A study in contrasts: O'Malley, Hillary public response to riots
The race for the Democratic nomination for president isn't even close at this stage, with Hillary Clinton so comfortable with her frontrunner status that she has answered a total of 7 questions from the press since her announcement early this month.
Her erstwhile opponent, former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley is barely on the radar. But popularity has nothing to do with acting and being presidential.
Case in point: O'Malley is in Ireland, giving a series of speeches to business and professional groups. But when he heard about the rioting in Baltimore, he immediately canceled his appearances and took the first flight home, tweeting his thoughts in an elegant and emotional way.
"I'm saddened that the City I love is in such pain this night. All of us share a profound feeling of grief for Freddie Gray & his family," O'Malley said on Twitter.
"We must come together as one City to transform this moment of loss & pain into a safer & more just future for all of Baltimore's people."
And Hillary? Well, let's just say that Hillary had other ideas on how to respond to the crisis.
Don't miss your chance to get a free Hillary 2016 bumper sticker! https://t.co/l2lPjM5p2l
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 27, 2015
That tweet was posted at 3:30 eastern time, while the riots were in full swing.
Six hours later, she tweeted this:
Tonight I am praying for peace & safety for all in Baltimore, & for Freddie Gray's family - his death is a tragedy that demands answers. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 28, 2015
No other statement on the violence has been forthcoming from Clinton.
Compare and contrast: Which candidate is the frontrunner again?