O'Malley Squares Off With Other Democratic Candidates For President
LAS VEGAS (WJZ) -- The Democratic candidates' first presidential debate wraps up in Las Vegas. It was a make or break moment for Maryland's former leader Martin O'Malley.
Meghan McCorkell looks at how he did.
The former governor has been trying to find that breakout moment so he can gain some much needed momentum in the polls.
From gun control to funding the future and effective leadership, the top Democratic candidates square off on the issues.
The debate was a pivotal moment for former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, who came out swinging.
"Senator, it was not about rural... have you ever been to the Eastern Shore? Have you ever been to Western Maryland?" O'Malley said.
The governor was quick to take on frontrunners Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
"I believe that a no fly zone in Syria at this time, actually, secretary, would be a mistake," said O'Malley.
O'Malley also faced tough questions about his leadership here in Baltimore, given the current volatility in the city.
"We saved lives and we gave our city a better future, improving police and community relations every single day that I was in office," he said.
Here in Baltimore, voters watching say O'Malley needs to step up.
"He looks like he's running a campaign for vice president rather than for president of the United States," said Terrence Thrweatt.
The latest CBS News Poll has the former Baltimore mayor polling below half a percent before the debate.
Now the governor is trying to make a name for himself, so he can stay in the race.
One person that could throw a wrench into the race is Vice President Joe Biden. He has not yet decided whether he'll run.
The next Democratic debate will be Saturday, November 14 here on CBS.