Joe Biden raises over $46 million in March as he faces pressure to attract more small-dollar donors

Even with an increased emphasis on small donors, which were a key part of the campaigns of former Democratic rivals Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, Biden will have a tough time catching up to President Donald Trump’s campaign haul. While Biden outraised Trump in March, the president’s campaign alone had over $98 million on hand going into April. Biden had $26 million. 

The latest data from the Center for Responsive Politics shows that Trump has raised close to $15 million from donations between $200 and $499 throughout the 2020 election cycle while Biden has brought in closer to $9 million from contributions in that range. 

“My belief, as someone who has raised a huge amount primarily off of lower dollars, is that they should have a lot more Zoom calls at the $100 and $250 level (and maybe some even at less than $100),” one of Biden’s bundlers said. “The calls could be with surrogates. No overhead, limited effort needed. There are a few $250 events, but not nearly enough,” this person said. 

This week, Biden and his wife, Jill, are set to host virtual events with admission fees of at least $250. Jill Biden’s event, set for Tuesday, is sold out. The former vice president’s event is set for Wednesday.

The Biden campaign didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/21/joe-biden-urged-to-attract-small-donors-after-raising-46-million-in-march.html