Martin O’Malley’s current public image mostly revolves around the fact that he’s the former democratic tough-on-crime Maryland governor. In relation to this fact, O’Malley even inspired the character Tommy Carcetti on HBO’s “The Wire”. O’Malley is most known for his zero tolerance policing that some argue lead to the death of Freddie Gray in the hands of six police officers. I think if O’Malley wants to win this election he needs to make waves in more than just one area. Every article I read focuses on one of four things about O’Malley; 1. His tough on crime approach and the death of Freddie Gray. 2. He is the former governor of Maryland and has 15 years of experience in public services. 3. He inspired a TV character. 4. He is in a band. All of this is great but majority of this info has little to do with his stance on various issues and his run for presidency.
As the video above highlights, O’Malley’s strengths include his past experience, his age, and the fact that he hasn’t had a relative or spouse who has already been president. Martin’s campaign is really focusing on his 15 years of prior experience. Additionally, they are trying to push the fact that O’Malley can “get the job done” and produce results. In the YouTube interview above (1:35), O’Malley states, “I have the experience though 15 years of public services and executive in a big city and also as the governor of a state of getting things done.” Later on in the interview he states (2:19), “I believe that there are new perspectives that are needed for us to solve the problems that we face as Americans and also for the problems that we face as people on this planet. And I believe that new perspective and new leadership is needed.” He also says in the video (2:57), "Let's be honest here: The presidency of the United States is not some crown to be passed between two families. It is an awesome and sacred trust to be earned and exercised on behalf of the American people."
O’Malley’s weaknesses would include the fact that his campaign is only highlighting one main issue, that he’s the “tough” guy who can get things done. After investigating his stance on multiple other issues, it’s clear O’Malley is a complex guy with interesting and unique views. It’s unknown why these issues aren’t getting more attention, and if he plans on getting everyone’s attention, he’s going to have to start highlighting other issues. Even on O’Malley’s website, “criminal justice reform” is the first issue that pops up under his vision tab. Given the issues are alphabetized, but if I just went to his website not paying attention, I probably would’ve made the assumption that criminal justice was his biggest concern.
Some opportunities would include the fact that he inspired a TV character, that he’s in a band, and that he does have experience. If people know the character O’Malley inspired, that can either sway them for or against O’Malley. A lot of people are interested in watching TV more than they’re interested in politics, so O’Malley has a unique opportunity here in introducing himself to those people. The fact he’s in a band is pretty irrelevant other than the fact that it makes him seem more like a real person with real hobbies that don’t just include religiously reading the news and getting into debates via his Facebook status. Since O’Malley has experience, especially in the case of police brutality, I think this is his biggest opportunity. Police brutality and racial profiling/discriminating are HUGE issues in the media right now. Highlighting his experience dealing with a case that may have been influenced by his policing policies can make or break this election for him.
Threats are probably going to be the fact that he’s never really in the media unless someone is talking bad about him. It’s going to be really hard for him to step out of Hillary Clinton’s shadow. I’m not sure how many people care about Martin O’Malley at this point, and this fact seriously threatens his chance of winning the election.
It is interesting that you said that he is never really in the spotlight since he is in the shadow of Hilary because you do not hear much about him. So I would agree that this is his biggest threat and maybe people do not care about him or he just needs to put himself out there. Do you think O'Malley will try to be put in the spotlight/ out of Hilary's shadow? If so, how?
ReplyDeleteAlthough O'Malley seems popular in the eyes of voters who like his "no bs" attitude towards crime, police brutality, and racial discrimination, I think you are right. O'Malley must offer something else to the table, and he and his campaign team must attract more positive attention towards himself.
ReplyDeleteMcKinlea, I really enjoyed your post. I think O'Malley needs to focus more on his public image then on his experience. He needs to relate more to the people. Do you think it is up to his campaign professionals that deal with social media to make things better regarding his image?
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