasten. I don’t believe any of the other top candidates are actively using their spouse on the campaign trail.
So, anyone seeing anything else in Q4 fundraising? I’m getting emails daily from all the major campaigns.