2016 presidential hopefuls urge a ‘return’ to democracy

Democratic presidential hopeful Martin O'Malley told about a thousand undecided voters at a New Hampshire gathering on Monday that the nation needs not just new leadership, but a new way of governing that invites people of all parties to "return to the table of democracy."

Speaking via video link and addressing the crowd gathered at the Problem Solver Convention arranged by the non-profit group No Labels, the former Maryland governor said he achieved results in lowering crime and improving education by employing a "circle of collaboration" focused on what works, and would take the same approach in tackling income inequality and other national problems as president.

"We didn't get things done by running to our labeled corners, we invited one another to come with ideas. This is a new way of leadership that people are demanding," he said.

"We have to invite one another — Democrats, Republicans, independents — to return to the table of democracy and solve these problems not with words but with actions," he said.

No Labels is a group that was created after the 2010 midterm elections to bridge the divide between Republicans and Democrats.

The group's co-chairs, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, described Monday's convention as "speed dating" with presidential candidates and urged an end to crippling party spats.

"Washington’s dysfunction is directly harming the health, wealth and well-being of American families and it has to stop," Huntsman told the crowd. 

New Hampshire's independent voters can vote in either the Republican or Democratic primaries.

At the outset of the conference Lieberman laid out the goals of the No Labels organization, including the creation of 24 million jobs over the next 10 years, protecting and securing social security for the next 75 years, balancing the federal budget by 2030 and making America energy secure by 2024. 

O'Malley was the first of eight candidates from both parties participating in the event. 

On the Republican side, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and billionaire businessman Donald Trump addressed the crowd. 

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ohio Gov. John Kasich were also set to speak.

Two others seeking the Democrats nomination — Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb — planned to speak via video.

New Hampshire Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who is not running for president, told the crowd that America needs to end the "politics of division." 

"Let’s focus on what unites us. Let’s stop pointing fingers and let’s stop trying to score political points and be focused on results for New Hampshire and for the country,” said Ayotte. 

Al Jazeera and The Associated Press