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Biden campaign raises $3.8 million in an hour amid first debate, claims fundraising record

WASHINGTON – Despite the mudslinging during the contentious first presidential debate, both presidential campaigns raised money from it. Former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign announced it broke a one-hour fundraising record during the debate.

Biden deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield told reporters after the debate that the campaign broke an all-time record for contributions in a one-hour time frame for both the campaign and on the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue, raising $3.8 million between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET.

The Biden campaign even started selling a T-shirt with President Donald Trump's face with the words, "Will you shut up, man" printed on it, a reference to Biden's attempts to stop Trump from interrupting him during the debate.

Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden embraces his wife Jill Biden after the first presidential debate at the Cleveland Clinic Sept. 29, 2020.
Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden embraces his wife Jill Biden after the first presidential debate at the Cleveland Clinic Sept. 29, 2020.

'Will you shut up, man?' 5 takeaways from the slugfest between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in Cleveland

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The Trump campaign, for its part, also claimed victory in its fundraising solicitations sent out after the debate.

In an email sent about midnight ET with the subject line "I just stepped off stage," the Trump campaign told supporters, "This debate will go down in HISTORY."

"I showed the American People that I will ALWAYS fight to put America First no matter what and that I will NEVER stop working to Make America Great Again," the email read.

The Trump campaign also texted supporters: "What a debate! MEGA donors will MAX OUT to Joe," meaning Trump expects to get the maximum contribution allowed by law.

Debate top moments: Testy exchanges on health care, Supreme Court among debate top moments

Contributing: Joey Garrison

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden camp claims 1-hour fundraising record, raising $3.8M off debate