Trump leads July fundraising, but Biden closes resources gap

President Donald Trump took in $165 million for his reelection effort in month of July, a sum that that surpasses what his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, raised during same period.

But a massive cash-on-hand vant that once gave Republican a significant competitive edge has largely been closed, with Biden and Democratic Party reporting that y are just $6 million shy of $300 million that president and Republican National Committee have banked.

money puts two on a virtually even footing that will allow both to saturate airwaves with vertising, fund get-out--vote efforts and mobilize supporters — even if it has to be done virtually in many cases due to coronavirus.

sums also suggest that even in midst of a pandemic that has curtailed conventional campaign activities, Trump has continued to spend at a vigorous pace while Biden has cut expenses and stockpiled cash.

Trump's large haul was welcomed by his campaign, which h been bested in fundraising by Biden, former vice president, over past two months. His visers said y didn't just beat Biden — y boasted that y've raised a staggering $1.1 billion this cycle.

" president’s support continues to increase while Joe Biden just posted a down fundraising month from his basement,” campaign manr Bill Stepien said, referring to basement studio where Biden has been attending many of his digital-only campaign events.

Campaigns often tout small contributions from grassroots dors as a sign of enthusiasm and Biden's campaign is exception. y claim support from ordinary people has swelled and point to an aver online contribution of $34.77 as proof.

Campaign manr Jen O’Malley Dillion called it a “lights-out fundraising month” and said money will help Democrats build support "to defeat Donald Trump this fall and win battle for soul of our nation.”

fundraising totals include donations collected by each candidate, national political parties and a series of joint fundraising committees both contenders have set up in conjunction with ir parties. se financial arrangements allow dors to contribute six-figure sums.