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snooper2

(30,151 posts)
Fri May 29, 2015, 12:17 PM May 2015

O'Malley is better than Hillary Clinton. Here's why.

There's a myth among Hillary Clinton supporters that decades of experience has made the former secretary of state the most pragmatic choice for president in 2016. And like most fairy tales, it conveniently glosses over the heroine's flaws: her 31,000-plus missing emails (the subject of a lawsuit by the Associated Press), questions about foreign donations to the Clinton Foundation, and direct donations to Ms. Clinton from big banks, including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan.



But there is an alternative. Rather than rallying around someone who can't seem to elude perpetual media scrutiny, the person all Democrats should pay close attention to is former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley who is poised to officially join the race Saturday. The former Baltimore mayor and two-term governor offers a genuine alternative to the status quo within Washington and a real threat to any GOP challenger — especially Jeb Bush.

Mr. O'Malley, unlike Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush, isn't linked to perpetual scandal and criticism, nor is he beholden to foreign donors, investment banks or a family surname. He rightfully stated that the presidency isn't "some crown to be passed between two families" and compared to Ms. Clinton, Mr. O'Malley offers a genuinely progressive outlook on American politics. When both candidates are analyzed, it's apparent that one caters to poll-driven centrism while the other is far more confident in a progressive vision for America.

While Ms. Clinton voted for the invasion of Iraq, Mr. O'Malley has been a longtime critic of the Iraq War. As governor, Mr. O'Malley sponsored and signed a same-sex marriage bill when Hillary Clinton was overtly against gay marriage. He also signed a marijuana decriminalization bill, while Ms. Clinton has said she was against the decriminalization of marijuana. Martin O'Malley wants to bring back Glass-Steagall, called the Trans-Pacific Partnership a "bad trade deal," and urged the Senate in 2014 to reject the Keystone XL pipeline. Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, once referred to TPP as "the gold standard in trade agreements," and she still hasn't taken a stance on the Keystone XL pipeline.

More-

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-choose-omalley-20150529-story.html

35 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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O'Malley is better than Hillary Clinton. Here's why. (Original Post) snooper2 May 2015 OP
I am an O'Malley supporter. I feel he has the best record of liberal successes and has a realistic FSogol May 2015 #1
Great list. Thanks. I am looking forward to getting to know him. NCTraveler May 2015 #10
I like him. or rather what i know about him so far. cali May 2015 #22
Ditto. I'm backing Bernie but agree there's a lot to like about O'Malley. n/t RufusTFirefly May 2015 #23
K&R one_voice May 2015 #2
Thanks, snooper2! elleng May 2015 #3
Are you sure O'Malley is without scandals and criticisms? BTW, this does not qualify O'Malley for Thinkingabout May 2015 #4
GOP Goons Bob Erlich and Michael Steele did their best to accuse the O'Malleys of scandal. FSogol May 2015 #14
Excellent post FSogol, nt Andy823 May 2015 #25
thanks. n/t FSogol May 2015 #26
He is as qualified as any other candidate. morningfog May 2015 #27
Oh, good, I am qualified. Thinkingabout May 2015 #28
So you say. O'Malley is. morningfog May 2015 #29
You are. Why not enter the race? Scootaloo May 2015 #33
While Ms. Clinton is a member of the shadowy C Street "Family", KamaAina May 2015 #5
I know nothing about him - TBF May 2015 #6
Well, Ironically I just got this in my email a minute ago- literally snooper2 May 2015 #7
Nice! TBF May 2015 #12
Scheduled for the 30th. Agschmid May 2015 #11
He's declaring tomorrow in Baltimore. FSogol May 2015 #15
Sanders? nt. NCTraveler May 2015 #8
yawn trumad May 2015 #9
Thanks for the kick! snooper2 May 2015 #13
Message auto-removed Name removed May 2015 #16
This is a Democratic site, we are about electing Democrats, would be better for you to delete. Thinkingabout May 2015 #17
I think you are just being sarcastic fadedrose May 2015 #24
Thanks. So far, I've been leaning towards O'Malley. Chathamization May 2015 #18
"Better than Clinton" is akin to being damned by faint praise. Scuba May 2015 #19
He is to the left of Clinton, doesn't have her baggage, and appeals to a wide spectrum of people snooper2 May 2015 #21
I like this guy. zappaman May 2015 #20
i like omalley also JI7 May 2015 #30
Don't even get me started on that tie he wore once. zappaman May 2015 #32
. JI7 May 2015 #35
lets hope robert1958 May 2015 #31
I'm open to him Prism May 2015 #34

FSogol

(45,524 posts)
1. I am an O'Malley supporter. I feel he has the best record of liberal successes and has a realistic
Fri May 29, 2015, 12:21 PM
May 2015

chance to win.

Why do I support O'Malley?

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 from 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 Maryland’s tax code to make it more progressive.
10. Enacted some of the nation’s most comprehensive reforms to protect homeowners from foreclosure.

There is a lot more, but I'll only add that 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

 

cali

(114,904 posts)
22. I like him. or rather what i know about him so far.
Fri May 29, 2015, 01:57 PM
May 2015

I'm glad he's getting into the race ..

one_voice

(20,043 posts)
2. K&R
Fri May 29, 2015, 12:21 PM
May 2015

I'm looking forward to O'Malley entering the race. He's gotten my attention.

It will be nice to have more than Hillary & Bernie to talk about. I want to hear what they all have to say.

I'm non-committed thus far. I can't wait to hear them debate. That will be awesome.

Thinkingabout

(30,058 posts)
4. Are you sure O'Malley is without scandals and criticisms? BTW, this does not qualify O'Malley for
Fri May 29, 2015, 12:28 PM
May 2015

president. If you are going to support O'Malley you will need to point out his experiences and stand on the issues.

FSogol

(45,524 posts)
14. GOP Goons Bob Erlich and Michael Steele did their best to accuse the O'Malleys of scandal.
Fri May 29, 2015, 12:51 PM
May 2015

As for his experiences and stands:

Here's why I support him:

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 Maryland’s tax code to make it more progressive.
10. Enacted some of the nation’s most comprehensive reforms to protect homeowners from foreclosure.

There is a lot more, but I'll add that 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

For people really unaware of O'Malley, here's his resume:

http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/08conoff/gov/former/html/msa13090.html

The bottom quarter is good reading on O'Malley's positions and what he accomplished in Maryland.

A former Governing Magazine “Public Official of the Year,” Governor O’Malley was re-elected in 2010. His 2013 legislative successes were described in a Baltimore Sun editorial as “without many parallels in recent Maryland history.”

With a balanced approach of spending cuts, regulatory reform, and modern investment in education, innovation, and infrastructure, Governor O’Malley and his Administration are making better choices that are delivering better results, including:

Fastest rate of job growth in the region.
#1 ranking for best public schools in America for an unprecedented five years in a row (Education Week).
#1 ranking for holding down the cost of college tuition (College Board).
#1 ranking for innovation and entrepreneurship for two years running (U.S. Chamber of Commerce).

Under the Governor’s leadership, Maryland also ranks:

#1 nationally in median income,
#1 in Ph.D. scientists and researchers per capita,
#1 in Research and Development, and
#1 in businesses owned by women.


Called “arguably the best manager in government” by Washington Monthly magazine, Governor O’Malley has cut State spending more than any previous governor in Maryland’s history, balancing these record cuts with targeted, modern investments in priorities like public education. He has reduced the size of government to its smallest size since 1973 (on a per capita basis) and reformed how it is managed, so that it works more efficiently and accountably. His actions to save Maryland’s State pension system have made it sustainable over the long term. His fiscal stewardship has nearly eliminated Maryland’s structural deficit. His efforts to streamline, consolidate and digitize processes like business licensing are making Maryland a better place to do business.



PS, part of a public informational archive and not bound by copyright.

The O’Malley-Brown Administration has expanded health care to more than 380,000 previously uninsured Marylanders. It has reduced infant mortality to an historic low, and provided meals to thousands of hungry children as it moves forward toward its goal for eradicating childhood hunger.

The Governor’s policies have made strides in restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay and saving the Bay’s native blue crab and oyster populations.

The O’Malley Administration has secured millions of dollars in rate relief for Maryland energy consumers while jump-starting the creation of thousands of green energy sector jobs. Under Governor O’Malley’s leadership, Maryland led the charge for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nation’s first cap-and-trade auction of greenhouse emissions.

Governor O’Malley has cut income taxes for 86% of Marylanders and reformed Maryland’s tax code to make it more progressive. In addition, he signed the nation’s first statewide living wage law, along with some of the nation’s most comprehensive reforms to protect homeowners from foreclosure.

Declaring that Marylanders are bound together by “the common thread of human dignity,” Governor O’Malley signed legislation to protect individual civil marriage rights and religious freedom, along with legislation to protect voting rights. He signed – and successfully defended at the ballot box – the DREAM Act, which expands the opportunity of a college education to more Marylanders.


PS. Check out DU's O'Malley group:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1281
 

morningfog

(18,115 posts)
27. He is as qualified as any other candidate.
Fri May 29, 2015, 04:27 PM
May 2015

He is a natural citizen over 35 years of age. He is qualified.

TBF

(32,086 posts)
6. I know nothing about him -
Fri May 29, 2015, 12:34 PM
May 2015

but I'd love to hear more! Do you think he'll declare soon? Glad he wants to bring back Glass-Steagall - that is primary in my book.

 

snooper2

(30,151 posts)
7. Well, Ironically I just got this in my email a minute ago- literally
Fri May 29, 2015, 12:37 PM
May 2015

From: Grace & Tara O'Malley

Shhhh!

Friend,

Our dad is making a big announcement tomorrow. We're not supposed to tell you what it’s about…but we’ll give you a hint. Watch this video and see if you can figure it out.



TBF

(32,086 posts)
12. Nice!
Fri May 29, 2015, 12:43 PM
May 2015

I'm interested in learning more about him. We're not a monarchy and no one should be thinking it's their "turn" in this country (whether dem or not).

FSogol

(45,524 posts)
15. He's declaring tomorrow in Baltimore.
Fri May 29, 2015, 12:54 PM
May 2015

He has already leased a 7,500 sq ft office space for his HQ, hired Bill Hyers (Bill deBlasio's campaign manager) and hired a fundraiser manager. After his announcement, he'll appear on CNN (10 am EST) before flying off for events in Iowa (where he's been spending a lot of time helping Democratic candidates in State/local elections since before the last midterms.

 

snooper2

(30,151 posts)
13. Thanks for the kick!
Fri May 29, 2015, 12:51 PM
May 2015

Hillary should make you yawn...she can't even drive and gives canned speeches for 100's of thousands-



Meanwhile, the greatness that is Martin is kicking ass with his band



Enjoy! (thinking about it this should be an OP! (coming soon ))

Response to snooper2 (Original post)

fadedrose

(10,044 posts)
24. I think you are just being sarcastic
Fri May 29, 2015, 02:33 PM
May 2015

but some people don't recognize sarcasm unless it has a sarcasm thingy on the post. You can find it in the box called smilies that you see on the new post you decide to write. Click on the box and when you come to the end, there's a tiny box that has 3 dots.

Click on that and you will see more smilies, and sarcasm is one of them. (example)

Welcome to DU Scoutiu.

Chathamization

(1,638 posts)
18. Thanks. So far, I've been leaning towards O'Malley.
Fri May 29, 2015, 01:15 PM
May 2015

It'll be good to watch him on the campaign trail; hopefully people will keep an open mind.

 

snooper2

(30,151 posts)
21. He is to the left of Clinton, doesn't have her baggage, and appeals to a wide spectrum of people
Fri May 29, 2015, 01:48 PM
May 2015

unlike Sanders...


Read more about him! Jump on board! The O'Malley boat starts sailing tomorrow!

JI7

(89,262 posts)
30. i like omalley also
Fri May 29, 2015, 04:40 PM
May 2015

But he once have a speech in a style i did not like and hopefully he won't do it again.

robert1958

(1 post)
31. lets hope
Fri May 29, 2015, 04:49 PM
May 2015

The more I read on him the more interested I become. I will definitely continue to learn all I can. He seems to be someone that comes without a lot of baggage.

 

Prism

(5,815 posts)
34. I'm open to him
Fri May 29, 2015, 04:54 PM
May 2015

I don't know nearly enough about him, but I've heard and read enough to wait and see. Sanders is a natural fit for my political philosophy, but an O'Malley is enough to let me wait a few months before going full-throated for someone.

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