2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumMartin O'Malley
Why is he being virtually ignored? I just saw him with Rachel and I really like him.
Tell me more about him please.
ohheckyeah
(9,314 posts)ignored here, too.
MH1
(17,600 posts)I think the "still open-minded on a candidate" faction is only a tiny subset of the DU population. So, we are drowned out. And not many of us have all day to spend on a political discussion board.
MH1
(17,600 posts)There is a DU group with a lot of information pinned:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1281
- two term mayor of Baltimore City, greatly reduced crime and incarceration rates
- two term governor of Maryland, ended death penalty in the state, got sane gun control laws, expanded Medicaid, prevented fracking in the state, did some sort of state "Dream Act", and many more.
As a presidential candidate he was the first to make action on climate change a key part of his platform.
In both his executive roles he implemented data-based strategies that improved efficiency of government services. (doesn't make a good sound bite but is a clue to how smart this guy is.)
JaneyVee
(19,877 posts)askew
(1,464 posts)He's the only candidate who has actually done the things he advocates for. He is more inline with the base of the party. Hillary is damn lucky she has such high name recognition. It's the only reason her polling #s are that high.
Koinos
(2,792 posts)If you want to read more about him, here is a great place to start:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1281
Here is a recent article about him in Rolling Stone Magazine:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-martin-omalley-could-be-the-future-of-the-democratic-party-20151106?page=9
Why has he been virtually ignored by the media? We enthusiastic O'Malley supporters have been trying to figure that out for a long time. He is a solid candidate, with fifteen years of progressive executive experience and accomplishments as mayor of Baltimore and governor of Maryland. He has not just talked about progressive reform; he has brought it about in Maryland (my home state). He is young (52), has a great sense of humor, plays the guitar with "O'Malley's March," and has published extensive plans for reining in Wall Street, dealing with climate change, helping immigrants and refugees, gun control, and other ideas. You can read his numerous policy statements at his website: https://martinomalley.com/
First of all, he was not well-known nationwide when his campaign began. Both Clinton and Sanders had much better name recognition. Many progressives, including Elizabeth Warren's supporters, moved quickly into the Sanders camp. Clinton already had a solid block of supporters from her previous primary run. The media, for whatever reason, chose to make this a two-person race (or boxing match) between Clinton and Sanders. Meanwhile, O'Malley plugged away in Iowa and New Hampshire the old fashioned way -- meeting in small groups and shaking one person's hand at a time.
The truth is that O'Malley did not receive as much free TV coverage as the other candidates. The media loved the Republican circus, and they focused on Clinton and Sanders on the Democratic side. Moreover, O'Malley has the least funding of the three candidates, for many of the reasons stated above.
To some people, he appears a bit dull and unexciting, because he doesn't "get angry enough." But O'Malley operates from principle, has an attitude of kindness and inclusivity, and thinks carefully before he speaks. He is the kind of man who can bring the country together, almost in a Kennedy sort of way. He is fully aware of the mess our country is in, but he projects an attitude of hope and optimism. He emphasizes the dignity of every human being, the essential need for dialogue and working together for the common good, and the need for common sense and action.
The more people see him and get to know him, the more they like him. He just needs more opportunities (and money) to get his message out. His staff works hard and does the best it can with their resources.
ohheckyeah
(9,314 posts)him dull at all. His record is damn impressive. I have more reading to do.
Koinos
(2,792 posts)But he doesn't get as angry as some others do. And some people prefer "angry." I do not.
ohheckyeah
(9,314 posts)for the links...I WILL read them. I find him interesting.
TheFarseer
(9,323 posts)I would be supporting him if he was higher in the polls. I think he is in no man's land somewhere in between the establishment candidate and the liberal candidate and its hard to get any traction in that position with such a polarized atmosphere.
ohheckyeah
(9,314 posts)my eye on him. He did well.
Armstead
(47,803 posts)Those who like the Clinton brand are solidly for her. Those who like the brand that Bernie represents are solidly for him.
Not enough disaffected from either for OMalley to gain traction. That could change, but that's what its been.
elleng
(130,929 posts)this is NOT a horse race. See my post below, # 26. I don't mean to be unpleasant, but this is too important to ignore.
Koinos
(2,792 posts)He knows how to campaign in a caucus state.
riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)He's pretty damn amazing.
His website is packed with good info, solid positions and his history of getting things done.
ohheckyeah
(9,314 posts)He was impressive.
Hepburn
(21,054 posts)What a wonderful man -- thoughtful, very intelligent and personable. Wish he was not being ignored. Like this man. Like Bernie better, but MOM is definitely my second choice. He is far, far above HRC...by leaps and bounds! ''
JMHO
ohheckyeah
(9,314 posts)leaning toward Hillary, but was very impressed with O'Malley.
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)during the debate, his words were fine but his presence and projection...just weren't. Both Hillary and Bernie came across far more strongly and had far greater impact.
I've felt strongly for a long time that candidates should be required to campaign with bags on their heads. But then how to avoid electing a radio personality...
Andy823
(11,495 posts)Because they want a feud between Sanders and Clinton. DU ignores him because there "IS" a feud between supporters of Sanders and Clinton, and posts about O'Malley get pushed off the board.
ohheckyeah
(9,314 posts)and it's a shame. He really has something to say and offer.
Koinos
(2,792 posts)That turns the primary process into a celebrity TV game show. Sad.
elleng
(130,929 posts)tragic.
Koinos
(2,792 posts)See my latest (depressing) post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027326006
Andy823
(11,495 posts)I think a lot of it here on DU has to do with a few shit stirrers who come here to cause problems, and have been able to convince the more gullible posters that "Obama is bad, Hillary is bad, the democratic party is bad, both parties are the same, and of course the I will never vote for Hillary meme because she would be no better than a republican."
Koinos
(2,792 posts)I wish we could blame it on the air and water, but I think it just comes down to certain proclivities of human nature.
Ill will, anger, and hatred begin to have a momentum of their own. The rancor around here is often stifling -- more so than CO2.
Each of us has to do what he or she can to keep from adding to the conflagration. It is good to remain calm and civil, as hard as that is to do sometimes.
This primary has turned into branding, go to market analysis, and black Friday sales.
Koinos
(2,792 posts)My brain wants nothing to do with any of this stuff. I refuse to think of myself as a "consumer."
The psychological threat of advertising (especially TV) sickens me.
Peacetrain
(22,877 posts)riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)elleng
(130,929 posts)hedgehog
(36,286 posts)PragmaticLiberal
(904 posts)If you look at things objectively, he's actually implemented many of the policies the other candidates have just talked about.
Still blows my mind he's polling so low.
elleng
(130,929 posts)he knows how to get things done.
I'm glad you've noticed, PragmaticLiberal.
elleng
(130,929 posts)Why is he being ignored? By the media: They're bought and paid for by You know Who, including Dem PTB.
At DU? Foolish and stubborn people who refuse to bother to learn and then change their minds.
People appear to treat primaries and elections as if they were horse races, where spectators BET on who they think will win. But elections are NOT horse races, elections give the electorate a chance to select candidates they/we think will perform tasks better than other candidates.
Given his experience in accomplishing difficult progressive goals, Martin O'Malley is clearly the candidate who should be chosen by progressive/liberal DU, hands down.
A reminder, for those who may have forgotten, and for those who have not bothered to look:
Martin O'Malley:
1. Ended death penalty in Maryland
2. Prevented fracking in Maryland and put regulations in the way to prevent next GOP Gov Hogan fom easily allowing fracking.
3. Provided health insurance for 380,000
4. Reduced infant mortality to an all time low.
5. Provided meals to thousands of hungry children and moved toward a goal for eradicating childhood hunger.
6. Enacted a $10.10 living wage and a $11. minimum wage for State workers.
7. Supporter the Dream Act
8. Cut income taxes for 86% of Marylanders (raised taxes on the rich).
9. Reformed Marylands tax code to make it more progressive.
10. Enacted some of the nations most comprehensive reforms to protect homeowners from foreclosure.
Mother Jones magazine called him the best candidate on environmental issues.
Article here:
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/12/martin-omalley-longshot-presidential-candidate-and-real-climate-hawk
His PLANS for his presidency are set out here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12813600
bravenak
(34,648 posts)Great policy.
Great relationship with the black community.
Excellent on womens issues.,
Great on poverty issues.
Evolves and is a creative thinker.
Overshadowed by the other two candidates.
He is my number two.
one_voice
(20,043 posts)they act as though we have 2 candidates running. Looney toon cartoons Trump & Carson get 24/7 coverage--even from some on 'our side' and a strong candidate like Martin O'Malley is ignored. It pisses me off to no end.
At least give him equal air time when he gives speeches and such...argh!!!
hedgehog
(36,286 posts)FSogol
(45,488 posts)Article here:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-martin-omalley-could-be-the-future-of-the-democratic-party-20151106?page=9
Here's some info on my favorite candidate:
Today in America, families median net worth has fallen to levels not seen since the late 1980s. The wealthiest 10 percent of households have captured 76 percent of all wealth in Americaa far-higher share than most other developed nations, and a far cry from decades past. African-American and Hispanic families own just a fraction of the wealth of white families.
Reach wage growth of 4 percent annually by 2018. Today in America, wages for most workers have been flat or falling for decades. In real terms, the average wage peaked in 1973. In addition, recent gains in wage growth have accrued to top earners: wages have risen almost 10 percent since 2000 for earners at the 90th percentile, while wages have fallen by nearly 4 percent for earners at the 10th percentile.
Increase the number of families with adequate retirement savings by 50 percent within 8 years. Today in America, a third of all Americans have no retirement savings or pensionmeaning that millions of future retirees are unlikely to have sufficient resources to maintain their current standard of living in retirement. Roughly two-thirds of those close to retirement are projected to have inadequate resources when they retire.
Cut the pay gap between full-time men and women workers in half by 2025. Women represent half the workforce, but earn less than men in almost every occupation. Overall, women make just 78 cents for every dollar men makea gender pay gap of 22 percent, and one that, at current rates of progress, will take almost 45 years to close. If we could close that gap todaythrough paycheck fairness laws, strong family leave policies, and expanded access to quality, affordable childcare, among other measureshalf of working single moms would be lifted out of poverty.
Full policy here: https://martinomalley.com/climate/agenda/
Today in America, while fossil fuel pollution contributes to 200,000 deaths a year and a growing climate catastrophe, renewable energy technologies have not yet adequately scaled up, in part because of federal policies that still preference the fossil fuel industry. Governor OMalley will tackle the climate crisis with a new American clean energy jobs agenda, comprised of detailed policies that will rapidly develop the renewable energy industry, create millions of new clean energy jobs, and end our reliance on fossil fuels.
Today in America, more than 7 percent of veterans who have served on active duty since 2001, and more than 5 percent of all veterans, are unemployed. Fully 17.3 percent of male veterans aged 18-24, and more than 9 percent of women veterans aged 35-44, are jobless.
Comprehensive immigration reform will help all familiesby lifting wages, creating new jobs, growing our economy, expanding our tax base, and improving standards for all workers. Conversely, in the absence of reform, millions of families that contribute to this country every day are one traffic stop away from being torn apart. Only a nimble, data-driven immigration system will meet our economic needs and safeguard all American workers.
Full plan here: https://martinomalley.com/policy/make-college-debt-free/
Today in America, nearly 70 percent of U.S. students graduate with student debt, averaging more than $28,000. Almost all states have seen double- or even triple-digit percentage increases in tuition over the past decade. Governor OMalley will give every student the opportunity to attend college without taking on debt through his detailed plan for restoring investment in higher education, reducing tuition rates, and making other progressive reforms.
Goal 7: Improve college and career readiness, and increase college completion rates by 25 percentage points within 10 years.
Today in America, one-third of high school students are unprepared for entry-level college courses, and fewer than 40 percent of students of all ages graduate from four-year institutions within four years. Low-income students are the least likely to graduate, while achievement disparities between wealthy and poorer children in pre-K through 12th grade are more acute than at any time in the last 50 years.
Here are goals 8-15
Link to the full criminal justice reform plan: https://martinomalley.com/policy/criminal-justice/
Today in America, our justice system has reinforced our countrys cruel history of racism and economic inequality. Governor OMalley has outlined a comprehensive criminal justice reform plan, including measures to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, ensure fairness in sentencing, reduce recidivism through reentry, and address the discriminatory and punitive application of student discipline.
Reduce recidivism by 20 percentage points within 10 years. Today in America, the incarceration rate is triple what it was in 1980 and is six times the rate of that of most developed countries. According to the most recent data, three out of four incarcerated individuals are re-arrested within five years of leaving jail or prisonmore than half of whom are re-arrested within a year.
Link to the full plan: https://martinomalley.com/the-latest/preventing-and-reducing-gun-violence/
Goal 13: Require banks to separate commercial and speculative banking within 5 years.
Read Governor OMalleys letter to Wall Street, and his plan for protecting the American Dream from another Wall Street crash:
https://14d2r744okfe40r1ug1oqm6y-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/OMalley-Wall-Street-Reform.pdf
Today in America, megabanks with more than $100 billion in assets comprise almost 60 percent of the financial services market, compared to just 17 percent in 1995, before the repeal of Glass-Steagall. Over that same period, the market share of smaller community banks, which are critical for small businesses and local investment, has fallen from nearly half to only a quarter.
Our nations antitrust laws were built to protect fair and competitive markets where small businesses, small farmers, and innovation could thrive. But the Reagan Administration reinterpreted those laws to protect efficiency instead, allowing bigger and bigger corporations to shut out competition in many once-vibrant areas of our economy.
Today in America, a handful of companies now control the vast majority of the market in industries ranging from beef, seeds, and milk; to airlines, semiconductors, and defense contracting and procurementdepressing wages and employment and dampening innovation. A first step to reversing this consolidation is to direct the U.S. Department of Justice to issue new policies to aggressively enforce our antimonopoly laws.
Read the campaign finance policy paper here: https://martinomalley.com/policy/campaign-finance-reform/
In the five years since Citizens United, super PACs, corporations, and other outside groups have spent almost $2 billion targeting federal electionsabout two-and-a-half times what they spent, in total, between 1990 and 2008.
At the same time, for the first time in decades, the total number of small donors has begun to fall. In 2014, the top 100 donors to super PACs spent almost as much money as every single small-dollar donor combined. Our broken campaign finance system allows special interests to drown out the voices of everyday Americans and stymies policies that would benefit the middle class.
PS: All of O'Malley's plans can be found in this thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12813600#top
susanr516
(1,425 posts)Our Primary isn't until March 1. Except for 2008, the nominee was already determined by the time my state voted. I just want the primaries to be over. It's depressing to see so many negative posts about Clinton/Sanders. I will happily vote for whoever wins the Democratic nomination, even though it doesn't matter. The only time the candidate for whom I voted won TX was Jimmy Carter in 1976. Thanks for this info--I'm really impressed.
99Forever
(14,524 posts)If you can suggest how that changes, then go for it.
elleng
(130,929 posts)and stop treating these primaries like horse races. I don't BET on political candidates, I select the candidates I think are best suited to the job, and others should do the same.
99Forever
(14,524 posts)I would NEVER do so to you. I most certainly do use logic and reason, tempered with a dose of REALITY.
Martin O'Malley is a good man, with good ideas, but he just isn't going to be President this time. I think he'd be a great VP choice for Bernie.
elleng
(130,929 posts)and have been thinking about this matter for a few hours. I've grown to think that you use logic and reason, but when people post things like 'he has no chance,' and use THAT as a basis for not supporting a candidate, I question everything.
Kang Colby
(1,941 posts)A) He introduced a "rain tax" that impacted the poor and middle class. Now, his supporters will tell you "it's not really a rain tax, that's just a Republican talking point"...unfortunately that's just his supporters using semantics to rationalize a foolish policy. They are right about it being a Republican talking point, which of course during the GE would become a point of mockery for MOM.
B) He, unfortunately, has a history of racial oppression associated with his time as Baltimore's mayor. He used the "broken windows" approach to policing to lock up as many black men as possible.
C) He has a terrible economic track record as Maryland's Governor.
With those three factors in mind, it's doubtful he would even be able to win Maryland in the GE.
FSogol
(45,488 posts)A: Michael Steele and Larry Hogan thank you. Just pay your yearly, Federally mandated storm-water tax and stop crying about $26. Virginia already pays this without the RW histrionics.
B: You are ignoring how bad Baltimore was before O'Malley became Mayor, ignoring all the good he did (with doubling money for drug treatment, banning the box, reducing recidivism, ending the death penalty, decriminalizing marijuana, and increased funding for education), all while giving a pass to the people who ran Baltimore for the 7+ years after he left as mayor.
C: Facts show otherwise.
McCamy Taylor
(19,240 posts)But he is still young. He can run again later.
Recursion
(56,582 posts)Which somehow completely ignored the candidate in the race who has actually dismantled a death penalty at the state level.