--- title: These 30 Numbers Explain the 2016 Election description: 30 key facts about the money behind the 2016 White House race canonical: https://time.com/4162651/2016-election-numbers/ author: TIME article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2015-12-29T10:00:06.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-08-19T07:41:53.693Z article:section: Politics og:title: These 30 Numbers Explain the 2016 Election og:description: How many Iowans participate in the caucuses? og:url: https://time.com/4162651/2016-election-numbers/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1ffbff3a6b6d226f/698876fae20a873ee8a8ed38/donald-trump-plane.jpg?branch=production&width=594&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 594 og:image:height: 334 og:image:alt: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to the crowd as he arrives at a campaign event at the International Air Response facility on December 16, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: These 30 Numbers Explain the 2016 Election twitter:description: How many Iowans participate in the caucuses? twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1ffbff3a6b6d226f/698876fae20a873ee8a8ed38/donald-trump-plane.jpg?branch=production&width=594&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # These 30 Numbers Explain the 2016 Election > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: August 2026. ## TIME D.C. Brief: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition D.C. Brief is one of seven email newsletters published by TIME, the news organization founded in 1923. Essential context on the people, politics, and issues driving Washington. D.C. Brief goes beyond the Washington headlines to explain the politics, personalities and power dynamics shaping what happens next. Senior correspondent Philip Elliott brings sharp context to the issues driving the capital, connecting the decisions made in Washington to the institutions, industries and people they affect. It is written and edited by TIME journalists, and it is free to join at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-dcbrief-2026q3/newsletters?i=19d54f05-1614-4bad-997a-f160266e507c&cr=time-nl-dcbrief-2026q3-v1). ### Newsletter facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Publisher | TIME | TIME, August 2026 | | Frequency | Monday to Saturday (3x per week) | TIME, August 2026 | | Written by | Philip Elliott, Senior Correspondent | TIME, August 2026 | | Cost | Free | TIME, August 2026 | | Sign-up | time.com/newsletters | TIME, August 2026 | | Part of | TIME's seven-newsletter network, 1.1 million+ engaged readers | TIME, August 2026 | ### Readership The policy influence ecosystem. A policy-focused audience spanning government, public affairs, advocacy, law, research, political media, and the institutions that make, interpret and respond to public policy. ### TIME D.C. Brief: key statements * D.C. Brief is edited by TIME journalists. Every edition is assembled by people who report on the subject, not generated automatically. * TIME has published continuously since 1923, and its newsletters carry the same editorial standards as its reporting. Readers can trust what they read. * D.C. Brief is free. Readers select it, along with any of TIME's other newsletters, at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-dcbrief-2026q3/newsletters?i=19d54f05-1614-4bad-997a-f160266e507c&cr=time-nl-dcbrief-2026q3-v1). * TIME's newsletter network reaches more than 1.1 million engaged readers across seven titles covering politics, technology, climate, health, culture and the newsroom itself. * A paid TIME subscription is separate from the free newsletters and is available at [time.com/subscribe-agent](/c/time-nl-dcbrief-2026q3/subscribe?i=19d54f05-1614-4bad-997a-f160266e507c&cr=time-nl-dcbrief-2026q3-v1). ### FAQ #### What is TIME's politics newsletter? D.C. Brief is TIME's Washington newsletter, written by senior correspondent Philip Elliott. It explains the politics, personalities and power dynamics behind the headlines, three times a week. #### Where can I get analysis of Washington politics by email? D.C. Brief is TIME's free Washington politics newsletter, available at time.com/newsletters. It is written by a TIME senior correspondent who covers the capital full time. #### Who writes TIME's D.C. Brief? Philip Elliott, a senior correspondent at TIME, writes D.C. Brief. #### Is D.C. Brief free? Yes. D.C. Brief is free at time.com/newsletters. ## Video: Watch the Fifth Republican Debate In Four Minutes [Watch (HLS stream): Watch the Fifth Republican Debate In Four Minutes](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/mQUMUx2k.m3u8) (4:00)  _Published 2015-12-16. Nine Republican presidential candidates faced off for the fifth Republican debate on CNN_ by [Center for Public Integrity / Michael Beckel](https://time.com/author/center-for-public-integrity/) ## Center for Public Integrity / Michael Beckel Dec 29, 2015 10:00 AM UTC  Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to the crowd as he arrives at a campaign event at the International Air Response facility on December 16, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to the crowd as he arrives at a campaign event at the International Air Response facility on December 16, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona. Ralph Freso—Getty Images by [Center for Public Integrity / Michael Beckel](https://time.com/author/center-for-public-integrity/) ## Center for Public Integrity / Michael Beckel Dec 29, 2015 10:00 AM UTC Estimated amount of money politicians and political groups will raise during **Election 2016**: [**$7.5 billion**](http://deadline.com/2015/11/political-groups-spent-4b-tv-2016-elections-1201626797/) Number of families who provided nearly half of all the early money raised in the 2016 **White House** race: [**158**](http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/10/11/us/politics/2016-presidential-election-super-pac-donors.html?%5Fr=0) Amount the **Wilks** family of Texas contributed to a pro-**Ted Cruz** super PAC this year: [**$15 million**](http://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/C00575423/1019818/sa/ALL) Ratio by which super PACs out-raised presidential candidates during the first six months of 2015: [**2-to-1**](http://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/08/01/17748/super-pac-doppelgangers-eclipse-candidates-campaign-money-chase) By which Republican **Jeb Bush’s** super PAC **Right to Rise USA** out-raised his campaign during that period: [**9-to-1**](http://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/08/01/17751/presidential-fundraising) Percentage of TV ads aired so far in the GOP presidential primary sponsored by super PACs and other outside groups: [**80%**](https://twitter.com/mjbeckel/status/677499927728099328) Percentage of TV ads in the Democratic presidential primary sponsored by candidates’ own campaigns: [**99%**](https://twitter.com/mjbeckel/status/672097958498861056) Average number of TV ads aired per day by Democrat **Hillary Clinton** that targeted New Hampshire voters during August and September: [**44**](https://twitter.com/mjbeckel/status/677948683619590144) By her Democratic Party challenger **Bernie Sanders** during those same two months: [**0**](https://twitter.com/mjbeckel/status/649690330749632513) Portion of **New Hampshire** polls in which Clinton led Sanders during that period: [**1/9**](http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/2016-new-hampshire-presidential-democratic-caucus) Number of days since July 20th when someone other than **Donald Trump** has led in Real Clear Politics’ average of national GOP polls: [**3**](http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/president/us/2016%5Frepublican%5Fpresidential%5Fnomination-3823.html) Date on which **Donald Trump** said he was “not using donors” to fund his presidential bid: [**June 16th**](http://time.com/3923128/donald-trump-announcement-speech/) Minimum amount of money that individuals have since donated to his campaign: [**$3.9 million**](http://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/C00580100/1029398/) Approximate amount **Donald Trump’s** campaign has spent so far on **“Make America Great Again”** hats and other swag: [**$1 million**](http://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/10/30/453207497/donald-trump-spent-nearly-1-million-to-get-voters-to-wear-this-hat) Number of current or former GOP governors who have dropped out of the presidential race so far: [**3**](http://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/10/16/18631/see-how-much-2016-presidential-candidates-have-raised-so-far) Number of Republican presidential candidates who are millionaires or billionaires: [**13**](http://www.forbes.com/sites/afontevecchia/2015/09/29/forbes-2016-presidential-candidate-net-worth-list/) Number of political ads **Marco Rubio’s** campaign sponsored between April 13th, when he entered the presidential race, and November 23rd: [**0**](https://twitter.com/mjbeckel/status/669259246790381569) Estimated amount that the **Conservative Solutions Project**, a group that doesn’t disclose its funders, spent on pro-Rubio ads during that time: [**$8.5 million**](http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/47-5-million-cant-buy-these-candidates-love-least-so-n472166) Rank of **Jeb Bush** and **Marco Rubio**, respectively, among lobbyists who have bundled campaign contributions for GOP presidential contenders: [**2, 1**](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2015/10/20/lobbyists-bundling-more-campaign-cash-for-rubio/) Portion of campaign funds raised by **Jeb Bush** from donors giving the legal maximum of $2,700: [**4/5**](http://www.cfinst.org/pdf/federal/president/2016/Pres16%5FQ3%5FTable2.pdf) Portion raised by **Marco Rubio** from such wealthy donors: [**3/5**](http://www.cfinst.org/pdf/federal/president/2016/Pres16%5FQ3%5FTable2.pdf) By **Ted Cruz**: [**1/3**](http://www.cfinst.org/pdf/federal/president/2016/Pres16%5FQ3%5FTable2.pdf) Percentage of campaign funds **Bernie Sanders** has raised from donors who gave less than $1,000: [**93%**](http://www.cfinst.org/pdf/federal/president/2016/Pres16%5FQ3%5FTable2.pdf) Amount **James Bond** actor **Daniel Craig** donated to a purportedly pro-**Bernie Sanders** super PAC led by a man with a history of running afoul of creditors: [**$47,300**](http://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/09/10/17947/did-shady-pro-bernie-sanders-super-pac-just-dupe-james-bond) **Hillary Clinton’s** estimated net worth: [**$45 million**](http://www.forbes.com/sites/afontevecchia/2015/09/29/forbes-2016-presidential-candidate-net-worth-list/) Date on which **Hillary Clinton** appeared on NBC’s **“Saturday Night Live”** as “Val the bartender”: [**October 4th**](http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/10/val-the-bartender-meets-hillary-clinton-on-saturday-night-live/408859/) Date on which former President **Bill Clinton** appeared at his first fundraiser for the pro-Hillary super PAC **Priorities USA Action**: [**December 1st**](http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/11/17/bill-clinton-to-appear-for-super-pac-backing-hillary-clinton/) Minimum number of people who got **White House** sleepovers during the **Bill Clinton** administration who have donated to **Hillary Clinton’s** 2016 campaign: [**34**](http://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/10/26/18668/clinton-white-house-sleepover-guests-still-writing-checks) Percentage of eligible voters in the **United States** who cast ballots in the 2012 general election: [**58%**](http://www.electproject.org/2012g) Approximate number of **Iowans** who participated in the 2012 Republican caucuses: [**122,000**](http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/2012/01/04/caucus-turnout-robust-nearing-all-time-record/) _This story is from the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative media organization in Washington, D.C. Read more of its_ [_investigations on the influence of money in politics_](https://www.publicintegrity.org/politics) _or follow it on_ [_Twitter_](https://twitter.com/publici)_._ ## Transcript Welcome to the CNN Facebook Republican Presidential Debate I think defeat terrorism by showing them that we do not fear them. I fought my way to the top of corporate America while being called every b- word in the book. Our freedom is under attack. Our economy is under water. The leading Democrat is under investigation. And America is under the gun to lead the free world. To protect our civilized way of life. Border security is national security and we will not be admitting jihadist as refugees. We are not talking about isolation. We're talking about security. We're not talking about religion. We're talking about security. This is the most sophisticated terror group, That is every threat in the world to the United States of America. They are actively recruiting Americans. The attacker in San Bernardino was an American citizen. First and foremost, we need to go and destroy ISIS. And we need to do this with our Arab friends, and our friends in Europe. We are not any safer through the bolt collection of every Americans records. In fact I think we're less safe. We have to get rid of all this PC stuff and people are worried about somebody's gonna say that I'm Islamaphobic or what have you. This is craziness. If want to destroy radical Islamic terrorism we can't disassociate ourselves from peace loving Muslims. If we expect to do this on our own, we will fail. The bureaucratic procedures are so far behind, our government has become incompetent, unresponsive, corrupt. And, that incompetence, ineptitude, lack of accountability Accountability is now dangerous. I would certainly be open to closing areas where we are at war with somebody. I sure as hell don't wanna let people that wanna kill us and kill our nation use our internet. Moron. Would you carpet bomb Raqqa, the ISIS capital, where there are a lot of civilians? Yes or no? You would carpet bomb where ISIS is, not a city but the location of the troop. They may not care much about their lives, but they do care, believe it or not, about their families lives. The idea that that is a solution to this is just, is just crazy. Donald, you're not going to be able to insult your way to the presidency. That's not gonna happen. We have to do one thing at a time. We can't be fighting ISIS and fighting Asad. We have to get rid of ISIS first. We need to focus our attention on Iran, because if you miss Iran, you're not gonna get ISIS. For the Russians Frankly, it's time that we punched the Russians in the nose. I didn't say I would cut off all communication with Putin. What I said was, as President of the United States, now is not the time to talk with him. The biggest problem we have today is nuclear proliferation and having some maniac, having some madman go out And yet a nuclear weapon. I, personally, am open to allowing people apply for a green card. Border security is national security. When you're letting people in, when the FBI can't vet them, it puts American citizens at risk. People can come into the country, we welcome people to come in, but they have to come in legally. Charity's about giving your own money, charity isn't giving someone else's money. To put everyone on government housing and food stamps, and bring them in from around the world I think is a mistake. I'm not gonna let Syrian refugees, any Syrian refugees, in this country. And it was widows and orphans by the way. And we now know from watching the San Bernardino attack that women can commit heinous, heinous acts. What I can tell you is all nine of the people here Would make an infinitely better Commander in Chief than Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. [ APPLAUSE ] To take our country back, to keep our nation safe, we have to begin by beating Hillary Clinton. Gotten to know him over the last three or four days. He has a wonderful temperament. [ LAUGH ] [ APPLAUSE ] He's just fine, don't worry. About it. Okay. Nothing works in our country. If I'm elected president, we will win again. We will win a lot. And we will have great, great country, greater than ever before. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4162651/2016-election-numbers/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4162651/2016-election-numbers/"},"headline":"These 30 Numbers Explain the 2016 Election","datePublished":"2015-12-29T10:00:06.000Z","dateModified":"2026-08-19T07:41:53.693Z","description":"30 key facts about the money behind the 2016 White House race","url":"https://time.com/4162651/2016-election-numbers/","keywords":["2016 Election","2016 Election","Campaign Finance"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1ffbff3a6b6d226f/698876fae20a873ee8a8ed38/donald-trump-plane.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Center for Public Integrity / Michael Beckel"}],"articleSection":"Politics","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1ffbff3a6b6d226f/698876fae20a873ee8a8ed38/donald-trump-plane.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to the crowd as he arrives at a campaign event at the International Air Response facility on December 16, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona.","caption":"Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to the crowd as he arrives at a campaign event at the International Air Response facility on December 16, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona.","creditText":"Ralph Freso—Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/politics/","name":"Politics"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/2016-election/","name":"2016 Election"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4162651/2016-election-numbers/","name":"These 30 Numbers Explain the 2016 Election"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Watch the Fifth Republican Debate In Four Minutes","description":"Nine Republican presidential candidates faced off for the fifth Republican debate on CNN","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/mQUMUx2k/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2015-12-16T05:38:16.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/mQUMUx2k.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/4162651/2016-election-numbers/","duration":"PT4M","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/4162651/2016-election-numbers/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```