O'Malley talks experience and progressivism at event in Fairfield.
Democratic presidential nominee Martin O'Malley spoke of his executive experience and his progressive policy proposals at a meet and greet at the Fairfield Senior Center in Fairfield.
The former governor of Maryland spoke and took questions for about an hour, discussing topics ranging from his environmental policy to what he would do about ISIS.
When discussing ISIS, O'Malley first talked of his foreign policy experience as governor leading trade delegations, and then called for international collaboration to contain the terrorist organization.
"I think putting American boots on the ground has the opposite impact, in that region of the world, certainly than we might hope for," O'Malley said. "So we need to work in collaboration with other nations who are there on the ground and support them in a collaborative allied effort to contani ISIS, to degrade ISIS, to cut off their financing, to interrupt their propaganda."
O'Malley stood by his call for raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, discussed the need for criminal justice reform and education reform, and called out the Democratic National Committee for limiting the debates the nominees can participate in.
When asked if he would participate in a debate not sanctioned by the DNC, O'Malley said he would, and called on the DNC to change a rule that bars candidates from debates not sanctioned by the national party.
"I think it's ridiculous and people I talk to are pretty offended that the DNC would think that its role is to circle the wagons around the so-called inevitable front-runner and limit debates. That's not the way our party works."
Audience members were receptive.
"This is the first time I'm seeing him and I was impressed," said Jim Richmond, 52, of Fairfield.
"I thought on a whole wide range of issues he showed a real competence...He didn't stumble over anything, and he did with such good cheer and a certain hopefulness and directness too that I found reassuring."
"I think that he's for the middle class and the common person, is what I love [about O'Malley]," said 86-year-old Fairfield resident Mary Fleig.
"He [wants] to help the normal regular people, not just the millionaires and billioniares," she added, saying she likes O'Malley and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
ABOUT THE EVENT
SETTING: Fairfield Senior Center in Fairfield,
CROWD: About 60 people attended the fundraiser sponsored by Jefferson County Democrats.
RECEPTION: The crowd was very enthusiastic, applauding and laughing often through out O'Malley's remarks and giving him a standing ovation at the beginning and end.
WHAT'S NEXT: O'Malley continues his two-day, five-stop swing through the state Sunday, with two meet and greets, the first at the Musser Public LIbrary in Muscatine at 12:!5 p.m. and the second at Jersey Grille in Davenport at 4 p.m.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2015/08/22/omalley-talks-experience-and-progressivism-event-fairfield/32209869/
VERY EXCITING!
#1, When asked if he would participate in a debate not sanctioned by the DNC, O'Malley said he would, and called on the DNC to change a rule that bars candidates from debates not sanctioned by the national party.
"I think it's ridiculous and people I talk to are pretty offended that the DNC would think that its role is to circle the wagons around the so-called inevitable front-runner and limit debates. That's not the way our party works."
Audience members were receptive.
The crowd was very enthusiastic, applauding and laughing often through out O'Malley's remarks and giving him a standing ovation at the beginning and end.
#2, my brother lives there! Don't know whether he attended, but still . . . .
