Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, considering a run for president as a Democrat, on Thursday night took a jab at Hillary Clinton for changing her positions on several issues in an apparent effort to better appeal to the progressives in her party.
“I believe that we are best as a party when we lead with our principles and not according to the polls,” the Democrat said Thursday when asked about Clinton. “And every election is about the future. And leadership is about making the right decision, and the best decision before sometimes it becomes entirely popular.”
Since getting into the race last weekend, Clinton has moved to the left on both gay marriage and drivers licenses for illegal immigrants.
Asked about these changes while making at an appearance at Harvard, O’Malley said: “I’m glad Secretary Clinton’s come around to the right positions on these issues.”
“I believe marriage is a human right, not a state right,” O’Malley added. “I’m glad she’s come around to that position as well. I believe that we do our country a disservice when we make it harder for new American immigrants to abide by the rules of the road and obtain drivers licenses. And I’m glad she’s come around to that position now too.”
The remarks are notable as O’Malley, who hasn’t yet entered the race, has largely avoided criticizing Clinton up until this point. Should he enter the race, O’Malley could play the role of dragging Clinton over to the left on more issues.