Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Joe Biden raises $6.3m in 24 hours to set new record for first day fundraising

Former President Barack Obama's e-mail list will prove effective for Joe Biden's fundraising efforts in 2020

Chris Riotta
New York
Friday 26 April 2019 22:00 BST
Comments
Joe Biden says he asked Barack Obama not to endorse him

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Joe Biden has set a new fundraising record for the 2020 Democratic primaries after raising a staggering $6.3m (£4.8m) in just 24 hours.

The former vice president raised funds from more more than 96,000 contributors, according to his campaign.

He beat out previous records set first by Texas Democrat Beto O’Rourke and then bested by Bernie Sanders, whose campaign has raised the most funds so far ahead of the primaries.

Mr Biden enters the massive primary field as one of the clear frontrunners, also topping Mr Sanders in several national polls before he officially announced the launch of his candidacy Thursday.

Meanwhile, campaign fundraising experts say his access to the coveted 2012 email list used in former President Barack Obama’s re-election will help him remain a fundraising juggernaut along the campaign trail.

Mr Biden’s campaign touted an average online donation of $41 (£32), with 97 per cent of those being under $200 (£155).

The 76-year-old candidate joined ABC's The View to discuss his campaign roll out Friday, expressing regret for several stains on his lengthy political career while defending his record in the US Senate and as the vice president under Mr Obama.

Mr Biden joked about Donald Trump’s comments made earlier in the morning about his age, in which the president claimed to be a “young, vibrant man” compared to the Democrat.

“If he looks young and vibrant compared to me, I should probably go home!” he said Friday.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Mr Biden is expected to hit the campaign trail in earnest on Monday, when he’s set to travel to several major primary states before delivering a speech in California later in the week.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in