Late Hits

Commentators sometimes talk about Creigh Deeds' soft-edged demeanor or even his drawl in a way that suggests doubt about whether he has the mettle to take down a more polished politician such as Bob McDonnell. But as Deeds today continued settling into his role as his party's overwhelming choice, not just the guy in the middle, it's worth looking back at a key moment in the last formal debate between Deeds, Terry McAuliffe and Brian Moran.

At the end of the Washington Post-sponsored debate at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, Deeds ended up with the final closing statement. With his opponents unable to respond from the stage, Deeds lit into them both in a way that was closer to ruthless than soft-edged. Republican leaders had taken some enjoyment in seeing the Democrats run each other -- and their campaign accounts -- down. Today, Democrats said the tough race helped turn Deeds into a tougher candidate. That might just be convenient spin. Or it might just be true.

Don't remember Deeds' late hits in that Annandale debate? Here's a reminder. Hit play then scroll over to about the 54:30 minute mark.