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."
A headline for a Washington Post story in Sunday's
Times-Dispatch reported, "Deeds Will Raise Abortion Issue." The Post's headline said, "Deeds to Wage Risky Attack on Opponent's Abortion Views."
McDonnell makes no secret of his opposition to abortion; he also knows that the status quo is not going to change.
Our editorial on the debate predicted that activist groups on the left and the right would strive to inject social issues into the race and are unlikely to remain as restrained as Deeds and McDonnell indicated they preferred to be. Deeds is less restrained now than he was before.
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. Four years ago, a struggling Jerry Kilgore -- the GOP's gubernatorial nominee -- tried to use Kaine's opposition to the death penalty against the Democrat. The tactic failed. Although many Virginians support capital punishment, the mainstream wants to keep social issues off the table. 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.
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