IMPEACH BUSH

In a stunning display of fundraising might, Barack Obama brought in $150 million in the month of September alone, doubling his best previous best month of cash collection.

The announcement was made via video this supporters by campaign manager David Plouffe this morning.

Plouffe called the fundraising numbers the "story of America" -- noting that the two biggest contributor groups to Obama are retirees and students. "Barack's call for change has spanned the generations," said Plouffe.

Obama's eye-popping fundraising numbers include 632,000 new donors in September alone and 3.1 million total contributors. The average donation to the campaign in the month was $86. Obama's largest previous month of fundraising came in August when he raised $67 million.

Given Obama's huge spending on television in battleground states, there was an expectation that he might crest $100 million raised in September but his ultimate total is likely to shock even the most jaded political observer.

Remember that John McCain, because of his decision to accept public financing, has $84 million to spend in September and October -- total. Obama just brought in roughly double that amount in one of those months. No matter how good the candidate or the campaign, it's VERY difficult to win when getting outspent two to one (or worse).

Obama's decision to opt out of public financing way back in June now looks like one of the most critical moments of the campaign. Such a wide fundraising disparity coupled with a national political environment heavily tilted in Democrats' favor makes Obama the clear frontrunner with just 16 days to go before election day.