Both President Biden and former President Donald Trump bolstered their campaign coffers Thursday with millions of dollars in donations in the lead-up to their first debate.
The Biden campaign bragged Friday that it raised $14 million on the day of the debate and the morning after, noting that it marked the highest fundraising ever in the one hour period between 11 p.m. and midnight since the president announced his reelection bid last April.
Meanwhile, the Trump campaign said it raised $8 million on Thursday alone, with a campaign official telling The Washington Post that the huge amount came in a 12-hour period.
Trump, 78, was seen as the overwhelming winner of the first presidential debate and has significantly outraised Biden, raising a record-breaking $141 million in May.
Biden, 81, raised alarm among Democrats and donors with his shaky performance during the debate, where he faltered, made verbal errors and gave incoherent responses to some questions.
His campaign began this month with $212 million in cash on hand after raising $85 million in May.
A Washington Post-Ledger poll of more than 1,000 voters found that after the debate, 49% thought Trump had won, 45% said neither candidate had won, and just 17% felt Biden had won.
The president has said he remains committed to the campaign and, according to CNN, intends to face off against Trump again in the second debate scheduled for September.
