Martin O’Malley ad hits not Hillary Clinton — but Bernie Sanders?

[BrotherIvan]

https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/25/martin-omalley-advertisement-hits-bernie-sanders-progressive/

Well, in the mixed-up world of presidential politics, where it’s sometimes not entirely clear whether candidates are running for president or jockeying for the vice presidential nod, O’Malley’s Super PAC on Thursday released an ad slamming not Hillary Clinton — but fellow underdog Bernie Sanders.

The ad, released by O’Malley’s Super PAC, Generation Forward, is one of the first ads released on behalf of O’Malley’s campaign. It labels Sanders “no progressive when it comes to guns.” The commercial flashes headlines from online news articles calling Sanders a “gun nut.” In a message about the anti-Sanders ad, the pro-O’Malley PAC explained on Facebook, “You can’t claim to soak the fat boys and exempt the profiteers in the gun industry.”

......

The Generation Forward Super PAC is led by two O’Malley supporters, Damian O’Doherty and Ron Boehmer. Federal Communications Commission records reveal that Generation Forward contracts with Fortune Media, a Democratic ad-buying firm that has previously worked on behalf of Emily’s List.

During the 2008 presidential election, O’Malley co-chaired the business-friendly Democratic Leadership Council, authoring an opinion column with Harold Ford to persuade his party not to drift too far to the left. He also served as a surrogate for Hillary Clinton’s campaign against Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination.

[cantbeserious]

1. Debunked Here

[BrotherIvan]

2. The question is why did O'Malley go after Bernie first?

[cantbeserious]

3. Strategy - Take On The Perceived Lesser Target First - Then Go After The Perceived Big Fish

eom

[BrotherIvan]

6. Don't know, but it is weird

[Art_from_Ark]

55. That sounds more like something

a stealth candidate would do.

O'Malley sounds like he's trying to curry favor with the Hillary camp.

[cui bono]

91. That was my first thought. I know I've seen many stealth supporters...

why not a stealth candidate?

Will stealthiness be the theme of the HRC campaign?

[Oilwellian]

92. Or Wall Street

He is a Third Way Dem after all.

[Autumn]

4. He thinks he could be Hillary's VP would be my guess.

[BrotherIvan]

5. Or... he is their Edwards strategy

When Edwards dropped out, Obama started creaming her in primaries. Maybe they learned something.

[hootinholler]

8. A real possibility

I thought he might make a good VP pick for Bernie, now I'm not so sure of that idea.

[daleanime]

9. +1

[kath]

11. Well, he is a DLCer.

On edit - according to a post below, he din not belong to the DLC. Hmmm.

But buddies with Harold Ford? Now there is a real Third Way, DINO type.

[elleng]

13. Governor O'Malley didn't do this,

a PAC did, over which he has no control.

[BrotherIvan]

50. I await his statement condemning it then

His campaign wants to go negative. This early it looks bad. To say his pacs are just out of control means his organization is lacking.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

39. The WAY he did it is funny. Trying to claim Bernie isn't Liberal ENOUGH.

[BrotherIvan]

41. ha ha ho ho he he

Attacking him from the left is DUMB on so many levels. But please, proceed, governor.

[elleng]

42. 'HE' didn't do it,

a PAC did.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

47. If he doesn't reign them in it's tacit approval.

[FSogol]

7. O'Malley was not co-chair of the DLC. He was head of the Democratic Governor's

Association in addition to being Governor of Maryland. He did author a op-ed with Harold Ford jr, but was never a member of the the DLC.

Why did a super pac purporting to represent O'Malley go after Sanders? No idea, but O'Malley has no connection to that pac. Best ask those questions of the pac and not of O'Malley.

[totodeinhere]

10. I think this shows that the O’Malley campaign is taking Bernie seriously.

Bernie's surge is a threat to them, hence the attack.

[elleng]

15. The O'Malley campaign did not do this;

a PAC, over which he has no control, did.

[totodeinhere]

20. Then why hasn't O'Malley disavowed PAC's and refused to accept any support from them

as Bernie has?

[Raine1967]

27. Has Sanders disavowed these PACs?

https://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?type=P&cid=N00000528&newMem=N&cycle=2014

[navarth]

32. Have any of those PACs run disgusting hit pieces on behalf of Bernie?

That's a straight question.

[Raine1967]

40. He does have support of PACs. That is my point.

I don't have to like the ad, or even dislike it to point out that Sanders does have PAC support. THAT is my point.

It's early — if you think there will be no and I am going to quote you, 'disgusting hit pieces' that supporters of other candidates find highly objectionable, I suggest you get ready for high primary season.

And seriously, I disagree with the presentation of this ad — however, not a fan on Sanders gun votes.

[JustAnotherGen]

76. +1

[rhett o rick]

12. More Swiftboating but the Oligarchs. Some warned when O'Malley entered the race that

his mission was to take out Sen Sanders as a candidate. We will see.

[elleng]

14. Governor O'Malley did NOT do this,

a PAC over which he has no control did.

His 'mission' is to become President.

[Andy823]

17. They won't listen elleng

It was posted yesterday also and several of us tried to say the same thing, that it was a PAC that O'Malley does not control. They just keep ignoring that and coming up with all kinds of conspiracies, like Hillary put him up to doing this. I don't think they even read what we post, they have their own view on things and it won't change. They seem to think everyone is out to get Bernie.

I am sure that sooner or later one of the PAC's coming out for Bernie will do the same kind of things to O'Malley and Hillary, and Bernie will also have no control over them either.

[elleng]

18. You got it, Andy823,

but I appear to be in defense counsel mode at the moment!

[totodeinhere]

21. Bernie has said that he will not accept support from any PAC's.

Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders pledges not to accept super PAC support

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2015/05/10/Presidential-candidate-Bernie-Sanders-pledges-not-to-accept-super-PAC-support/8511431289646/

Where is O'Malley's pledge on this topic?

[Raine1967]

25. That is Sanders choice.

Until Citizen's Untied is overturned, you really believe that ANY Dem can get elected with the republican machine?

It's politics. Get a Dem elected that runs to have it overturned, until then, these are the pathetic ground rules.


It's Politics and ellen is right in saying that this PAC has nothing to do with O'Malley — however, do Sanders supporters really think that no one is ever going to question Sanders?

He's going to vetted. It's politics. Pacs exist. That's reality.

It's the game. You are aware that legally, Sanders can't accept support from PACs the same way O'Malley can't right?

[Andy823]

38. Exactly!

You can pretty much bet that some PAC for Sanders will come out with hit pieces on O'Malley, and Clinton. Bernie can do anything about it, even if he has doesn't want to have anything at all to do with them.

As for the vetting, yes Bernie will have to go through the process, and I think he will do fine, it's some of his supporters here on
DU that seem to have a problem with anyone speaking out against him.

[JustAnotherGen]

77. Well said

[BumRushDaShow]

28. Whether any of them accept support or not is irrelevent

These PACs operate independent of the candidate whether they like them or not, but tend to reflect issues that align with the candidates' positions. They are not supposed to be in cahoots with the candidate in any case and the candidate has no say on their existence. Have to thank Citizen's United for that.

Edit to add here is an article about some PACs formed in support of Bernie - http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/05/30/pacs-promote-sanders/28159039/

[aspirant]

31. Its simple

has he publicly disavowed the ad or not?

[BumRushDaShow]

37. It's even simpler

Even if he did, doing so would not stop the ads.

[aspirant]

43. ..and even simpler yet, it would let the people know who he is

Obviously he has not disavowed this smear or links would be everywhere

We are coming to know who Martin is

[BumRushDaShow]

53. Again

even if he did, would it make a difference? Would supporters actually believe the disavowal? Would the ads stop?

Folks need to stop being naive and deal with the nasty world of politics.

[aspirant]

58. So is Martin one of the "nasty" politicians?

[BumRushDaShow]

60. IMHO, ALL politicians are "nasty". nt

[Raine1967]

44. Thank you for this. eom.

[elleng]

70. Thanks, Bum.

[Raine1967]

29. Are these donations not from PACs?

https://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?type=P&cid=N00000528&newMem=N&cycle=2014

[FSogol]

22. There at least 3 Bernie super pacs making the rounds now.

Only a matter of time before they run attack ads. Wonder if the tone will change them?

[Raine1967]

26. It will change.

and that is politics. The reality is that every candidate is going to have to deal with it.

Sanders will get vetted just as every other candidate.

[JustAnotherGen]

85. Bet On Bernie is one

Thread posted in the AA Group - when I went to the link in the OP - then googled it - it's a super pac. They are looking for $50 million dollars.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1187&pid=16541

[bvar22]

64. You be sure to remind us when that happens.

"sooner or later one of the PAC's coming out for Bernie will do the same kind of things to O'Malley and Hillary, and Bernie will also have no control over them either",


.....right now, that is a fantasy you created to make yourself and those attacking Sanders feel all warm, fuzzy, and self-righteous.

[rhett o rick]

24. Sorry for my skepticism. I hope he straightens this up and disavows the attack.

I am willing to listen. I know that the Oligarchy and the Democratic Leadership will continue attacks on Sen Sanders. It is very important to the billionaires that a progressive not win the primary.

[bvar22]

16. Looks like O’Malley has his price.

I hope he demanded a BUNCH of $ from the Hillary campaign for that Hit Piece.


At least we know which side he is on....and it ain't Americans who Work for a Living.

[elleng]

19. You are full of MALARKEY!

Learn the rules, he/candidates can NOT coordinate with PACS, and, better still, learn about Governor O'Malley:

To START with:

Martin O'Malley:

1. Ended death penalty in Maryland
2. Prevented fracking in Maryland and put regulations in the way to prevent next GOP Gov Hogan fom easily allowing fracking.
3. Provided health insurance for 380,000
4. Reduced infant mortality to an all time low.
5. Provided meals to thousands of hungry children and moved toward a goal for eradicating childhood hunger.
6. Enacted a $10.10 living wage and a $11. minimum wage for State workers.
7. Supporter the Dream Act
8. Cut income taxes for 86% of Marylanders (raised taxes on the rich).
9. Reformed Maryland’s tax code to make it more progressive.
10. Enacted some of the nation’s most comprehensive reforms to protect homeowners from foreclosure.

Mother Jones magazine called him the best candidate on environmental issues.
Article here:
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/12/martin-omalley-longshot-presidential-candidate-and-real-climate-hawk

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/gov-martin-omalley-takes-on-gop-speech-to-firefighters/video/bc-4103291832001

NEA names Maryland’s Martin O’Malley ‘America’s Greatest Education Governor’

From 2010, Award presented at NEA’s Annual Meeting in New Orleans
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1281944

This should keep you busy for a while.

[aspirant]

23. Please respond to post#20, 21

[Raine1967]

69. I responded… n/t

[peacebird]

30. O'Malley appears to be gunning for VP slot under Clinton

[Rosa Luxemburg]

67. Yes

[Sancho]

33. This was an obvious and easy target to go after Bernie...

and it's the tip of the iceberg. Bernie has never faced a full-on onslaught of big money PAC. O'Malley's PAC is child's play.

Maybe it's a test, maybe Martin wants to be VP. Who knows? At any rate, any candidate with a big PAC running ads is doomed in today's elections.

Bernie can stick to his ideals, which is admirable, but it's a losing strategy for a national election in 2016. At any rate, we'll see what happens.

[JI7]

34. He wants to be the alternative to Hillary

Simple and basic

He brings nothing to the ticket as vp.

[aspirant]

35. ...or a cabinet spot?

[JI7]

36. or president

[aspirant]

46. ...or an ambassador.

[A Little Weird]

45. I don't think O'Malley can do anything about it

It was put out by a PAC. I would like to see him come out against it and ask the PAC to stop but I don't think he can make them.

Just another example of how corrupting money is on the political process.

[BrotherIvan]

51. WORD

[KoKo]

68. He wants to be Hillary's VP.....by appearing to Appeal to the Left that Rahm Trashed?

It's a good political Tactic. If I was an Adviser to his Campaign...I'd do the same thing. BUT...I'm Not. I'm for Bernie.

According to your post:

The ad, released by O’Malley’s Super PAC, Generation Forward, is one of the first ads released on behalf of O’Malley’s campaign. It labels Sanders “no progressive when it comes to guns.” The commercial flashes headlines from online news articles calling Sanders a “gun nut.” In a message about the anti-Sanders ad, the pro-O’Malley PAC explained on Facebook, “You can’t claim to soak the fat boys and exempt the profiteers in the gun industry.”

......

The Generation Forward Super PAC is led by two O’Malley supporters, Damian O’Doherty and Ron Boehmer. Federal Communications Commission records reveal that Generation Forward contracts with Fortune Media, a Democratic ad-buying firm that has previously worked on behalf of Emily’s List.

During the 2008 presidential election, O’Malley co-chaired the business-friendly Democratic Leadership Council, authoring an opinion column with Harold Ford to persuade his party not to drift too far to the left. He also served as a surrogate for Hillary Clinton’s campaign against Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination.

[A Little Weird]

71. I think this was supposed to be a response to someone else n/t

[JustAnotherGen]

78. The PAC did it in a nasty way

But he cannot disavow his stance on guns. Or - his record. He pissed off beretta and they moved out of state.

It's in his record.

[A Little Weird]

79. No he can't disavow his stance on guns but it should be presented honestly

Bernie is rated 'F' by the NRA so I certainly don't think it's fair to characterize him as a 'gun nut' as this PAC has done. Realistically, one could say that his history on guns/gun control is a mixed bag.

I don't agree with Bernie on every single issue, but he's as close to a perfect candidate as I've ever seen.

[JustAnotherGen]

80. That's how I feel about O'Malley

And Martin has presented his (personal and legislative) stance honestly.

It's up to Bernie to set the record straight - or his PACs to do so.

You have what to you is a perfect candidate - I have what to me is a perfect candidate.

The good thing about this - is that with Sanders being the media's darling - Generation Forward put O'Malley on the board. Good, bad, indifferent -

This is politics - it's a shitty game - and until Citizens United is overturned - we all have to accept that.

I'm not holding O'Malley accountable for what folks unaffiliated with his campaign have done.

It doesn't put him in a negative light to me at all.

And if anything - he's getting ready to draw fire from the NRA - who will give him free national advertising by lobbying against him (O'Malley). Their pockets are deep - let them buy the ad time.

[secondvariety]

48. Bernie can take it.

He's been around long enough to know what to expect.

[BrotherIvan]

52. He laughed, which was the right answer

I am for very strict gun control, i.e. a "control freak" and a "grabber." And even I think this whole thing backfired. It make O'Malley look bad.

[BernieBlower]

49. He wants to be Hillary's VP.

it's painfully obvious why O'malley would attack the guy at 15% in the polls. this clown is doing Hillary's dirty work and angling for her VP spot.

[BumRushDaShow]

56. Why is everything "Hillary's fault"?

It seems this is the default response to anything that surfaces as a critique of this candidate.

And I say this as an undecided voter and not a Hillary supporter or O'Malley supporter (although I had originally liked O'Malley when he was governor but some other issues seemed to surface recently - notably his time as mayor of Baltimore, that gave me pause).

[BernieBlower]

57. shills gonna shill

when was the last time you can remember a guy with 1%, attacking a person with 12%, instead of the front-runner with almost 50%?

what... next you're going to say claire mccaskill attacking Bernie on MSNBC was just something she decided to do on her own?

[BumRushDaShow]

59. You are making the assumption that HE is doing it

and not a "PAC".

If you go back to news stories of the 2012 election (the first Presidential one since Citizen's United), you will see all sorts of insanity coming out of the PACs that the candidates didn't endorse nor could they stop. That is the nature of that horrible SC decision, which by the way people seem to forget involved a suit against government for forbidding broadcast of the hour-long hit piece against Hillary by the PAC called "Citizens United", who was the plaintiff in "Citizens United vs FEC".

I think more energy needs to be spent on getting McCain-Feingold updated and back into legislation (and even getting Feingold re-elected in WI, where he plans to run for his seat again after being defeated the last time).

[JI7]

61. happens all the time like when Edwards and Wes Clark were going at each other

even when Kerry had taken a huge lead. when one is as low as o'malley they are just trying to get a role in the race. if Clinton loses support it will most likely go to the alternative candidate which at this point is Sanders based on him having more support than O'malley.

[JI7]

62. there are some Sanders supporters who are more anti Hillary than really being about Sanders

if not sanders they woudl have attached themselves to someone else.

but what they mostly do is what they have done before sanders got into the race which is attack hillary and other democrats. now they will hide behind sanders to do it.

[Andy823]

66. I tend to agree with you

It's really sad that they do their best to divide people on DU at the expense of Bernie by claiming to be his supporters.

[FSogol]

86. +1 n/t

[BainsBane]

88. Cha wants people to know that her hidden post was misinterpreted

She was not calling anyone a name but simply referencing the name of a new poster earlier in the subthread.

[sheshe2]

90. Thanks for clarifying, for Cha

since she can't do it herself now. Methinks some here should be questioning the new guy with that screen name.

[orpupilofnature57]

54. Notice Bernie doesn't HIT anyone but keeps it comprehensive, probably O'Malley figures everyone

will throw darts at Hillary when the time comes, why should he burn bridges .

[DonCoquixote]

63. someone is bucking

for an office job in 2016.

That's all right O Malley, everyone remembers how YOU helped Baltimore Cops become the animals they were. You will fit in perfect with an admin that talks left but governs right.

[elleng]

65. Yes, an OVAL Office job.

[JustAnotherGen]

81. Plus 1000

And every time I read this nonsense that he is trying to hang his star on Clinton -

I'm going to give $5 to G.F.

[KingCharlemagne]

83. O'Malley's theme song for 2016:

[JustAnotherGen]

84. I didn't realize that O'Malley and Sanders were long term friends/allies

I googled/binged it - and all I came up with was a Politics USA smear job that deliberately painted the ad as coming directly from the mind, to the fingers, to the camera to the actual buy time of Martin O’Malley.

http://www.politicususa.com/

They basically say he’s JUST like Scott Walker.

What kind of brain washing game are those folks playing? Scott Walker hates women, gays, blacks, the environment, poor people, school age children, people murdered by guns, etc. etc. – he pretty much only loves the Koch Brothers. Two men could not be more different.

Anyways - he can't control Generation Forward - and it looks to me - based upon that article - at a web site that has Bernie Sanders as part of their mast head - Like this is a PAC for Bernie Sanders?

[A Little Weird]

93. Generation Forward is a PAC for Martin O'Malley (but not affiliated with his campaign)

Pretty easy to look up - http://generationforwardpac.org

Your link goes to the main page of politicsusa and not to a specific article so I can't really see what you are referring to but anyone who compares any of the Dem candidates to Scott Walker is nuts.

[JustAnotherGen]

94. I'm familiar

I gave them $100 yesterday!

[Ken Burch]

72. Supports the theory O'Malley is actually running to be veep.

People with attack-dog tendencies often end up in that job...including little-known pols from Maryland:

[BrotherIvan]

73. Stalking horse

In exchange for something.

[KingCharlemagne]

82. Oh, I so hope Sanders' campaign is recruiting a few Conservadem stalking

horses to take it to Hillary. She, her proxies and surrogates want to play dirty, why dirty is what they shall get.

[BainsBane]

87. Ever consider it might be because

He actually CARES about gun control? I know. Caring about an issue is so passe compared to personality politics, but ya never know. Could be true. His record certainly indicates he does.

[hack89]

89. He and Bernie are fighting for the number 2 spot.

first things first.