You couldn't ask for a clearer declaration from the Obama campaign that the general election is underway -- and the primary is behind us -- than this.

The Obama campaign has just sent out a fundraising pitch that explicitly appeals for donations to take on John McCain and the GOP -- and calls on Obama's vast donor base to prove, right now, that they can stand toe-to-toe with the Republican money machine. In the email, Obama writes...

This week, John McCain and George Bush gathered behind closed doors, away from the cameras, to raise money for McCain's campaign.

McCain used Bush to raise a reported $3.5 million from a group of about 500 Republican contributors.

That's a lot of money that will undoubtedly be used to attack us and make the case to continue George Bush's failed policies.

But I have an idea about how we can match it....

As we prepare to take on John McCain, now is our first chance to show that a grassroots movement of people giving only what they can afford can go toe-to-toe with the Bush-McCain fundraising machine.

John McCain can run from the cameras, but he can't hide from the fact that he's aiming to continue George Bush's policies for a disastrous third term.

Let's show that we're ready to take him on.

Though it's unclear whether the money would go to the primary or the general, this is a pretty clear declaration that the general is under way -- from Obama himself. We'll try to track how much this appeal brings in and will keep you posted.

Full email after the jump.

Right now you have a unique opportunity to go head-to-head with George W. Bush.

This week, John McCain and George Bush gathered behind closed doors, away from the cameras, to raise money for McCain's campaign.

McCain used Bush to raise a reported $3.5 million from a group of about 500 Republican contributors.

That's a lot of money that will undoubtedly be used to attack us and make the case to continue George Bush's failed policies.

But I have an idea about how we can match it. And we don't need George Bush.

Right now, you can be the reason that someone decides to take the leap and own a piece of this campaign. If you make a donation today, your gift will match their first donation and double their impact.

You'll see the name and hometown of the person you inspired to give. And you can even choose to exchange a personal note about why you've decided to support a different kind of politics.

Your past support has helped us grow this movement. Please make another donation and double your impact.

Your donation of $25 will equal $50 for our cause. Make a matching donation now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/promise

As the presumptive nominee of his party, John McCain has had a three-month head start to build his campaign. In that time, he's made his fundraising strategy clear.

In the words of one reporter, the gala fundraiser with Bush was "part of McCain's delicate effort to find the balance between embracing an unpopular president and taking advantage of his huge continuing draw with well-heeled Republicans."

We'll see more of this dance in the weeks and months ahead, but we already know the steps.

As we prepare to take on John McCain, now is our first chance to show that a grassroots movement of people giving only what they can afford can go toe-to-toe with the Bush-McCain fundraising machine.

And with the last three contests of the Democratic primary coming up in the next five days, the resources we're building right now are an urgent necessity.

Help build our movement by making a matching donation today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/promise

John McCain can run from the cameras, but he can't hide from the fact that he's aiming to continue George Bush's policies for a disastrous third term.

Let's show that we're ready to take him on.

Thank you,

Barack