"Trust me," Biden wrote with a request for a $5 donation. "Don't wonder "what if" -- just give it a shot before this great campaign tradition comes to an end."
The deadline to enter is Sept. 25. President Obama emailed about the contest twice in the last week, and First Lady Michelle Obama sent an email too. Mrs. Obama's photo appears on the graphic logo for the dinner, but she has not been announced as a member of the party.
A seating chart for the dinner included in a Saturday contest email seems to indicate that Mrs. Obama will not be on hand when three winners and their guests dine with President Obama at an undisclosed place on an undisclosed date. Winners will pay taxes on the $1,600 assigned retail value of the prize package, which includes a one-night hotel stay and coach-class airfare. Winners must also pass background checks and agree to be used throughout all eternity in campaign promotions.
There's an alternate "free" entry page for the dinner contest that's required by law, but no winner has gotten a seat at any of the President's dinners without dropping cash into his war chest. A campaign official admitted this week that the org doesn't actually care if *you* are one of the three winners--the President just wants your money.
Sadly for those who adore the Veep's penchant for colorful language, his email subject line was "Just give it a shot," rather than "this is a big &%$##@* deal!"
CLICK HERE for all posts about the previous dinner contests.
The text of Biden's email:
XXXX--
This is the last Dinner with Barack of this campaign -- and I don't think you should miss it.
Trust me.
Don't wonder "what if" -- just give it a shot before this great campaign tradition comes to an end.
These dinners have been such an important part of this campaign because of the kind of politics they represent -- where valuable grassroots supporters like you get a seat at the table.
We're counting on you, XXXX. I know we're asking a lot of you right now. Just 44 days to go, let's sprint to the finish.
You've already helped move this campaign forward -- standing with Barack and me and getting your friends and neighbors motivated to vote this fall. Now take the next step and chip in $5 or whatever you can to be automatically entered to join Barack for this last dinner before Election Day:
https://donate.barackobama.com/Dinner
Thank you,
Joe
P.S. -- The good folks of the campaign will fly you and your guest out for a meal you won't soon forget. What are you waiting for? Enter now for dinner with our outstanding president.
