Among long shots in debate, O'Malley does best.DMReg [View all]

'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/