Posted on: November 7, 2024, 03:44h.
Last updated on: November 7, 2024, 03:44h.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid for a job promotion at the White House cost nearly $2.3 billion. The latest financial disclosures reveal that the Harris campaign spent approximately $1.37 billion on advertising.
After becoming the Democratic nominee, Harris garnered significant donations from various sources, including celebrities, committees, and super PACs focused on preventing Donald Trump from returning to the Oval Office. This support helped her outraise Trump by approximately $500 million, as he received about $1.8 billion in financial backing. Trump spent $456 million less on media purchases compared to Harris.
The substantial spending on advertising was evident in critical swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona. In the days leading up to Nov. 5, the Harris campaign secured ad space on the Sphere in Las Vegas.
The election concluded when Harris acknowledged defeat to Trump at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Race Outcome
Despite the high spending, the American electorate overwhelmingly rejected a Harris administration. By Thursday afternoon, with Nevada and Arizona’s results pending, Trump had secured 295 Electoral College votes, well above the 270 needed for victory.
Trump won all the swing states, including the crucial Pennsylvania. He also led in Nevada and Arizona as the remaining votes were being counted.
Leading up to the election, pollsters predicted a close race, but betting markets favored Trump for a second term.
Polymarket and Kalshi bettors gave Trump a high probability of winning, with the election results showing a clear victory for him over Harris. Some Democrats are questioning Biden’s timing to leave the race, while others believe Harris faced numerous challenges from the beginning.
Critics also raised concerns about Harris’ presidential candidacy, pointing to her responses during interviews and public appearances.
Major Contributors
Several prominent casino billionaires, such as Dr. Miriam Adelson, Phil Ruffin, and Steve Wynn, heavily supported Trump’s campaign. Adelson alone contributed around $100 million.
Harris received substantial backing from individuals like Bill Gates, who donated $50 million, and Michael Bloomberg, who contributed $47 million. Additionally, actor George Clooney hosted a successful fundraising event that raised $28 million in a single night.