"In 2008, Obama's record-shattering haul of lower-dollar contributions was the campaign's preferred talking point when it came to fundraising. But the early and risky endorsement of Obama by some of the most prestigious Democratic donors in New York (then Hillaryland) bestowed a crucial aura of seriousness on the long-shot candidate.
As president, Obama suddenly turned a cold shoulder, rewarding few donors with government perches. He also shunned social events, photo ops and Christmas party invites that many contributors covet. He pushed reforms in the financial sector and adopted a populist tone that horrified the big bundlers of campaign donations on Wall Street.
'Investment banks really hate the administration,' said one prominent and loyal Obama donor, who requested anonymity to speak frankly about the president's fundraising prospects. 'They will not come back.'"
Obama's fundraisers are rebuilding bridges to big donors for 2012 campaign
Washington Post:
