Old school grassroots campaigning. That’s how Martin O'Malley is running his campaign

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Matt Sheaff ?@MattSheaff
Great read: "Old school grassroots campaigning. That’s how @MartinOMalley is running his campaign" #OMalley2016 http://sarahbeckman.tumblr.com/post/122764953597/the-under-under-dog …

Old school grassroots campaigning. That’s how Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley is running his campaign. He’s not holding massive public rallies at upscale venues; he’s not spouting his mouth off on social media about the latest news story…he’s going around to small gatherings throughout Iowa and meeting with potential voters and committed supporters. He’s answering their questions and laying out his views of key campaign issues such as income inequality, the economy, education, foreign policy, and climate change. He takes the time to meet each audience member, snap a selfie, and listen to their concerns. O’Malley is extremely hands-on, even in the way he presents himself to the crowd. Each time I’ve seen him, the crowd is a mere 6 or 7 feet away from him as he speaks. He works with the media and doesn’t talk down to anyone. This shows that he’s humble and modest and approachable as a candidate.

O’Malley declared his run for the White House a little less than a month ago, yet he still lacks the name recognition as his opponents Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. He touts his long run as governor of Maryland and the numerous major strides in education, poverty, and jobs that he helped make for his state. He’s progressive for the youth vote, and promising for older voters. And I think people are starting to give him a chance. Though grassroots campaigning doesn’t churn out massive crowds like major public rallies do, the style allows the candidate to showcase his human side, and Iowa voters enjoy that. That’s what gave Jimmy Carter the advantage back in the 70?s.

With so many contenders in the race, especially on the Republican side, it’s essential to make yourself accessible and identifiable to voters. Clearly, O’Malley and his campaign staff acknowledge that he is the under-under dog to Clinton and Sanders - yet they aren’t bowing down to the two big names. There’s eagerness and enthusiasm and hope within the O’Malley campaign. It’s refreshing to see.

read: http://sarahbeckman.tumblr.com/post/122764953597/the-under-under-dog

[FSogol]

1. Agreed. Very refreshing to see. n/t

[BeyondGeography]

2. You could say it's a lemons/lemonade deal

or that he's got the pacing just right. I'd say both right now. He's not going to draw big crowds, but it's 7 months or so until the caucus, and Iowans like to take their time on these things anyway.

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3. he drew over 100 folks to a house in Ames this weekend

...even at this grassroots level of campaigning, he's seeing an outpouring of support. Like you say, It's at the level Iowans like to see from candidates where they can literally reach out and touch them.

[BeyondGeography]

5. I think he's going to have strong support

Many will see him as a practical alternative as this goes on and they tire of the present two options up top.

[elleng]

7. Absolutely, a 'practical alternative!'

[FSogol]

9. I agree. n/t

[cyberswede]

4. K&R - I'm glad he's in the race, and I'm glad he's drawing good crowds

Iowa is good for face-to-face politics.

[elleng]

6. PERFECT for Iowa!

[Koinos]

8. K & R