Breaking all records for presidential fundraising, former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton raised more than $45 million in the first quarter, attesting to her prodigious fundraising machine. Claiming much of the $45 million came from $100 donations, Hillary exceeded the legendary ground game of President Barack Obama in 2008, raising $41.9 million during the same time period. While there’s less competition this time around, Hillary’s fundraising success, despite the multimillion-dollar GOP smear campaign, bodes unfavorably for Republicans in 2016. “Thank you so much for being part of this campaign. I’m grateful for all you’ve done and excited for what comes next,” Hillary penned a handwritten note on her Twitter account. Fundraising successes say a lot about the growing groundswell of support across the political spectrum.
Like Obama’s 2008 campaign to become the first black president, Hillary’s campaign to become the first woman president is only just getting started. Were it only for a female appeal, it wouldn’t have substance unless Hillary had one of the most qualified resumes in U.S. history. GOP’s under-performer former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina questioned Hillary credentials, asking what has she really done. Fiorina touts her experience as a corporate CEO qualifying her for the nation’s highest office. Discounting Hillary’s experience shows just how off-the-wall Fiorina can go attacking Hillary. Recent Supreme Court rulings backing Obamacare subsidies and approving same-sex marriage has given Hillary a strong tailwind, confirming to voters, unlike her GOP counterparts, that she mirrors the view of mainstream Democratic and Republican voters around the country.
Clinton’s fundraising success mirrors her mainstream positions on key issues facing the American public. Going apoplectic over Supreme Court rulings reflects unfavorably on GOP candidates, especially condemning same-sex marriage. While there was tolerance for recent Supreme Court ruling among some GOP candidates, the vast majority ranted-and-railed against the Court’s decisions on Obamacare and gay marriage. Conservative firebrand Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal called for an end to the Supreme Court. Others, like evangelic-favorite former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee ripped the High Court for redefining marriage. Mainstream voters, watching 2016 GOP candidates scream about recent liberal Supreme Court rulings, finding themselves drawn to Hillary’s campaign. Listening to Hillary’s mainstream message on key domestic and foreign policy issues resonates with voters.
GOP has hung its political strategy against Hillary on exposing an arcane email “scandal” to hold her accountable for the Sept. 11, 2012 Benghazi terror attack, where Amb. Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed because Hillary didn’t take security seriously enough. Most fair-minded voters don’t hold the Secretary of State responsible for security at U.S. embassies and missions in remote parts of North Africa. Conducting GOP House investigations into Hillary’s negligence while secretary of state smacks of partisan politics, discrediting findings to ordinary voters. Hillary’s fundraising success links directly with her positions on key campaign issues, including foreign policy, the economy, immigration reform, health care, government entitlements, women’s reproductive rights and equal pay. Same sex marriage or Obamacare subsidies are low on the priority list.
Expecting to raise $100 million in primary cash by year’s end, Clinton sets herself up flush with cash before the general election. While she has no intent of taking the 2016 general election lightly, her GOP challengers all lag behind her in fundraising but, more importantly, head-to-head match-ups in the general election. Clinton’s closest Democratic competition comes from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) who raised $9 million by June 30, only 20% of Hillary. Bernie’s followers know that Hillary has the nomination locked up unless something catastrophic happens between now and the Nov. 4, 2016 election. While Sanders appeals to the Democratic Party’s most liberal wing, his followers are expected to throw support to Hillary. Sanders serves the purpose of keeping Hillary faithful to liberal Democratic causes, including preserving Social Security and Medicare and backing Obamacare.
Hillary’s record fundraising speaks volumes about her successful ground game but, more importantly, that she mirrors the issues important to mainstream voters. Watching Republican candidates talk about abolishing the Supreme Court for approving same-sex marriage or Obamacare subsidies shows how far off the rails the GOP has gone. Announcing as a 2016 GOP candidate June 30, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie touted his state’s balanced budget and economic success. Without President Barack Obama’s economic recovery from the worst recession since the Great Depression under former GOP President George W. Bush, New Jersey, like other states, would still be in a deep hole. Christie said it was time to change the White House occupant. If you listen most GOP candidates, the nation’s economic recovery needs improvement but not the kind under the last GOP president.
