From the Editors at Bloomberg: "Martin O'Malley's More Than Marginal" [View all]
http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-06-02/martin-o-malley-s-presidential-campaign-matters
Any Democrat looking for an electable alternative to Hillary Clinton should welcome O'Malley's candidacy. Before OMalley entered the race on Saturday, Clintons lone challenger was Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who does not even consider himself a member of the Democratic Party. OMalley, the former governor of Maryland and former mayor of Baltimore, is positioning himself to Clintons left, giving liberals the chance to vote for someone who would have a fighting chance of getting elected if nominated, which is more than can be said of Sanders.
And it's not just Democrats looking for a Clinton alternative: Clinton herself can benefit from O'Malley's campaign. O'Malley will take some of the spotlight away from Sanders, a liberal firebrand, fracturing the opposition vote. A vigorous challenge from OMalley would also help Clinton dispel the criticism that her nomination is a virtual coronation, and it could help her clarify her positions.
This is the case even when O'Malley is wrong on the issues -- as he is on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, for example. O'Malley opposes the pact, as does Sanders, while Clinton has been straddling the issue. Ignoring a socialist is one thing. But OMalleys presence in the race should make it harder for Clinton to be evasive.
I personally don't believe that O'Malley is wrong on the TPP
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