Obama Raises $3 Million In San Francisco

There's been a lot of talk about liberal discontent with President Obama these days--mostly over health care, gay rights, and Afghanistan. But it hasn't negated the president's ability to raise money from Democratic supporters in one of the nation's liberal bastions.

Obama's fundraiser in San Francisco last night for the Democratic National Committee brought in an expected take of $3 million to the party's coffers, according to a party source.

That's about a fifth of what the DNC has in its war chest at the moment. The DNC currently trails the Republican National Committee $15.3 million to $20.9 million, raising about $1 million less in the previous month.

Having a sitting president able to wow donors and rake in cash at big-time fundraisers is a distinct advantage for the party in power. Last night, Obama showed he can play that role effectively.