The Value of O'Malley's Progressive Campaign

[bigtree]

After the first Democratic debate, there's a rumble from frontrunner supporters (in the polls) to dismiss Martin O'Malley's candidacy and rally around the leading candidates for the win. Witnessed to the pre-campaign griping about a 'coronation' and the need for serious primary challenges to Hillary's centrist positioning, I'm wondering what's happened to that logic about the need for progressive challengers?

For decades, there's been a dynamic in Democratic primary elections where there was a field of moderate, establishment candidates and one prominent, unapologetic progressive choice. 'Mainstream' choices were able to hold firm to their centrism while positioning their campaigns against what they called the 'extremes' of the parties, isolating the progressive choice and using their campaign from the left as their foil with an eye toward the general election.

What's occurred in this election has been a unified front of progressive politics from two strident and firmly progressive campaigns which has not allowed establishment politics to dominate. In fact, policies and positions advocated by Sanders and O'Malley have compelled the frontrunner to embrace that progressive tenor and some of the policies, making our Democratic primary one of the most progressive campaigns in my lifetime.

I can't know for certain, but I don't think just one progressive challenge would have changed that traditional Dem primary dynamic of centrist, establishment politics prevailing and isolating leftist bids for the presidency. Certainly, Sanders deserves great credit and support for the way he's attracted so much support for his campaign. But, let's not lose sight of the value of a unified, progressive front contradicting our party's tendency to bend toward their fear of republican, conservative opposition. That's the value of O'Malley's campaign; progressiveness has gone mainstream in this election.

[portlander23]

1. The media shouldn't focus on poll numbers

I have to say I'm repulsed by how all of the debates have been structured this year (both parties). With respect to the Democratic debate, it's not a mistake that Mrs. Clinton was given the center podium nor was it a mistake that the lion's share of the time was given to Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Sanders.

The media should not be making judgements about who's a serious candidate and who's going to win. O'Malley is a serious candidate and the purpose of the debates ought to be to expose people to who's running for president and what they believe, not an opportunity for the media to tell us who doesn't matter.

[elleng]

5. Exactly, portlander23, but all the media can do is play games.

They've lost the rationale for their first amendment protection, to enable an enformed electorate.

[bigtree]

9. podium positions based on polling

...we're being led around like sheep.

[ion_theory]

2. Though I do agree that in the past it has been a slew of centrists and..

establishment candidates with one or two 'extreme progressives' thrown in there, I don't see any real evidence that O'Malley has had anything to do with pulling the party to the left or center. All I see is thousands of people tired of the typical, cardboard cut-out candidates, and that is exactly how O'Malley looked on that stage. Bernie is unwavering on his positions and has been for decades. This is what is truly determining the pace and topics of the Democratic race IMO.

[bigtree]

6. Sanders' isn't having this progressive conversation on his own

...and I think you're projecting your own shallow view of these candidates when you can't recall anything O'Malley said in the debate and focus instead on your insulting impression of his appearance.

O'Malley has LED all of the candidates in almost every issue in this campaign with his detailed progressive plans and proposals.

It's amazing to me that two politicians who have been fixtures of the D.C. establishment for decades can be cast as outsiders to a governor who has been doing the real work of making concrete differences in the lives of residents with progressive achievements in his state. Making Maryland accommodating for DREAMERS, gay couples, women, students, minimum wage workers, and others, is progressive progress, no matter how much you dismiss all of that because you think he looks like a 'typical, cardboard-cut' candidate.

Should people judge Sanders on the same surface impression?

[NCTraveler]

7. Excellent. Nt

[elleng]

12. He sure has led, bigtree,

and people owe it to themselves to LEARN about his plans and policies, with which, as you correctly say he has led all of the candidates in almost every issue in this campaign.

https://martinomalley.com/category/policy/

[ion_theory]

14. I agree that people should not be judged simply based on their outward appearence...

And that was not my meaning. I was more referring to O'Malley's mannerisms and the WAY he spoke. He seemed over prepared and didn't bring anything special or noteworthy. I'm not the only one who believes this, I believe the post debate polls showed that. Also, I'm a typical everyday political junky and haven't heard one thing, from MSM or alt. media, to support your statement that he is affecting this race at all. You seemed to have taken my comment personally, and that is not what I intended.

Please don't get me wrong here, I can definitely see O'Malley as POTUS. I agree with most of his views, and live in DE so am aware of what he has accomplished in MD. He could be a front-runner in 2024 (assuming we keep the White House for 2 more terms), but not this race. He doesn't have much time left so if he's going to do something to grab people attention it needs to be soon.

Also to say that Bernie Sanders, an Independent Socialist, is not an outsider is ridiculous to say the least, regardless of how long he's been in politics.

[bigtree]

18. if we're going to compare and contrast Sanders and O'Malley

...it defies reality to ignore the progressive progress O'Malley made in our state which is in place and serving as a model for the rest of the nation. O'Malley was an early and forceful voice in this campaign which reflects his progressive accomplishments in Maryland. His rhetoric is backed by his 'unwavering' resolve to formulate solutions and ACT to put into place major progressive ideals and initiatives in my state which Congress is still arguing about.

That may not be denigrating of Sen. Sanders' own efforts, but O'Malley doesn't take a back seat to anyone in this campaign on commitment and action on these very important progressive advances he's made in my state which he's offering action on as president.

[elleng]

19. Right, and too many 'progressives' appear to choose to ignore

the 'very important progressive advances he's made in my state which he's offering action on as president.'

'O'Malley was an early and forceful voice in this campaign which reflects his progressive accomplishments in Maryland. His rhetoric is backed by his 'unwavering' resolve to formulate solutions and ACT to put into place major progressive ideals and initiatives in my state which Congress is still arguing about.'

People complain that he appears TOO prepared???

[FSogol]

20. Well said, Bigtree. n/t

[jfern]

15. There's no need to attack O' Malley

Bernie is my first choice, but O' Malley is my second choice, and I hope that many of his supporters feel vice versa.

[ion_theory]

16. Agreed. If for some reason Bernie backs out...

I would throw my support behind O'Malley. Wasn't trying to attack him as much as I was commenting on how he came off in that debate, and what I hear people other saying. Overall, those top 3 did great to those of us who pay attention and would definitely be proud to call them my President....

Actually I would more just be able to live with Hillary than be proud.

[elleng]

3. Yes, progressiveness has gone mainstream!

[jfern]

17. Until Hillary returns to her normal positions

[elleng]

4. 'It was unanimous. Martin O'Malley because he stuck to the issues the most,

Hands raised for O'Malley? Three, six, nine, 13.

It was unanimous. Martin O'Malley because he stuck to the issues the most, the group said, and because he probably changed the most minds.'

http://www.npr.org/2015/10/14/448697137/how-did-the-democrats-do-in-their-first-debate-college-debaters-weigh-in


How did the democrats do in their first debate, college debaters weigh in.

[bigtree]

10. we should see ripples from these debates

...and support from those who feel their choices promoted by the media and others are too narrow.

[elleng]

11. I agree, bigtree, and also I think nothing of the damn 'polls' that proliferate

because msm has nothing else to do. MO'M's out on the road meeting people, and on Daily Show tonight and The View tomorrow.

[FSogol]

8. K&R. n/t

[bigtree]

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