2020 is still far for the United States of America but the election fever is gripping the country in all its colours.
As contenders strive to raise funds, considered to be one of the key measures of a campaign’s viability and support, Beto O’Rourke, a former three-term Congressman from Texas, has raised $6.1 million in the first 24 hours of announcing his run for the Democratic presidential nomination.
He surpasses rival contenders Bernie Sanders ($5.9 million) and Kamala Harris ($1.5 million) and all others in the running so far.
This not only makes him a serious contender for the top position but also makes him a front runner till now.
“In just 24 hours, Americans across this country came together to prove that it is possible to run a true grassroots campaign for president,” O’Rourke said in a statement, “a campaign by all of us for all of us that answers not to the PACs (political action committees), corporations and special interests but to the people.”
Also read:UNESCO has not declared India’s national anthem ‘best in the world’;…
Former vice-president Joe Biden, is still considered a leader in the polls. However, he is yet to formally announce his candidature, even though hints have been in the coming.
O’Rourke, 46, is seen as a promising leader and the numbers raised in funds are already energising Democrats, much like Barack Obama.
Like other Democrats, Mr O’Rourke has refused to take any money from special interest lobby groups or corporations. The 46-year-old is one of 15 Democrats now in a bid for the White House.
He will be campaigning in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania the week of March 17.