Don’s on the money

US President wins hands down in race for election war chest

THE battle for campaign cash is escalating as US President Donald Trump posted a massive haul, while a fresh-faced Indiana mayor outraised Senator Bernie Sanders, one of the most prominent names in Democratic politics.

Mr Trump’s $150 million second-quarter take reflects the resources at his disposal in his fight for re-election.

And South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s $8.6 million advantage over Senator Sanders shows the intense competition the Vermont senator is facing in a crowded primary.

Together, the early numbers preview the challenges that lie ahead, particularly for Democrats.

While Mr Trump amasses a fortune, Democrats worry their long, divisive primary will give the President an advantage going into the election. Second-quarter fundraising numbers don’t need to be reported to the Federal Election Commission until July 15, but often campaigns give an early glimpse, particularly if they had a good haul.

So far, only Mr Buttigieg and Senator Sanders have released their numbers, with Mr Buttigieg garnering $24.8 million and Senator Sanders pulling in $18 million and transferring an additional $6 million from other accounts.

Yet to be seen are highly anticipated figures from former vice president Joe Biden and California senator Kamala Harris, who saw a surge after her performance at last week’s Democratic debates.

Mr Trump’s haul includes money raised by the Trump campaign, his joint fundraising entities and the Republican National Committee.

The Democratic National Committee, meanwhile, is raising money to support the party’s eventual nominee.

Senator Sanders’ campaign manager, Faiz Shakir, attributed the campaign’s cash gulf to Senator Sanders’ rejection of high-dollar fundraisers, which Mr Buttigieg has not been shy in embracing.