Martin O’Malley: Presidency Is a ‘Sacred Trust,’ Not ‘Some Crown’ for ‘Two Families’

Former Gov. Martin O’Malley, a potential Democratic challenger to Hillary Clinton, said the nation is seeking “new leadership” in 2016.

During an interview this morning on ABC’s “This Week,” host George Stephanopoulos asked the Maryland Democrat why he was considering a presidential run.

O’Malley said he believes the nation is facing a “defining moment.”

Stephanopoulos pointed out that O’Malley had endorsed Clinton, the former secretary of state, during her campaign in 2007. O’Malley said she had been the best candidate—“for those times.”

“I think our country always benefits from new leadership and new perspectives. Let’s be honest here, the presidency of the United States is not some crown to be passed between two families. It is an awesome and sacred trust that is to be earned and exercised on behalf of the American people,” said O’Malley.

O’Malley was asked by Stephanopoulos if those two families are “Bush and Clinton.” He responded, “any two families.”

“History is full of times where the inevitable frontrunner is inevitable right up until he or she is no longer inevitable,” said O’Malley.

O’Malley cited his 15 years in public service, his executive experience as the governor of Maryland and record of “getting things done” as qualifications for the White House.

Stephanopoulos asked O’Malley what the biggest threat facing the United States is, and how he would respond to it as commander in chief.

O’Malley briefly hesitated before naming “a nuclear Iran,” “extremist violence” and “climate change” as the biggest threats facing the United States.

O’Malley stressed the next president should put the “national interest” before “special interests.”

Stephanopoulos asked if Hillary Clinton was that candidate.

“Well, I don’t know,” said O’Malley. “I don’t know where she stands. Will she represent a break with the failed policies of the past? I don’t know.”

O’Malley said he expects to make a final decision on a presidential run “this spring.”