Here are my concerns about a Martin O'Malley candidacy ...

[1StrongBlackMan]

I'm posting this because I am really undecided between Bernie, HRC and O'Malley. To this point, I have not heard any convincing arguments to satisfy/address/remove my concerns. I'm hoping that someone can address them.

Of paramount concern, for 2016, I want a Democrat (or, someone that caucuses with Democrats) to win the White House, so:

It's really simple, MARTIN WHO?

From what I see/hear, O'Malley is saying the right things, at the right times; but, it is not clear whether he can/will capture the attention of the electorate (or the money to do so) BECAUSE his primary competitors have taken all (most) of the oxygen out of the room ... their supporters are passionate and the supporter back and forths are merely galvanizing them in their places ... and I really don't see a policy place, or the policy space, for him to distinguish himself.

So my concern boils down to: MARTIN WHO?

[dembotoz]

1. It is still early but I find myself drawn to his campaign

I dunno the GOP clown car is 13 and climbing.
And we can not handle 3 or 4?

Early favorites sometimes run out of gas
It is still way to early to hold your nose and support the lesser of evils

[4139]

2. Are you old enough to remember "Jimmy who"?

Carter ran against Mo Udahl, Scoup Jackson, George Wallace and Jerry Brown...all had big name recognition except for Jimmy

[JustAnotherGen]

5. Good point!

I was 3 when he won the White House - but yep -

Sometimes the best option is the thoughtful and measured one.

[marym625]

6. You're just a youngen.

There have been a lot "who?"winners. Imagine before radio! .

[hifiguy]

24. in 1975 at this time very few people outside of Georgia

had any idea who Jimmy Carter was. I remember well.

I supported Mo Udall and then Jerry Brown in the primaries but voted for Carter. First ever presidential election vote.

[NCTraveler]

3. O'Malley needs to make some changes to his approach.

I do think he is in it for the long run. I like him more an more every day. I am a little surprised he is polling nationally at around two percent. He is getting out there but seems to be living in the shadows of Clinton and Sanders. The positions he holds and the work he has done are great.

Out of our three candidates being discussed, I think he is the one that need to evoke the names of Clinton and Sanders. Until he is noticed more he needs to attach himself to them directly.

[JustAnotherGen]

12. I want him to to run directly at Clinton

I think the 'grass roots' Sanders folks - tend to think more in terms of philosophy - grand ideas.

His strength against Clinton is the inch by inch, step by step approach he has taken in public service.

His stance on the TPA combined with raising the minimum wage and the highest Median income being in MD when he left office -

Show a stark difference AND a fully visible way that his leadership helped people with their kitchen table issues.

[NCTraveler]

15. Agree and disagree.

I do think you are right that he needs to make a run at Clinton supporters. I disagree with the Sanders sentiment. Most of his supporters do think more philosophically. But many are simply looking for a place to go other than Clinton. I see many strong Obama supporters who are now Sanders supporters and completely anti-Clinton. Philosophically, Clinton and Obama aren't that much different. That is the segment of Sanders supporters I am talking about. I think some would jump ship quickly if O'Malley starts to gain traction.

[JustAnotherGen]

21. Not the supporters

The Candidate.

It's not just Sanders supporters - it's the independents and unaffiliated.

My brother is one. He's staunchly on the left - but refuses to belong to any political party. He was all set to push for Webb - because his line of business reaches Webb's target demographic. But the more I talk to him - the more he's leaning towards O'Malley.

Another is my friend Eric and his wife. Both indies. She was hoping for Pataki or Huntsman and he was hoping for Sanders. But the shine is wearing off those candidates and let's face it - moderate lean right centrists are NOT getting Huntsman as a candidate. He's not running.

I keep hearing about Clinton's appeal to the middle -

I think that's where she's weak. The middle.

Clinton has that 'star power' -if he attaches to her? If he runs at her? And it doesn't have to be nasty -

It's as simple as -

I know you say you believe in this SOS Clinton, but I already did it. And here's how I'm going to negotiate and compromise with a Republican house and possibly Senate to get it done.

If Sanders falters - there's no way his supporters will shift to Clinton until a G.E. They will shift to O'Malley naturally - as at least at DU - it's a fair wage and anti TPA and anti War.

[avebury]

16. I definitely like O'Malley better then Clinton

but I am a Sanders supporter.

He ought to take a page out of Bill Clinton's book and go on the late night shows and perform. He is in an Irish band which he might parlay into garnering some attention from those who don't spend a lot of time watching political shows.

[NCTraveler]

28. I think there are many like you.

He could make a pretty big splash with something like you suggested. He needs to keep it rolling. The more I learn about O'Malley, the more I like him. Often doesn't go that way in politics.

[azmom]

54. I concur o'malley over Clinton any day

[Raine1967]

27. I wish people paid more attention to his peaches against and about Wall Street.

[link: http://www.businessinsider.com/martin-omalley-is-happy-to-be-the-last-person-wall-street-ceos-want-running-in-2016-2015-6#ixzz3e6EfVbLo|Martin O'Malley is happy to be 'the last person' Wall Street CEOs want running in 2016]

[NCTraveler]

30. For one, I always pay attention to peaches.

They are just so cute and soft. I have never ignored them.

Second, I'm trying to figure out why O'Malley is not doing much of anything. I say that somewhat lightly as he is out there. He is smart and has to have a plan other than what he is currently doing. I haven't really questioned it because I do think he has time. He really does need to become more aggressive in some form in the next month. The way the primaries work, things can change very quickly. I like him a lot.

[Raine1967]

33. ROFL! Sorry, my bad!

HE's actually been out there in Iowa having house parties.

He only set up his NH campaign office on the 17 of June.

[NCTraveler]

34. No bad to it. It made me smile.

I want more of O'Malley. Not that anyone recognizes, but I start almost every morning, Mon-Fri, with two positive op's about O'Malley in GD. It is how I have been learning about him. I haven't been on as much this week so I missed a day or two.

[elleng]

49. Will start 'following' you, NC!

[JustAnotherGen]

39. I love this! n/t

[JustAnotherGen]

4. Who? He's the Who Who Did It!

A tasted of what he accomplished as Governor - because you know . . . talk is cheap.

Legalized Same Sex Marriage

Enacted Strict Gun Control Laws - so strict he offended Beretta and they moved out of stae.

Repealed the death penalty in MD

He signed a law that allows people in the country illegally to get drivers licenses.

He defied the Democratic Party leadership last summer on the child 'new Americans' crossing the border.

Raised the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour

He left office with Maryland having the highest median household income in America.

Education Week magazine ranked Maryland’s K-12 schools #1 in America for five straight years.
http://www.marylandeducators.org/press/maryland-schools-rank-1-five-years-row-0

The Pew Center ranked Maryland one of the top three states for upward economic mobility.
http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/multimedia/data-visualizations/2012/economic-mobility-of-the-states

Look up the words 'Flush Tax' - they funded an upgrade to wastewater treatment plants.

1 Million acres of open space preserved

MD cut their infant mortality rate by 21% under his watch - the goal was 10%




****************************
What else did you need?

You aren't going to get a lot of would, should, could from his supporters. I know I'm not the only person who looks at a long list of 'I did' - and that's where his appeal is to me.


Now 1strong -frame this in - "I know gen is actively engaged in getting things done in her community."

Start from that point with my response on this.

And then remember this - He didn't back away from his policy in Baltimore as the Mayor. He operated from a place of what he knew, when he knew it. But when the people got good and righteously angry - he didn't hide out in Europe. He came home and faced the music.

And that humility makes him human.

[1StrongBlackMan]

8. I was hoping you would see this ...

Thanks for your response.

[FSogol]

14. Same here. O'Malley isn't just talk, he's accomplished many of the things he discusses.

As for the "Martin Who", he is also someone who can make up great deficits to win elections. For example (from wiki):

In 1990, O'Malley ran for the Maryland State Senate in Maryland's 43rd Senate District. He challenged one-term incumbent John A. Pica in the Democratic primary and lost by just 44 votes. O'Malley was considered an underdog when he first filed to run but "came out of nowhere" to lead Pica on election night. O'Malley eventually lost the race when absentee ballots were counted. In 1991, he was elected to the Baltimore City Council to represent the 3rd District and served from 1991 to 1999

O'Malley announced his decision to run for Mayor of Baltimore in 1999, after incumbent Kurt Schmoke decided not to seek re-election. O'Malley's entrance into the race was greatly unexpected, and he faced initial difficulties, being the only Caucasian candidate for Mayor of a city which is predominantly African-American. O'Malley's strongest opponents in the crowded Democratic primary of seven were former City Councilman Carl Stokes, Baltimore Register of Wills Mary Conaway, and Council President Lawrence Bell. In his campaign, O'Malley focused on reducing crime, and received the endorsement of several key African-American lawmakers and church leaders, as well as former Mayor of Baltimore and Maryland Governor, William Donald Schaefer. On September 14, O'Malley won the Democratic primary with 53%. O'Malley went on to win the general election with 90% of the vote, defeating Republican nominee David Tufaro.

In 2003, O'Malley ran for re-election. He was challenged in the Democratic primary by four candidates, but defeated them with 67% of the vote. In the general election, he won re-election with 87% of the vote.

and as governor:

In 2010, O'Malley announced his intention to run for re-election, while Ehrlich announced he would also run, setting up a rematch of 2006. Despite major losses for Democrats nationwide, O'Malley defeated Ehrlich 56%–42%, receiving just over one million votes.

On a personal level, I don't feel Sanders can win nationally and feel that once the inevitability of HRC wears off, O'Malley will soar into the lead. O'Malley's views are similar to Sanders, but as a proven executive, he has been able to have results that are out of the reach of most legislators. Likewise, while HRC enjoys 75% of Democratic party support at the moment, I am not sure the support is as solid as she hopes. She proved beatable in 2008 and waffles on controversial issues. Her support is because many Democrats believe she is the only one that can win against the Repubs. Once someone else proves they are a force (perhaps with some strong first or 2nd place showings in the earliest 10 primaries), her support will drop. Just my 2 cents, unadjusted for inflation.

For more info on O'Malley accomplishments and views, check out DU's O'Malley group:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1281

[JustAnotherGen]

17. This FSogol

and waffles on controversial issues

O'Malley doesn't waver as the wind blows.

Part of my ability to relate to him is that social justice education I know he received at a Catholic School. I'm not an R.C. - raised a protestant - but I went to a Catholic High School and university. He took the same course work in social justice that I did - and although it was at a much higher level - he had parents who were committed to public service . . . another thing I relate to.

I've seen first hand how being on the School Board or a Town Council changes peoples lives. My parents were in these elected positions when I was growing up -

And good, bad, indifferent - that shapes you.

Doing the right thing - doesn't always translate to popularity. I'd rather be accomplished than popular.

I respect people who take that same approach.

[Raine1967]

23. Another +1 You put into words what I really feel

and have not been able to express like you did:

On a personal level, I don't feel Sanders can win nationally and feel that once the inevitability of HRC wears off, O'Malley will soar into the lead. O'Malley's views are similar to Sanders, but as a proven executive, he has been able to have results that are out of the reach of most legislators. Likewise, while HRC enjoys 75% of Democratic party support at the moment, I am not sure the support is as solid as she hopes. She proved beatable in 2008 and waffles on controversial issues. Her support is because many Democrats believe she is the only one that can win against the Repubs. Once someone else proves they are a force (perhaps with some strong first or 2nd place showings in the earliest 10 primaries), her support will drop. Just my 2 cents, unadjusted for inflation.

I really agree.

[Raine1967]

22. +1 n/t

[NCTraveler]

31. Thanks for this. Excellent. nt.

[snooper2]

7. I recommend you wait till the first debate happens...When you see the passion in him

it will be great-

Also, I'm hoping he has some zingers ready for both of them. Something that will be repeated by the talking heads over and over-

Like when Obama smoked Hillary-


"While you were on the board of WalMart I was actually in the streets working as a community organizer"

[JustAnotherGen]

11. The thing is - for zingers

He only has to say -

Well - while my opponents have a great idea - here's how I implemented it.

[avebury]

18. The problem is that Obama captured a lot of

people's imagination in 2008 but when you look at his recent actions his appeal does lose some of the luster.

I am very skeptical now when I look at candidates because I question just how truly authentic a person is. I know that I am less likely to vote someone in for a second term because once they feel like they don't earn your vote anymore, that is when you see what is really going on within someone.

[JustAnotherGen]

38. I wasn't on the Obama train

I was an Edwards supporter. I didn't get the 'glamour' and the 'ooh' and the 'ahh'.

I've always been a bit of a cynic. . . and the thing that 'got' me (aside from picking Sister Sarah Alaskastan) was knowing he WAS a community activist.

The thing the Republicans tried to use against - was what finally really appealed to me.

I want proof and receipts. And you know what - there's nothing wrong with that.


I'm going to need proof and receipts from O'Malley's opponents.

[avebury]

40. Did you ever read the book Game Change?

John Edwards was a train wreck ready to happen. There were some in his campaign considering finding a way to derail his run because he had way too much hidden baggage with the pregnant mistress and so on. As much as people felt sorry for his wife, it sounded like neither of them were any great prize. I was rather shocked by what the book had to say about Edwards, his wife and the campaign.

[JustAnotherGen]

41. Yes I did

[Raine1967]

67. Wow, I was an Edwards supporter as well, JAG.

I am very much with you on how I came to support Obama. I was Edwards with Obama as close second and remember feeling like I didm;t know who to out-right support.

Edwards had a great platform — as did Obama.

(sorry I took so long to respond to this wonderful post, I was crazy busy from thursday until Sunday morning here in the NoVa. — )

[JustAnotherGen]

69. Edwards was clearly focused on

Poverty and health care. . . I felt like he was the leader on those. And his experience growing up in poverty (though I did not - just a serious empathy chip) - gave him a level of compassion that appealed to me.

At the end - he screwed up. And because of that - we'll never know what could have been done. Perhaps we'd already have single payer.

[Raine1967]

70. I did grow up poor, but aside from that, you and I — I feel everything you said.

Makes no sense to look back at the could have's — hoohaw, he screwed up. I love your empathy chip — I Wish we all had some to share around.

I really believed in his message, (and never gave that message up, only the candidate — after he blew it) and I was more than glad to put myself on the Obama team after that.

It only adds to my appreciating O'Malley as a candidate. This man was raised as a den. His mother still works for senator Mikulski.

That's like having two MOM's!

[elleng]

47. LOVE IT!

[JustAnotherGen]

48. I knew you would!

But - its true.

I can't wit to vote for someone who has done something.

[elleng]

52. YES!!!!

[1StrongBlackMan]

13. Wait ... Admiring the passion of a candidate is not enough ...

DU told me that!

[joeybee12]

9. It's early, but he's still polling lower than Bernie, which isn't good...

Actually, I should say it's very early...we really shouldn't even be taling about all this until a year out...the election cycle has gotten longer and longer each time.

[JustAnotherGen]

10. I'm in NJ - one of the last primaries

But I've put in my name to volunteer up in NH.

[Raine1967]

20. I am in Virgina, I am looking to head to NH!

[dsc]

42. why not south carolina

unless you are way, way up north in VA you would have to be considerably closer to SC than NH.

[Raine1967]

43. I have a road trip planned for NH this year!

SC is not out of the question either, but I am not sure if he has an office set up down there yet.

[Raine1967]

19. I'd like to honestly point you and others towards the Mo'M group to learn more BUT...

One thing I see regarding his campaign is that he is certainly running as the underdog. Anyone paying attention to politics knows this. Over in our group, we are plugging along, just as I see the O'Malley campaign doing.

Clinton is the obvious front runner. Sanders is an exiting candidate for many.

Here is who is managing his O'Say can you see pac:

Bill Hyers — a man who played a really big part in getting Progressive Mayor Bill DeBlasio elected in NYC.

The campaign manager credited with orchestrating Mayor de Blasio’s come-from-behind election last year is working as a senior advisor to Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley as he ponders a potential presidential bid in 2016, the Daily News has learned.

Bill Hyers is working with O’Malley’s federal O’Say Can You See PAC, which the governor uses to pay for his staff and raise money for Democratic candidates.

“Bill has been informally advising the Governor's PAC for the last few months,” O’Malley press secretary Lis Smith confirmed. “Now that the midterm elections are over, he is stepping up his role as a senior adviser. With his vast national experience on every level of campaign, we are thrilled to have him on board.”

Hyers has built a brand for himself helping longshot candidates win elections.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/hyers-working-o-malley-o-pac-blog-entry-1.2032039

Before working for de Blasio, Hyers had served as Pennsylvania state director for President Obama’s reelection campaign in 2012. He also managed the 2006 congressional campaign of now-Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and the 2007 Philadelphia mayoral race of Michael Nutter.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/omalley-hires-former-bill-de-blasio-campaign-manager-as-senior-adviser/2014/12/03/69ae6f70-7b2e-11e4-9a27-6fdbc612bff8_story.html


As far as a policy: he is far above and beyond both candidates when it comes to combating climate change. He sees this nation as running on 100% clean energy in 35 years: http://motherboard.vice.com/read/martin-omalley-clean-energy-candidate

One thing I will say is that Martin O'malley doesn't say the right things at the right times, he has been a very consistent progresive Democrat. He's not without flaws, but I appreciate his record as assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, a council member for the City of Baltimore. The mayor of that City (for two terms) and then the governor of Maryland, (again for two terms)

He is really strong on gun control and has the legislation to back that up. His actions and legislation regarding the LGBT community is stellar.

This is from his website: Built an Economy that Works for Everyone

Strengthened Maryland’s Economy
Under Governor O’Malley Maryland ranked #1 for innovation and entrepreneurship for three years in a row, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Maryland also ranked as one of the top three states for economic mobility based on workers’ ability to move up the earnings ladder, according to the Pew Center on the States. And Maryland achieved a faster rate of job creation than its neighbors Virginia or Pennsylvania, who tried to cut their way to prosperity.

Raised Maryland’s Minimum Wage to $10.10
Governor O’Malley brought people together, forged consensus, and raised Maryland’s minimum wage to $10.10. Hundreds of thousands of Maryland workers will receive a raise, creating stronger customers for local businesses and good-paying, family-supporting jobs.

Protected Working Families
Governor O’Malley twice led the effort to expand Maryland’s refundable earned income credit, which puts more money in the pockets of working families. He also made Maryland the first state in America to pass a “living wage” for contractors working on state contracts.

Made the Tax Code More Progressive
In the midst of the worst economic downturn in history, Governor O’Malley reformed Maryland’s income tax. Today, 86% of Marylanders pay less in state income taxes than they did before Governor O’Malley took office.

————

In all honesty, 1StrongBlackMan come on over to this little group here on the DU machine and learn everything about him.

His campaign is plugging along and I have a feeling that he does't need or want to be out there in front with Clinton and Sanders this early on.

A few months ago a lot of people were wondering why Senator Clinton wasn't announcing and I read here and other places that she was more than wiling to let the other people battle it out before her announcement.

I tend to believe that this is what is happening with the O'Malley campaign. Patience sometimes is virtuous, right?



** On a very personal note, I am terribly reluctant to post anything about Martin O'Malley in GD. I have long stated that we have three terrific candidates. O'Malley is my personal preference for many reasons that I do not feel comfortable posting here in this forum.

I will start worrying about polling and recognition when fall comes around. It is still very early and I would like very much for everyone to come over to the group to learn who O'MAlley is.

He has a strong record and executive experience to back it up.

[FSogol]

26. +1 Well said. n/t

[elleng]

44. Great job, Raine!

Been away from 'puter' most afternoon, and glad to see this tread.

[1StrongBlackMan]

56. I be lurking ...

and learning.

[hifiguy]

25. I am supporting Bernie, but I am more than willing to give

a long and serious listen to Gov. O'Malley. i have very much liked what I have heard from him so far.

[randys1]

29. THis thread, question and the one you did on Bernie and will do on Hillary, is what DU

should be about.

Sincere questions about how do we get a candidate in the WH, again.

[FSogol]

32. +1 n/t

[Raine1967]

35. I am in complete agreement with you!

I have found all three threads very educational and appreciate them.

[1StrongBlackMan]

37. But for posting these, I flat out, and literally, got called a liar ...

3 times!

[elleng]

45. :-(

[1StrongBlackMan]

46. Actually, recognizing the screen names of those doing the calling ...

I was, more, like:

[elleng]

50. Glad to see that!

[Raine1967]

55. I never thought you were, or are now, a liar.

I fully expect to be called out for my support of O'MAlley. Having said that, I am just gonna sit back for a while and watch.

I remember the 2008 debates here on DU. I didn't want to play a part in that mud slinging then and I don't want to now.

I prefer to advocate for my current chosen candidate. I will critique him as well as other candidates when I feel it worthy tp do so without incurring a wrath of hellfire.

[octoberlib]

36. I like O'Malley and would have no problem voting for him but I have the same concerns.

[AuntPatsy]

51. Actions speak louder than words but just as words tend to do, actions can be caused by what

Has not yet been uttered out loud.

[Starry Messenger]

53. Honestly, I've never heard of him outside of DU

He has zero visibility in CA. The only other thing I'd ever heard about him is that he was the basis for Tommy Carcetti in The Wire, which I admit prejudices me against him unfairly.

[Koinos]

57. The problem of fact versus fiction -- literally.

I'm pleased that I never watched the series. I like the real O'Malley.

My understanding (from what I've read) is that Tommy Carcetti was a fictionalized blend of a number of different persons.

Something similar happened in ancient Greece (without TV). Athenians mistook Aristophanes' portrayal of Socrates in "The Clouds" for the real Socrates.

[JustAnotherGen]

59. +1

[BainsBane]

61. Don't let that turn you off a truly great television program

Really. IMO, it's the best program ever made.

[JustAnotherGen]

60. Re: O'Malley and The Wire creator

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/omalley-still-hates-the-wire-but-will-drink-beer-snap-a-selfie-with-david-simon/2014/07/22/67a08f44-11af-11e4-9285-4243a40ddc97_story.html

Fictional Mayor Tommy Carcetti was based on several politicians, including O’Malley, Simon told the Daily Beast last year.

“The writing was not unsympathetic to a man who comes in with the idea of changing things and emerges a completely different creature,” Simon said in the interview. “That was the story [of Tommy Carcetti] and that is the story of Marty O’Malley.”

As an Acela Express train left New York last week, Simon noticed the governor sitting at the four-top table behind him, Simon wrote on his blog,”The Audacity of Despair,” on July 18. (The post was first spotted by Baltimore Magazine.)

Just south of Philadelphia, Simon texted his 20-year-old son: “On the southbound Acela. Marty O’Malley sitting just behind me.” He added this joke: “Do I set it off?”

Simon, a former Baltimore Sun reporter, said that his son offered a more diplomatic approach: “Buy him a beer.”

It's a pretty good article and shows that there is a sense of humor there.

I've been encouraged to start writing screenplays and I shared a top view (beginning, middle, end) with Number23 that I registered on May 31st. If she sees this - she probably understands why I'm grateful that Dolezal pulled the stunt she did - because my plot isn't so absurd anymore. In order to move the story forward - I had to condense the a couple of The Wild Bunch girlfriends into a few characters. Kid Curry's girlfriend and Ann Bassett got pulled into one character because I couldn't have my two heroines in the 1950's make every stop on the Outlaw trail.

We saw the same condensing in Boardwalk Empire. I don't think Arthur Foran's grandchildren were upset by that - and since their great uncle was Red Foran - they know how Hollywood works.

I think O'Malley gets it now too.

[BainsBane]

62. The comparison came about mainly

as I understand it, because O'Malley believed Simon had based the character on him.

[JustAnotherGen]

63. Yeppers!

And he was trying to move Baltimore forward. My girlfriend Lisa moved down there many years ago - African American - and she loves what he did there.

[Starry Messenger]

65. I remember the story about the beer!

Your screenplay sounds great! I'm intrigued.

Yeah, I realize my impression of O'Malley was based on fiction and Simon's blending of several people. Pretty much all the politicians in that series were portrayed as hopeless, corrupt or stuck in a compromised system. It was great at critiquing, but didn't really hold out many avenues of reform.

[JustAnotherGen]

66. Ah - but BainsBane will agree

It was very fun to watch! Let's just say -we have the same taste!

[Raine1967]

68. +1 Excellent réponse, JAG.

[dembotoz]

58. Kick

[lovemydog]

64. Another great post 1SBM.

Like you I'm still undecided too. I'll try and do my best with this one, like with your posts on Bernie & Hillary.

Dark horse candidates can often do well. After voters look at the frontrunners people give a strong look toward the lesser known ones. If O'Malley is great they will consider voting for him. If he does well in debates, many will seriously consider him. From most accounts of what I've read from people in Maryland and that region, he is well-liked and well-respected. That he apologized for what happened in Baltimore (I'm not familiar with all the details of what he said, only that he did so) tells me that he is man of integrity. That counts for a lot.

Election cycles can experience pretty radical changes, quickly. There will be stories like 'The Other Democratic Contender' and 'Let's Take A Good Look At Martin O'Malley.' They will focus on his experience managing a big city and governing a substantial state. And his strong liberal track record and effectiveness dealing with complex issues. Also, a lot of people like the experience of having been a mayor and governor. Neither Sanders nor Clinton have been a governor. O'Malley could possibly position himself to the left of Hillary and as more moderate and possibly effective than Sanders. Particularly if he can establish a good grasp of the economy and foreign policy. Maybe he could attach himself to an issue like ending the drug war, doubling the capital gains tax, or reducing defense spending. He will also be able to say that as Governor he knows how to balance budgets.

Like Sanders, he can elevate the level of the debate and open up the party and the country to new ideas that are good for all going forward. At this point though, I think it's a long shot that either of the other candidates will defeat the juggernaut that is the Hillary campaign. She doesn't have as an opponent the once in a generation brilliant and popular candidate like Obama. Who showed his respect for her by appointing her Secretary of State. The large majority of democrats feel she represented the Administration well and engaged in strong diplomacy. I think the majority of democrats have been waiting for vote for her for a long time.

Thanks for this series of posts. It's challenging and fun and more intellectually enjoyable than the 'I hate this!' 'I hate that!' shallowness that's prevalent here.

[KamaAina]

71. Kick

because the Bernie and Hillary ones are back on the front page.

[DFW]

72. You might find this comment from one of our worst enemies interesting

I happen to be friends with a guy who makes Ted Cruz seem moderate. Don't ask. This guy is now over 80, and is still a raging right wing maniac. Also a dangerous right wing maniac. But he's also a charming nice guy right wing maniac who knows when to "leave the guns at the door" when the occasion calls for it. He practically invented the extra funding (direct mail solicitation) that helped get Reagan elected in 1980.

Nut case or not, he looked to congratulate Howard Dean for his success in the election of 2008. He knew when he and his pals had just been handed their asses by a better man.

His name is Richard, and political whack job though he may be, he has been around for a long time, and knows a lot of stuff. He was one of the few who correctly predicted Santorum to win the Iowa Republican caucuses in 2008.

This time, Richard says "watch the governors. They will have more of an inside track than anyone thinks."

Well, I doubt Rick Perry will be a surprise star in the Republican race, but O'Malley could just be the one surprise governor who, ironically enough, fulfills the prediction of someone whose politics is abhorrent to us as those of Dick Cheney.

[elleng]

73. I vote for you, DFW, O'Malley, and Richard too!

an 'old' post of yours that I missed earlier, but I do appreciate it.

[DFW]

74. Ellen, this might change your mind

Richard (last name is Viguerie) may be an old friend, but he's no one we would EVER vote for, I promise you. Look him up. As far as politics go, he thinks I'm completely deranged, and I think the same of him. Check him out, Richard Viguerie. I think you'll agree with me! Aside from being of the opinion that water is wet, we don't agree on much else.

[elleng]

75. I actually suspected that's who 'your' Richard was, DFW,

and knowing ALMOST as much about him as you do, I agree. I 'voted' only for his suggestion: WATCH THE GOVERNORS!!!

Hope y'all are well.

[DFW]

76. Scattered to the four winds at the moment, but well, thanks!

I'm in Dallas, my wife is visiting my elder daughter and sister in New York, and the "little" one is back at work in Frankfurt with only "local" work foreseen between now and when we all meet up in Boston on Sep. 11th. "Local" to her means no farther north than London and no farther south than Zürich. She thinks she's me or something. We'll all be together again for our friend's wedding on Sep. 12th in western Massachusetts, and then it's back off to Europe for the three of us while the elder daughter returns to NYC for her job there. In the meantime, my wife and I meet up at my brother's place in northern Virginia, and in a week we'll be in Vancouver. I'm lucky if I remember what time zone I'm in.

[elleng]

77. I'm glad to hear you're well and still 'vacating,'

whether or not at your wonderful Cape place.

Just read and posted (in Travel) about the Dolomites; nice piece, and got me thinking about 'the old country' again. Not my country ACTUALLY, but something about Italy in my heart.

[DFW]

78. No longer "vacating"

The whole of last week was work, as is this week until I fly up to Washington on Thursday. Then we're out of touch for ten days or so before we come back for the wedding. Some visiting if Congress starts to straggle back by then, and a visit with our old friend from The Nation in DC before heading up to Boss own for the wedding.

[elleng]

79. Oh. SORRY!

Weather in DC area pretty good; here's 60 miles south of 'town' for the week:
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/Lusby+MD+20657:4:US

[DFW]

80. Keep it that way!

I have a feeling it will be a little cooler in Fairbanks!

[elleng]

81. Doing my best!

I'll say, 'a little cooler!'