Among long shots in debate, O'Malley does best.DMReg

[elleng]

'The hype going into the first Democratic debate mostly centered on whether Bernie Sanders could put Hillary Clinton sufficiently on the defensive from the left.

But the big unknown was if any of the three lesser-known candidates could make enough of a dent to suck some of the energy away from Sanders and Clinton.

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.

Lincoln Chafee has impressive experience as a mayor, senator and governor of Rhode Island. And he showed an affable, even endearing persona, smiling broadly and repeatedly boasting of his lack of personal scandals in more than 30 year in office.'

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/2015/10/14/basu-among-long-shots-debate-omalley-does-best/73910778/

[one_voice]

1. I was very pleased by what...

I heard. The one draw back, is he needs to come on stronger--not sure if that's the right word. He needs a 'fire in his belly'--his policies are excellent but he needs to get the attention of people. He has my attention because I'm already invested. But he needs to draw in the younger votes--I fear his 'style' won't do that.

His voice NEEDS to be heard....I want him in this race. If he's gonna draw away supporters he's gotta 'bring it' know what I mean? Maybe The Rock can help..lol. I really like him.

What do you think?

[Recursion]

2. I think it's an open question whether fire in the belly attracts more voters than it scares off

Dean in '04 comes to mind.

[one_voice]

3. I see what you mean...

I'm watching him speak now on MSNBC-- I find him very interesting. He's young, he should attract the young vote.

[JustAnotherGen]

4. Didn't scare me off with Dean

It's just not a communication style I'm enamored with - with men.

When men holler and yell I tend to think they are a 'joke'. Could be the way I was raised - but the calmer and less shrill - the more I tend to listen. Actually got removed by my bio teacher in the 10th grade (along with a male friend of mine) because he was yelling over nothing, I started laughing (as did the other kid) and he yelled more - and I laughed more.

I grew up with calm and measured men and father that when he got really really quiet -

That's when you were in BIG trouble.

[elleng]

5. With you, Gen. (What else is new???)

My father was calm and measured, and that's always been my standard for 'greatness.'

I also grew up in Brooklyn so am comfortable with Bernie's accent, but not so much with his tone. I do appreciate his message, but prefer MO'M's experienced and calm approach.

[JustAnotherGen]

6. Please tell me people aren't picking on Bernie Sanders' accent?

That's rotten!