Creigh Deeds said this afternoon he was confused and surprised by news that the White House feels he’s dug his own grave in the race to become the next governor of Virginia.
This morning, the Washington Post published a story recounting displeasure on the part of White House officials over the way Deeds has campaigned against GOP nominee Bob McDonnell. Current polls show Deeds down by double digits in the contest, and unnamed White House officials told the Post Deeds had only himself to blame for the situation. The officials claimed Deeds had ignored calls from from White House and other Democratic officials that he focus more his attention on being proactive about the issues driving the election and less on McDonnell’s 1989 master’s thesis claiming that working women are “detrimental” to the traditional family.
On a press call this afternoon, Deeds said he hadn’t read the story but seemed knowledgeable about its central themes.
“I understand the article says we didn’t follow their advice,” he said under questioning from TPMDC. “But I don’t know what that’s about. I honestly don’t.”
Deeds said he had a good relationship with the White House and pointed to next week’s joint appearance with President Obama as evidence the White House stands behind him, despite what the article says.
“We talk to them on just about a daily basis,” he said. “There’s been no disagreement between us.”
“Of which I’m aware,” Deeds quickly added. “Now whoever is doing the talking, maybe he or she knows something I don’t know.”
