O'Malley Impressed Iowa Voters

Really interesting read. Hillary got lukewarm praise for being polished and prepared, Bernie left a mixed impression and many were impressed by O'Malley and want to hear more.

From Iowa Starting Line:

The questions were certainly more expansive and interesting than anything asked at the Republican debate,” said Cal Tormey of Urbandale. “Martin O’Malley really surprised me, it certainly gave me a more favorable impression of him … I wasn’t really familiar with him at all [beforehand], and came away with a really good impression. I thought Bernie came out looking great too, I like him a lot.”

“I thought O’Malley did great – when you compare him to the others on the stage, he was very presidential,” said Lu Ann Pedrick.

“Going into it, I didn’t know much about Martin O’Malley and where he stood, so getting that info was very helpful,” said Ashley McGuire. “It muddied waters for me in terms of the other candidates I’m currently considering. So it got him onto that level.”

O’Malley is really proving that he’s more and more of a contender,” said Taylor Robertson, an Economic and Finance sophomore

“Clinton is pretty polished, is an experienced debater, but I think that Bernie Sanders look good to me,” said David Houston. “I would like to see him more. Martin O’Malley was also really strong, and now I want to go out and meet him when he comes back to Iowa.”

"I think O'Malley's name recognition might go up, and I think he scored some points," said Steffen Schmidt, university professor of political science.

Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley vastly out-performed his humble single-digit standing in the polls.

“Hillary was clearly very well prepared, I would give her kudos for that,” said Bob Raker, 61, a retired county government worker who lives in nearby Beaverdale and is uncommitted. He was among several voters who said they were impressed by O’Malley, notably his closing statement about rebuilding the nation.

“I think Martin O’Malley did a very good job,” said state Rep. John Forbes of Urbandale, who is also undecided. “He’s very genuine, I think he comes across as a person really dedicated to making sure the country moves forward and taking care of the middle class.”

Jennifer Erwin, a precinct captain for Sanders, said she left the debate with “a lot more respect for O’Malley.”

“I wasn’t familiar with his record” in Maryland, said Erwin, 32, who lives in Windsor Heights. “But Bernie’s still my guy.”