Stung by criticism--from both Republicans and Democrats--of their "dinner with Barack" fundraising contests, Barack and Michelle Obama have decided to call it quits. But the leader that senior strategist David Axelrod calls the "black Jesus" is planning to have just one last supper with His disciples, hoping that the betrayal of some of his closest supporters won't prevent a resurrection of his electoral chances this coming fall. The following is the text of an actual email sent out by the Obama campaign, with the subject "Sad to Say," asking followers to believe--just one more time--and pass the collection plate for a miraculous comeback:

Friend --

I'm sad to say this is probably the last dinner with supporters that Barack and I will be able to host together before the election.

Today's the last day you can chip in to be automatically entered for the chance to join us -- and I hope you will. You can donate all the way up to midnight tonight, when the campaign will randomly select the winners:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Meet-Us-for-Dinner

Thanks for everything you're doing. Every little bit makes a difference.

Hope to see you at dinner,

Michelle