O'Malley touts experience in Tipton, Anamosa.

Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley encouraged Iowans to proudly continue upon the progressive vision outlined by President Barack Obama at two stops in Tipton and Anamosa on Sunday afternoon.

The Democratic presidential candidate opened both speeches by briefly reviewing his standard talking points, touting his 15 years of executive experience in which he implemented progressive ideas that many of his opponents for the Democratic nomination frequently present to voters. After his prepared marks, O’Malley invited questions from the audience at both stops.

One woman in Tipton expressed concern about his lack of a foreign policy platform on his website. O'Malley responded by referring to a speech he gave to the Truman National Security Project in June, which called for a fundamental reconsideration of American foreign policy in the 21st century.

“This is not the Cold War anymore. This is not even the 1990s anymore,” O’Malley stated. The former governor explained that he would strive to create peace “by being strong at home and by engaging in collaborative ways.”

During the Anamosa question-and-answer session, a young girl, adopted from China, challenged the extremes of O’Malley’s progressive beliefs by asking him about his support for the law requiring candidates for the presidency to be born in the United States. Pausing for several seconds to contemplate, O’Malley attempted to divert her question by reiterating his support for birthright citizenship, which has been challenged by several Republicans in recent weeks.

“So I’m opposed to that one. Can I think about your first question?” O’Malley asked.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2015/09/06/omalley-touts-experience-tipton-anamosa/71828636/