He raised $141 million last month, erasing the Biden campaign's lead on financing.

Yes, I admitted as much. But that was mainly to the GOP and the Trump campaign, wasn't it? The two places easiest for him to spend on things other than campaign ads. While it is more than enough to do a metric crap ton of advertising, Trump lacks the discipline to spend it properly. He also has a lot of cash going out right now. Four different criminal cases chewing up big legal fees. A sizeable outstanding judgement against him, on which he's also spending a bunch in legal fees to to appeal that judgement. The judgement alone is about 3 times that month of fundraising, as I recall. And that fundraising was a significant bump in response to the criminal convictions, wasn't it? I don't see another case going to trial any time soon. Unfortunately.

How much are those independent PACs raising? My guess is no where near as much. So while the PACs could certainly make some hay with advertising, do they have the funds to do so? And won't they also have some pressure to spend on down-ballot races, too?

Winning the election keeps Trump out of jail, and I expect that will be sufficient motivation for him to adequately fund his campaign spending.

We may have to disagree on this one. It SHOULD be sufficient motivation, but I don't think it will. The siren call of money to divert for personal use is too strong.

--Peter