Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) on Monday walked back a remark that was quickly pounced on by Republicans.
During an appearance on “Face the Nation” on Sunday, O’Malley said “no” to the question of whether the United States is better off than it was four years ago.
“No, but that’s not the question of the elction,” O’Malley told CBS’ Bob Schieifer.
On Monday, O’Malley offered a different response, one that will likely please Democrats and President Barack Obama’s campaign.
“Here’s the reality ofur situation as a country,” O’Malley told CNN’s Soledad O’Brien. “We are clearly better off as a country because we’re creating jobs rather than losing them.”
Pressed by O’Brien, the potential 2016 presidential contender elaborated.
“We have not recovered all that we lost in the Bush recession. That’s why we need to continue to move forward. Is there anybody on this panel that thinks we’ve recovered all we lost in the Bush recession? I don’t think anybody can say that. But clearly we’re moving forward and creating jobs. Unemployment is down and job creation is up. And those positive movements would not happen without the president’s leadership.”
