In the News: Virginia Newspapers on Deeds’ Desperate Abortion Attack

The Richmond Times-Dispatch and Waynesboro News Virginian today both blasted Creigh Deeds for launching a divisive attack on abortion.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote:

“Creigh Deeds blinked. Let us explain.

Sheila Johnson—co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET)—usually endorses Democrats. Indeed, she ranks among Gov. Tim Kaine’s most generous and enthusiastic supporters. She also does her homework, and studies the candidates and their platforms. Her knee does not jerk.

Last month she endorsed Republican Bob McDonnell for governor. Her explanation of her choice stressed McDonnell’s emphasis on jobs. She described the economy as the main issue of the campaign and concluded that McDonnell seems better suited to revive Virginia.

Our editorial analysis of the McDonnell-Deeds debate at The Homestead said: “The candidates steered clear of social issues, and suggested they intend to do so for the duration.”.....

Although the campaign has not taken a decisive turn, McDonnell appears to have an edge in setting the agenda. Polls give him a double-digit lead. Deeds’ move smacks of desperation......The voters who decide elections expect candidates to propose reasonable answers to questions regarding the economy, transportation, education, and other day-to-day concerns.

It’s the economy, smart guys.”

The Waynesboro News Virginian opined::

“Explaining the strategy unveiled over the weekend by R. Creigh Deeds to his pals at The Washington Post requires desperation similar to that indicated by his tactics. Down double digits in the polls, Deeds is launching the campaign equivalent of football’s “Hail Mary,” attacking Robert F. McDonnell on the subject of abortion after both candidates had vowed to steer wide of social issues. So why now?”

...This does not mitigate the necessity of the Bath County Democrat getting busy. So far Deeds has played defense in the fashion of cowardly Lions, Detroit, that is, which is to say not very well. McDonnell challenged Deeds to 10 debates, and Deeds whimpered. McDonnell proposed a transportation plan, and Deeds punted, saying he’d wait to chat with his chums in the legislature. McDonnell so far is controlling the fight. So now Deeds swings low and from left field…..

..... These questions won’t be resolved in Virginia’s gubernatorial campaign, as both Deeds and McDonnell well know. Abortion is modern America’s great dilemma. Deeds’ attempt to use this as a lever to hoist himself into a campaign in which he is yet to participate significantly evinces a craven political cynicism that we had not foreseen in him.

This leads us to wonder whether Deeds is capable of what would have been a superior strategy, to counter McDonnell’s transportation and jobs plans with better alternatives. Deeds is clutching and grabbing as he sinks. This will not win him the position he seeks.”>

The full editorials are available at the links below:

Campaign 2009: Desperation -The Richmond Times-Dispatch

“Is this All Mr. Deeds?” The Waynesboro News Virginian

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