Chris Wallace Calls Out Creigh Deeds for Ducking Debates
Democrat Repeatedly Refused National TV Appearance, So McDonnell Appears Alone
Second Joint Appearance in a Week Deeds Has Dodged, First Was at VUU Tuesday
WASHINGTON, DC - Democratic candidate for governor Creigh Deeds repeatedly rebuffed invitations from Fox News to participate in a nationally televised debate scheduled for this morning, leaving Republican Bob McDonnell no choice but to appear alone. McDonnell took questions from host Chris Wallace on "Fox News Sunday" this morning, with Wallace twice noting that Deeds had refused to meet on the program. This is the second time in the space of one week Deeds has refused to appear jointly with McDonnell. The first was Tuesday at Virginia Union University.
This is not the first media outlet to notice that Deeds has a consistent reluctance to appear in public forums with McDonnell. The Republican had proposed a series of ten face-to-face meeting only to be turned away on multiple occasions. The two have participated in just two debates so far, with less than 40 days to go before the election.
Deeds Bailed on Joint Appearance at Virginia Union University As Well
The two candidates were invited to appear in a debate hosted by Virginia Union University this past Tuesday, but were forced to appear separately because of Deeds' refusal to share the stage with McDonnell.
"And we are worried about Deeds' reluctance to take the stage with McDonnell," wrote the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "A governor must be willing to face his constituents and the political opposition. Why is Creigh Deeds so afraid?"
"I know that the last time Deeds agreed to debate Bob the results were, shall we say, less than beneficial for Creigh," said Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Pat Mullins. "This is a time in Virginia that calls for leadership. People are looking for answers and they want someone who will lead and not be afraid to take on the difficult questions. Ducking debates every step of the way is not what I would call leadership."
In what has become an Internet phenomenon, Deeds conducted a now-infamous press gaggle following the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce debate on September 17th. The clip of the exchange is rapidly approaching 50,000 views on YouTube.
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