Biden is building his reelection bid around an organization Obama shunned

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President Joe Biden is adopting a unique approach for his reelection campaign, centered around close collaboration with the Democratic National Committee (DNC), an approach Barack Obama had previously avoided. Biden’s campaign aims to raise and spend around $2 billion in coordination with the national and state Democratic parties, creating a synchronized campaign nationwide. This strategy aims to strengthen field, volunteer, and data organizations to support both Biden and other down-ballot Democratic candidates.

According to Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Biden’s campaign manager, this approach signifies a departure from traditional reelection campaigns, showcasing a deep partnership with the DNC and running a successful campaign by all measures.

In contrast, Obama had chosen to distance himself from the DNC’s traditional fundraising, instead relying on personal star power and fundraising through his own groups. This led to the DNC being financially depleted and in debt.

The “one-team, one-fight mentality” adopted by Biden’s campaign allows Democrats to fundraise more efficiently with the DNC’s support, enabling the reelection effort to keep staffing and logistical expenses low while promoting unity within the party. In contrast, Republican presidential candidates often face contentious primary battles, making Biden’s strategy stand out.

Biden’s campaign has shared supporter and fundraising data with the national party, expanding the volunteer list to 250,000 across all 50 states. The DNC is also developing new precision online targeting tools to reach voters on social media, especially younger and diverse demographics.

The collaboration with the DNC enables Biden’s campaign to raise roughly $1 million annually from individual donors, whereas the campaign itself is limited to collecting $6,600 per donor per year.

Fundraising efforts have been successful, with the campaign and the DNC raising over $72 million in the ten weeks following Biden’s reelection announcement. Although the amount trails what Obama raised during the same period in 2011, the DNC’s and Biden affiliates’ cash-on-hand of $77 million on June 30 demonstrates financial discipline and responsible use of funds.

This coordinated strategy has led to early TV spots for Biden’s campaign, advertising on critical issues like defending abortion rights, and financing fundraising events for the president.

Going forward, the DNC aims to remain independent and not become overly reliant on the existing president. Additionally, state parties need to make progress in challenging areas, including solidly Republican states and onetime battlegrounds that have shifted to the GOP.

Despite challenges, party members remain optimistic about the DNC’s future and the potential to turn states like Texas into battlegrounds.

In summary, Biden’s reelection campaign is forging a strong alliance with the DNC, aiming to coordinate efforts and maximize fundraising while maintaining unity within the Democratic party. This approach sets it apart from Obama’s previous strategy, which relied on separate fundraising entities and limited DNC involvement.

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More about Reelection campaign

• “Biden’s Campaign Takes Unique Approach by Coordinating with DNC” (Source: Politico)
• “Obama’s Fundraising Strategy and its Impact on the DNC” (Source: The New York Times)
• “DNC’s Successful Fundraising and Voter Outreach in 2020 Midterm Races” (Source: NBC News)
• “Biden’s 2024 Campaign Strategy and Collaborative Efforts with the DNC” (Source: The Hill)
• “Understanding Joint Fundraising Agreements and Donor Limits” (Source: Open Secrets)
• “Biden’s Campaign and DNC’s Financial Discipline” (Source: ABC News)
• “Democratic Party’s Efforts to Strengthen and Rebuild the DNC” (Source: Reuters)
• “Challenges and Prospects for the DNC’s Future” (Source: Politico)