Here is a take on the Democratic debate from WGBH News’ token aging-millennial political correspondent (millennial because I had to use my parents Xfinity password to stream CNNgo. Aging because, Jesus, did I just watch a whole Democratic debate on CNN?):

Tonight was the opportunity for the three trailing Democrats to make a splash and introduce themselves as the antidote to the insider/outsider tango Clinton and Sanders have been dancing for last few weeks. It’s hard to say that either former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee or former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb accomplished much splashing in the eyes of the electorate tonight.

O’Malley didn’t much focus on partisan labels and out-liberalling his opponents, but dedicated much of his time defining himself as the guy who has successfully worked progressive policy into law while mayor of Baltimore and later as governor of Maryland.

O’Malley was the first candidate of either party to address racial unrest in America, as pointed out by the Washington Post’s Wesley Lowery:

This is the first debate question asked of any candidate in any of the 3 debates about racial unrest

ADVICE: Linc, save up your hearts. I don’t know if you’re ready to save Zelda this time.

CNN DOES DIVERSITY:

CNN has a whole binder full of minority correspondents.

AND NOW A SHORT INTERLUDE WITH BOSTON CITY COUNCILOR MATT O’MALLEY

A perk for Boston politicos watching the debate, while simultaneously keeping one eye on Twitter, was the sudden and somewhat comical role of Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley, who was subjected to numerous instances of mistaken identity throughout the night. You see, his name is very similar to that of former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Twitter is not known for it’s dedication to thorough research before firing off mini-missives at a politician.

“It’s surprising. I’m getting a number of mentions from people tweeting, thinking they’re getting the governor,” O’Malley told WGBH News during one of the debate’s commercial breaks. The Jamaica Plain councilor is happy with the attention and says he’s proud to share a middle (Joseph) and last name with the candidate. He’s been Martin O’Malley’s top surrogate and supporter in Massachusetts and even delivered a speech in support of him at this year’s Democratic state convention in Springfield.

At a campaign event Matt O’Malley hosted for the governor last month at Doyle’s, JP’s epicenter for political gab, Martin O’Malley joked that the young councilor was only a supporter so he could ride his coattails and stock up on “O’Malley for president” signs.

But what’s it say about a candidate’s momentum when people can’t even remember his first name?

“I know the governor certainly doesn’t have anywhere near the name recognition that Secretary Clinton or even Sen. Sanders do at this point. I agree with his call to have more debates,” our O’Malley said.