Jeb needs to challenge Donald to a debate

Heavyweight boxers do it all the time.  So do pro tennis players.  At some point, the top contenders in a sport have to face each other one-on-one.  I think it’s time Jeb Bush challenges Donald Trump to a good old fashioned political donnybrook.  Sorry Carly, this battle has to be man-to-man. 

The Super PAC supporting Jeb has begun airing commercials in Iowa and New Hampshire touting its candidate as the serious one for serious times.  It’s a continuation of the theme the former Florida governor has been repeating on the campaign trail and during the recent Republican presidential debate in Las Vegas.  Here’s an excerpt from the PAC’s $3 million ad buy:

{mosads}”There is one candidate tough enough to take on the bully.”  Then, Jeb is shown delivering his upercut:  “Donald, you’re not going to be able to insult your way to the presidency.”

Ever since he declared his candidacy back in June, people have been calling Trump a bully.  His comments about Mexicans being killers and his call to ban Muslims entering the country have only served to enhance that reputation.  He’s even displayed it during the debates.  Last week in Las Vegas, he taunted Jeb by saying, “I’m at 42 and you’re at 3 in the polls.  Jeb, next thing you know you’ll be off the stage.”  It was classic Trump on offense. 

So what’s Jeb to do?  Personally, I think he has to change the entire dynamic of the campaign.  It’s not enough to say “Donald’s not a serious candidate.”  Nearly 40 percent of GOP voters think he is.  By challenging Trump to a one-on-one debate, Bush will leap over his primary rivals and position himself as the rightful #2 in the campaign.  Then, if he knocks Trump out, he will become the undisputed leader of his party.

Frankly, I don’t see any other path for Jeb.  If he continues campaigning like he has, he’ll end up as a political asterisk in 2016.  But if he wants to be president, then Jeb’s got to get in the ring or stand at center court and show the GOP he truly is capable of beating his #1 opponent. 

In order to become the heavyweight champion of the world or a Grand Slam winner, boxers and tennis players have to go head-to-head all the time.  It’s your time now, Jeb.  Are you up to the challenge?

Freidenrich writes from Laguna Beach, California.  He served as a congressional staff assistant on Capitol Hill in 1972.  He can be reached on Twitter at @freidomreport.