George,

If McConnell wins he won't oppress women, he will extend the absurd proposition that "conservative economics" is the answer to our current collapsing social and economic institutions. I will listen to the debate this evening, but if Deeds doesn't shift gears and accept McConnell's proposition that the economy is the big issue, he will lose. Deeds needs to praise Obama's efforts to soften the effects of the Republican anti-government tactics that led directly to the economic collapse. He needs to say that as Governor he will embrace federal grants to help the unemployed, he will take the lead in supporting Obama's programs to protect consumers from abuse of unfair and unannounced penalties and rate changes; that he will supplement federal programs to induce banks to adjust mortgage foreclosures, etc.

In short, he shouldn't abandon his attack on McConnell's conservatism, but intensify it by concentrating on the consequences of the failed Republic policies on the average person, the average family, and the communities in Virginia that they inhabit. Otherwise it looks grim.

Rich Collins (Electronic mail, October 12, 2009)