VA Gubernatorial Candidate's Stutter Mocked By GOP Rival's Camp

Posted by Melissa McEwan, Shakesville at 11:45 AM on October 5, 2009.

To Republican surrogates:

Few Virginians would describe Creigh Deeds as a great speaker. The Democratic candidate for governor frequently fumbles his words in press conferences and on debate stages. The Washington Post has described him as "stammering."

Now a top surrogate for Republican candidate Bob McDonnell is drawing some unwanted attention for outright mocking the Democrat's halting manner of speech.

..."We need people who can communicate," [Sheila Johnson, the co-founder of BET and a high-profile African-American McDonnell backer] said at the event, as McDonnell stood by in the audience. "And Bob McDonnell can communicate."

Johnson then said other politicians she talks to can't communicate, "especially his op-op-op-op-opponent."

The McDonnell campaign had no comment.

Deeds spokesman Mo Elleithee said: "Creigh's the first person to admit that he's not the smoothest talker and that he sometimes stumbles over his words. But at least you know that what's he's saying is authentic, honest and true." Oh, SNAP!

You can donate to the Deeds campaign here.

[H/T to Shaker Azzy.]

Tagged as: virginia, creigh deeds, bob mcdonnell, sheila johnson, mo elleithee, speech impediments, stuttering