General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI'll say this about Martin O'Malley
...as a lifelong Democrat from a Democratic family, Martin O'Malley has repeatedly stepped up to challenging elections and has consistently won the support of Democrats through progressive stances and progressive policy achievements. His efforts in office have resulted in significant and concrete progressive changes and improvements in the lives of millions of citizens of my state. My pleasure and pride in seeing him step up to the challenge of running against a Democrat with not only national name recognition, but a built-in support base from a previous run for the presidency, is compounded by the decidedly progressive positions his campaign has put in front of his candidacy.
Whatever the outcome of this election, I think our party will owe Martin O'Malley a debt of gratitude for attempting to steer our party's presidential politics in an aggressively progressive direction - that effort matched, of course, by Bernie Sander's own progressive campaign - both of which have resulted in a national discussion of progressive ideals and initiatives which have already influenced the debate in our national legislature, as well as positively influenced the worthwhile campaign of our party's current front-runner in the polls.
I think O'Malley's bid is a heroic effort, typical of his political career in which he's repeatedly run against adversity and other daunting challenges to advance the causes he believes in. As we debate the issues these candidates present and advocate, let's not lose sight of the valuable and gratifying service our Democratic candidates honor us with in their pursuit of public office. Also, as we reflect on the presidential bids of Martin O'Malley, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, and the others, let's not diminish that effort by reducing our primary to a mere horse race. There's still a lot of time between now and when the actual voting starts to further the progressive causes these candidates represent in their campaigns. That should be our main focus, not the popularity contest.
FSogol
(45,483 posts)JaneyVee
(19,877 posts)Clinton/O'Malley.
CherokeeDem
(3,709 posts)I've been hoping for this for a long time, but I suspect, Julian Castro is likely to be her choice. I really like Castro as well, and the demographics he brings are somewhat stronger than O'Malley's. It's a hard choice.
JaneyVee
(19,877 posts)Just figured since O'Malley is also campaigning, by the time the VP pick comes around O'Malley will have good name recognition.
CherokeeDem
(3,709 posts)I think the decision will come down to what her numbers are when the time comes and who the Repubs are running. If it's Bush or Rubio.... then Castro would likely be the choice. Who knows? Politics is a crapshoot at the best of times...
cali
(114,904 posts)But, of course, to some extent, it is a popularity contest. Had Sanders not entered the race, I'd happily and enthusiastically, support O'Malley.
bigtree
(85,996 posts)...since I'd be happy with either Bernie or Martin, or even, ultimately, Hillary, I mainly see this and all elections as our supreme opportunity to elevate our issues and concerns into the national debate; hopefully, from there, into our legislature and into action or law. The personalities are important, to be sure, but the issues trump all else. That's what I think should be our most enduring focus.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)the election I vote in is a year away and it is wildly important that a dynamic Primary lead up to that election.
The 08 cycle bothered DU, but it registered thousands of new Democrats and attracted more voters than have ever cast a primary vote in history. Clinton and Obama and the spouses and surrogates of those two candidates did in fact do a great service to the Party and to the country by engaging in that election.
I like your guy O'Malley and look forward to hearing more from and about him.
brer cat
(24,562 posts)regardless of the outcome. He should be strong in the debates, and that is important. Our candidates offer such a contrast to the clown car, that I hope independents and moderate republicans will tune in the debates and decide to stay around.
bigtree
(85,996 posts)SaranchaIsWaiting
(247 posts)I also really like Sanders. It's great to have two progressives like that to choose from. I am looking forward to a great debate between the two of them.
bigtree
(85,996 posts)...is that a Russian reference/origin?
SaranchaIsWaiting
(247 posts)It meant a messo people, or a raucous group that needed attention, or something like that. Like, omg the sarrincha is coming over tonight (with an eye roll) I think I spelled it wrong phonetically here it sounds more like SaarinCHA
bigtree
(85,996 posts)...even more with the explanation.
Thank you very much, SaranchaIsWaiting. Welcome to DU!