Randomized algorithm for 3SAT

Question

There is a very simple randomized algorithm that, given a 3SAT, produces an assignment satisfying at least 7/8 of the clauses (in expectation): choose a random assignment. A random assignment satisfies each clause with probability 7/8, and so linearity of expectation shows that the expected fraction of clauses satisfied by a random assignment is 7/8.

Can this be done in a deterministic way? If so, why are we interested in the randomized algorithm?