Op-Ed: O’Malley’s March, Again by Fletcher Hall

Martin O’ Malley is on the march again, this time seeking the Democratic nomination for the presidency of the United States.

O’Malley served two terms as mayor of Baltimore and two terms as governor of Maryland. He has probably been running for President since serving his first term in the Baltimore City Council.

As a Democrat and a progressive liberal, he is most likely to run to the left of Hillary Clinton. He has quite a challenge before him.

During his two terms as governor, O’Malley established a record as a tax and spend leader. Is this the type of President the nation wants to elect in 2016?

O’Malley never met a tax he did not like, including the infamous “rain tax,” which has now been significantly altered. His fiscal policies and liberal positions resulted in the election of Republican Governor Larry Hogan in the recent election. His zero tolerance policing policy and CityStat program are now being questioned regarding the issues associated with the riots and unrest in Baltimore City.

Ah, but the American people may be asked to consider him for President of the United States. Is O’Malley really running for President or hoping to be the vice presidential candidate with Hillary? Or is he positioning himself for 2020? All are interesting theories to watch in the game of politics.

O’Malley understands that game very well. He is in some ways a younger version of Bill Clinton who has lead an Irish rock band and will use this talent in his initial run for the White House. Remember, he won his first term as mayor of Baltimore by benefiting by the split votes between two other candidates; an interesting record going into the 2016 presidential campaign.

However, O’Malley’s timing may have been a bit off as Senator Bernie, the socialist senator from Vermont, has also announced he is a Democratic candidate for President. Could this take a bit of the edge off of the O’Malley candidacy? Time will tell.

As an underdog and in the face of the Hillary machine and fundraising ability, O’Malley has a long row to hoe and significant obstacles to overcome. However, simply announcing he is a candidate for President will gain him name recognition and visibility. His supporters have established a SuperPac, allowing O’Malley to secure adequate financing to play in the big league of American politics.

After the riots in Baltimore, the city he led for eight years, O’Malley says he has a message to share with the American people. Will this message resonate with voters or give them pause as they consider the candidates for President of the United States?

O’Malley will now have to formulate and articulate policies on national security, economic policy, foreign policy and many other issues facing the American people. He cannot just strum his guitar and expect to be elected President.

O’Malley is the first announced candidate for President to have a counter demonstration occur during the big announcement roll out event. And, O’Malley’s event was held in Federal Hill in Baltimore.

The last former Governor of Maryland to engage in a Democratic primary for President was Albert Cabell Ritchie. He did not fare to well against Franklin D.
Roosevelt; but he did not play a guitar in his quest for the presidency.

Look out Hillary, here comes O’Malley’s March.