Last night, Governor O’Malley seized the opportunity at the first Democratic Debate to introduce himself to Democrats around the country – and Iowans around the state stood up and noticed.
Iowans take their responsibility seriously, waiting to fully make up their mind until they’ve heard from all the candidates. Last night many were introduced to Martin O’Malley for the first time on the debate stage – and they overwhelmingly supported what he had to say. With last night’s debate, O’Malley showed Iowans that there’s another option in the Democratic field: a leader who transcends cynicism, and who has actually gotten things done.
That is a major win for Governor O’Malley here in Iowa.
Iowans have consistently rewarded candidates on both sides of the aisle who show principled leadership, focus on a statewide strategy, speak to the issues they care about, and embrace traditional grassroots campaigning. O’Malley has done all of those things on the ground, and will continue to build off the strong first impression he made in the debate.
So no matter what’s happening on cable news today, or what national pundits are saying tomorrow – what’s happening on the ground in Iowa is Martin O’Malley continues to impress.
Take a look at the reaction on the ground here in Iowa:
COLUMN: O’Malley Makes Himself Heard over Debate Din
“Only one, Martin O’Malley, came close. The former Maryland governor did a good job of matching his progressive credentials against those of both Clinton and Sanders by highlighting his record of passing gun safety legislation and raising the minimum wage. A supporter of paid family leave and climate change legislation, he proudly called out the National Rifle Association for blocking gun control, and pounded on the need for tighter Wall Street regulations.”
ON THE GROUND: O’Malley Makes Strong First Impression on Iowans
Iowa Starting Line: “Cal Tormey of Urbandale [said] ‘Martin O’Malley really surprised me, it certainly gave me a more favorable impression of him … I wasn’t really familiar with him at all [beforehand], and came away with a really good impression.’
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“‘I thought O’Malley did great – when you compare him to the others on the stage, he was very presidential,’ said Lu Ann Pedrick.
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“‘Going into it, I didn’t know much about Martin O’Malley and where he stood, so getting that info was very helpful,’ said Ashley McGuire. ‘It muddied waters for me in terms of the other candidates I’m currently considering. So it got him onto that level.’
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“Just as Martin O’Malley explained in his closing, Drake students appreciated the change from the circus that was the Republican debates and gaining actual insight into candidate platforms.
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“‘O’Malley is really proving that he’s more and more of a contender,’ said Taylor Robertson, an Economic and Finance sophomore.
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“‘Martin O’Malley was also really strong, and now I want to go out and meet him when he comes back to Iowa.’ [said David Houston].
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“‘I was certainly very pleased with O’Malley’s performance tonight. I think the American people saw someone who has really good ideas and actually has implemented those ideas on the state level. His vision of America is my vision of America.’ [said Deb Copeland].
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“‘I would have loved to hear more details of the things that Martin O’Malley has accomplished, but I think the moderators did a very good job at getting points from all the candidates,’ offered another event attendee. ‘We had a lot of substance tonight, as opposed to the Republican debates.’
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“‘I’m glad O’Malley is still hanging in there and still out on the trail. Tonight was a big night for him.’ [said James Peterson].”
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“Martin O’Malley still remained the first choice for Iowa voters who showed up to his debate watch party in Des Moines tonight. A group of about 35 supporters gathered to watch the former Maryland governor take the stage, and though their candidate did not get as much time as Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, the group still cheered at each time O’Malley spoke, giving an especially loud applause for the governor’s immigration reform and ‘who is your biggest enemy’ answer.”
Los Angeles Times: “Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley vastly out-performed his humble single-digit standing in the polls.
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“Bob Raker [is] 61, a retired county government worker who lives in nearby Beaverdale and is uncommitted. He was among several voters who said they were impressed by O’Malley, notably his closing statement about rebuilding the nation.
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“‘I think Martin O’Malley did a very good job,’ said state Rep. John Forbes of Urbandale, who is also undecided. ‘He’s very genuine, I think he comes across as a person really dedicated to making sure the country moves forward and taking care of the middle class.’
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“Jennifer Erwin, a precinct captain for Sanders, said she left the debate with ‘a lot more respect for O’Malley. I wasn’t familiar with his record’ in Maryland, said Erwin, 32, who lives in Windsor Heights.”
Ames Tribune: “ISU junior Jordan Hildebrand felt that O’Malley held his own on the stage Tuesday night. ‘O’Malley has done a great job of coming out of nowhere and actually making an impact,’ Hildebrand said. ‘He’s been very clear and concise about what he is saying, and he’s making himself a presence over there.’”
Iowa State Daily: “‘I think O’Malley’s name recognition might go up, and I think he scored some points,’ said Steffen Schmidt, university professor of political science.
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“Dianne Bystrom, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center, said she thinks O’Malley stood out and had a good closing statement, but Clinton and Sanders probably took the most attention at the debate. ‘I think O’Malley did better than [Chafee and Webb],’ Bystrom said.”
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