[rexaliquid]

The DNC is using two criteria for qualifying for the debates. One is the traditional polling above 1% in three separate recognized polls. The other is a minimum number of donors (65k), with a minimum of 200 in each of 20 different states.

Meeting either criteria qualifies a candidate for the debate, and should the field of qualifying candidates grow to more than twenty (gods forbid) priority is given to candidates that meet both and then by polling average.

[everdev]

65k donors doesn't seem like a lot especially since there's no minimum contribution. So raising $65,000 can put you on the DNC debate stage regardless of how you poll?

A GoFundMe could raise more than that.

[EpicEng]

How easy do you imagine it is to get that many people to put their name on a list saying they want you for president?

[everdev]

Exponentially easier than polling 1% nationally.

[EpicEng]

The comparison was to a random GoFundMe, not national polling. Besides, the field is limited to 20. A candidate may still have to meet the polling threshold depending on how the field does.