Biden campaign touts fundraising bump after first primary debate

Joe Biden’s presidential campaign touted a fundraising bump after the former vice president appeared onstage for the first Democratic primary debate Thursday night.

Deputy Campaign Manager Kate Bedingfield said Biden’s campaign had its best online fundraising hour since its official launch rally in Philadelphia earlier this year.

Tonight, we had our best online fundraising hour since our rally in Philadelphia last month. Thanks #TeamJoe for your support!

— Kate Bedingfield (@KBeds) June 28, 2019

{mosads}Biden has swiftly emerged as the crowded primary field’s front-runner, topping every national poll since his campaign announcement and hauling in millions of dollars in campaign funds. He raked in $6.3 million in the first 24 hours after launching his White House bid, topping the first-day hauls of every other Democratic candidate. 

His front-runner status made him a top target for the nine other Democrats onstage with him Thursday, leading to a heated exchange with Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) over his stance on issues of race.

Biden also at one point said the National Rifle Association is “not the enemy” and was forced to defend his vote for the Iraq War.