2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumO'Malley Works To Position Himself As Clinton Alternative
By CATHERINE LUCEY
Associated Press
DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) - There are some Democrats in Iowa who aren't all that "Ready for Hillary." So far, there's little evidence they're ready for Martin O'Malley, either.
"I think it's because they haven't met me yet," O'Malley said.
The former Maryland governor spent this past weekend campaigning in Iowa, where certain Democrats have a strong desire for an alternative to Hillary Rodham Clinton, who will enter the race for the party's 2016 presidential nomination as a dominate front-runner. Some don't find Clinton liberal enough, others enjoy their role vetting candidates and still others value a competitive caucus season for party fundraising and organizing.
"I think probably Clinton is a shoe-in, but I want someone in the race who will push a little bit to the left," said Monica Kurth, of Davenport, who attended the Scott County Democratic dinner where O'Malley spoke on Friday evening.
No matter the reason, those seeking competition for Clinton acknowledge besting the former secretary of state will require an act of herculean political strength. O'Malley, in a way, does, too. At a certain point, he said, "the race quickly narrows between the once inevitable front-runner and the new and unknown candidate who emerges to offer a more compelling alternative."
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http://www.kwwl.com/story/28579582/omalley-works-to-position-himself-as-clinton-alternative
MADem
(135,425 posts)"Herculean political strength" is a rather minimizing way to approach it.
He's got poor "contrast demographics" to be a VP...though Gore did, too, and that worked out OK.
mahina
(17,506 posts)I think so anyway. Everybody starts somewhere.
Jim Lane
(11,175 posts)O'Malley is male, Catholic, and experienced in state and local government (total of more than 23 years as an elected official in Baltimore and Maryland). He's from a border state and is 15 years younger than Clinton.
If Clinton is the nominee she might want a Hispanic running mate (hence the frequent mentions of a Clinton-Castro ticket). Other than that, however, O'Malley checks a lot of demographic boxes for balancing a Clinton ticket.
Having written that, let me add that I hope the situation of Clinton picking a running mate never arises.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,310 posts)Keep talking, Governor!
K&R
Bjorn Against
(12,041 posts)Nor did they think Carter had a chance against Kennedy. Sometimes primaries can propel underdogs to the top.
I am not totally sold on O'Malley yet, I am still holding out hope that Elizabeth Warren will change her mind but if she doesn't then O'Malley could probably convince me.
trueblue2007
(17,138 posts)RIGHT NOW, WHILE I AM STILL ALIVE.
I won't live for ever. he can run in the next 2 or 3 elections. IT IS LADY'S TIME.