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elleng

(131,106 posts)
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 12:52 AM Dec 2015

Was O'Malley Snubbed At Democratic Debate?

Amid Gun Control Discussion, Former Maryland Gov. Interrupts Moderators, Says Clinton, Sanders Are 'Flip-Flopping.'

'Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is seemingly on the outside looking in when it comes to his chances of securing the Democratic presidential nomination, at least according to polling, but shortly after the party's latest debate kicked off Saturday night, it seemed that he had a similar problem when he tried to voice his opinion on the issues discussed. Early on, O'Malley constantly looked to get a word in edgewise, to no avail, and had to all but force his way into the conversation once the topic of gun control came up, despite admonishments from moderators Martha Raddatz and David Muir to patiently wait for his turn to speak.

"I'm the only person on this stage who has passed comprehensive legislation on gun control," O'Malley said while interrupting the moderators. He went on to blame Clinton's and Sanders' respective voting records on gun control. O'Malley charged that Clinton changes her opinions on gun control every campaign season. He also accused Sanders of "flip-flopping" on the topic of gun control.

“What we need on this issue is not more polls – we need more principles,” O'Malley said in reference to Sanders' citing a recent poll indicating that an "overwhelming" number of Americans are in favor of increasing background checks for people who try to buy guns. However, when O'Malley was asked if he would make assault rifles illegal, he balked, instead deflecting to talk more about the "flip-flopping" while he pointed to his right at his fellow Democratic presidential candidates. . .

With the national minimum wage a major campaign issue, O'Malley took to Twitter in the days leading up to the debate to tout his previous achievements in that arena for the state of Maryland, possibly offering a glimpse of what he has planned to discuss Saturday night.

As Governor, O’Malley raised the state’s minimum wage and signed the nation’s first living wage law.

The former Maryland governor has voiced his displeasure with the times at which the Democratic debates have been held, and he's been especially vocal about Saturday's debate taking place on the weekend before Christmas.

“They’ve scheduled it during shopping season, Dec. 19th,” O’Malley said, the New York Times reported. “I don’t know why that is. I think it’s out of a false sense that they have to circle the wagons around the inevitable front-runner.” O'Malley's campaign has said the Democratic National Committee, which sanctions its party's presidential debate, has taken steps to protect Clinton from national scrutiny by scheduling the debate on a weekend, suggesting viewers are more likely to tune in during prime time on a weeknight.'

http://www.ibtimes.com/was-omalley-snubbed-democratic-debate-amid-gun-control-discussion-former-maryland-gov-2232607

17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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yeoman6987

(14,449 posts)
1. If he was a Repug, he'd be at the kids table
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 02:24 AM
Dec 2015

I think it's wonderful that O'Malley is able to participate. He spoke a lot. There were a few times when issues went back and forth between the higher percenters but not too much. Do they have breakout times yet. He's going to make a great VP.

elleng

(131,106 posts)
3. Thanks,
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 02:32 AM
Dec 2015

but the msm AND tptb will continue to snub him. Will be up to Iowans and New Hampshirites to set the record straight. I HOPE the Iowa caucuses will enable the real story to be told.

Kalidurga

(14,177 posts)
4. No doubt
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 03:07 AM
Dec 2015

I was at a Bernie debate party naturally. But, I still cheered when he insisted on talking. They were ignoring him and he stuck up for himself and he made excellent points. I think he overstated both things against Hillary and Bernie, but no skin off my nose.

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
5. I'm a Bernie guy
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 03:20 AM
Dec 2015

But I didn't like these (ABC?) moderators. They seemed rude and unfair, and yes I think O'Malley gets shorted in each debate.

HereSince1628

(36,063 posts)
6. I thought I heard howling between candidate and moderator a couple times...
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 07:38 AM
Dec 2015

There is always tension when the stakes are high, so there is that

But the format they used created a huge desire for the candidates to address each other directly, while actually greatly restraining just that.

BooScout

(10,406 posts)
7. I think so...
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 07:59 AM
Dec 2015

I think to some extent it's been done to him in every debate, but this last debate it was even more apparent.

 

Kentonio

(4,377 posts)
8. A candidate running at only a few percentage points isn't going to get equal coverage
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 09:11 AM
Dec 2015

It might not be fair, but its completely expected. I actually started liking him less after the last debate, I found him quite annoying and increasingly desperate sounding.

elleng

(131,106 posts)
9. It was a 'debate,' the participants should have equal chances to respond to issues and questions,
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 12:34 PM
Dec 2015

REGARDLESS of their 'percentage points.'

It should NOT be expected. What IS expected is that anyone so disregarded WOULD sound desperate, to have himself HEARD.

 

Kentonio

(4,377 posts)
11. Is that a reasonable expectation though?
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 12:38 PM
Dec 2015

Think about when Webb and Chaffee were still in the race, would people have accepted only 2/5 of the time being spent on the frontrunners? What if there were 10 people running?

I know its not fair, and I don't like it but I kind of understand why they do it. Then again it does just feed into the cycle of media determining the contents of the discussion, which makes me very uncomfortable. Difficult one.

Blue_Adept

(6,402 posts)
10. For as much as Bernie is ignored by the mainstream media
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 12:38 PM
Dec 2015

Martin is triply so, which is unfortunate.

But really, there's only so much coverage on the Republican side as well - even among the top three. We usually hear just about trump and a smattering of whoever is currently in the second slot. Rarely much more than that other than to say "Well, Jeb looked good but his numbers are still terrible".

 

KittyWampus

(55,894 posts)
12. Yes. He's a great candidate and I am frustrated at his lack of traction.
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 12:39 PM
Dec 2015

And the 'snubs' as the OP title calls it.

But it is what it is.

Punkingal

(9,522 posts)
13. Snubbed doesn't describe it accurately...
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 12:52 PM
Dec 2015

He was treated disrespectfully and shabbily. He is a good man and deserves better. It made me furious. Hillary got every question, Bernie second, and O'Malley third. I support Bernie, but I don't support shutting up a candidate, and I don't support giving one candidate every question, even if it was Bernie.

one_voice

(20,043 posts)
14. Yes. It's been Bernie v Hillary from the start..
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 12:59 PM
Dec 2015

the media wanted this fight and that's how it's going to be. He's been ignored all around.

It's sad because he has great on the issues. This really should have been a 3 way fight.

 

ViseGrip

(3,133 posts)
17. His numbers are so low, to even be there, he should not get the same time.
Mon Dec 21, 2015, 01:35 PM
Dec 2015

But HE was allowed to interrupt like Hillary. They stopped Bernie....and it was something that did stick out in this debate. Rules for some.

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