I've read complaints about media coverage of Clinton or Sanders - but O'Malley

[bigtree]

...has NEVER gotten a fair share of coverage.

The media has treated the Democratic race as a two-way contest between Sanders and Clinton and portrayed O'Malley as a well-meaning distraction. Now, every story which bothers to mention his campaign leads with their self-actualizing observation that he's still a relative unknown struggling for recognition and support.

There's a chance in Iowa for O'Malley to shift that narrative, but that's not assured, even if he beats expectations.

One thing I noticed is a narrative-in-waiting for Sanders if he fails to produce a win, or even fails to reach a certain threshold of support in Iowa. The buzz is already starting from folks looking to declare his candidacy dead in the water if he fails to defeat Clinton there. Ridiculous, of course, but maybe Sanders support will get a taste of what it's like to be corralled into the 'can't win' category and have every report lead with that premise.

Bottom line, our candidates don't get elected by polls or punditry, but those polls and media do shape the narrative voters rely on to make their choices. Every time we let that speculation substitute for our advocacy or interests we undermine our Democratic process.

Here's hoping for a more competitive, substantive primary for O'Malley, and for his rivals, as well.

[JimDandy]

1. K n R because America needs lots of robust debates and campaigns from lots more decent people. n/t

[elleng]

2. Here's hoping for a more competitive, sunstantive primary for O'Malley, and for his rivals, as well.

Son of Martin O'Malley speaks to MSNBC.

Will O'Malley, son of 2016 presidential candidate Martin O'Malley, joins Frances Rivera to discuss the O'Malley campaign's latest developments three days ahead of the Iowa caucus.

http://www.msnbc.com/thomas-roberts/watch/son-of-martin-o-malley-speaks-to-msnbc-611718211831

[Qutzupalotl]

3. I thought the town hall questions were too harsh.

It's like they were trying to take him out. Bernie's were pretty tame by comparison. I guess taking out Bernie would be too obvious.

The first quesion began with the words "Your history," which sounds exactly like "You're history." The content of the questions made it seem like people wanted him to solve race relations and the economy on the spot. Even the audience groaned when Cuomo asked his "15%" question. But O'Malley knocked it out of the park. "Hold strong in your caucuses!"

[bigtree]

4. kick

[JRLeft]

5. The only time he's acknowledged is in the debates.