Jindal challenges Cruz to a debate

Washington Post ^ | 11/06/2015 | Robert Costa

[GIdget2004]

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) on Friday challenged his 2016 rival, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), to a one-on-one debate next week in Milwaukee, a move that highlights the intensifying competition for the support of conservatives.

Rather than targeting the GOP front-runners, businessman Donald Trump and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Jindal is seeking to contrast himself with Cruz, who presents a more direct threat in Iowa, where both men are battling within a crowded field for evangelical caucus-goers.

“He said he’ll debate anyone, anytime, so let’s do it in Milwaukee,” Jindal said in an interview with The Washington Post. “I’m happy to do it.”

Jindal pointed to Cruz’s recent comments on Fox News as the impetus for calling him out. “I’m happy to have as many debates as we can,” Cruz said on Wednesday. “I’m happy to debate anywhere, anytime."

Jindal said he’d like his debate with Cruz, if it ever happened, to focus on their plans for replacing President Obama’s health-care law. He also questioned the significance of Cruz’s efforts in 2013 to shut down the government.

“You get Ted Cruz who wants to shut down the government, but he’s never even come up with his own plan,” Jindal said. “We’ve written our own plan and campaigned on it, rather than just complaining about Obamacare.”

[Trapped Behind Enemy Lines]

D
E
S
P
E
R
A
T
E

[Calpublican]

Jindal seems bright, but calling out Cruz for a debate is not.

[Don Corleone]

Why not? He has nothing to lose.

[grimalkin]

I wouldn’t go there, Mr. Jindal.

[Dr. Sivana]

My understanding is that if Cruz accepts such a debate, he is disqualifying himself from the official debates.

[odawg]

You would be too, if you had been running for president for eight years and have his polling numbers. Numbers, by the way, he so richly deserves.

[july4thfreedomfoundation]

After Jindahl’s tirade against Trump a few weeks ago, including his “Trump’s a madman who must be stopped” unhinged comment, I wouldn’t vote for Jindahl under any circumstances.

It’s Trump or Cruz for me.

[tumblindice]

Cruz would eat Apu’s lunch.

[cripplecreek]

LOL yeah.

Jindal might want to be careful about accusing Cruz of not having any plans. I know he has people working on his campaign that do have considerable chops on health care plans like his Michigan campaign chair Pat Colbeck.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3049245/posts

[taildragger]

There is a Monty Python Flesh Wound joke in here somewhere...

[MNlurker]

Wow...really?

I’m all in for Cruz, but wow...really?

[Trapped Behind Enemy Lines]

I like Bobby.

But the dude needs to give it up. He’s going nowhere.

Since David Vitter is running for governor, Jindal might be well advised to go after his senate seat.

Not his time for POTUS.

[gov_bean_ counter]

Sorry Bobby Joe (if you are from Louisiana you must have two first names), but a single Senator cannot shut down the government. That opportunity belongs the jug eared moron who has a pen and a phone.

[hadaclueonce]

Bobby might have a better chance with the Donald.

[digger48]

Still cracks me up how some are still convinced that Cruz single-handedly shut down the government.

If a Junior Senator speaking from one half of one third of the government structure without the support of anyone in a leadership position was able to pull that off, it seems that only confirms that HE is a proven leader.

[VictoryGal]

Methinks Jindal is a masochist. Cruz would clean the floor with him in about 5 minutes.

[annieokie]

ME EITHER........wow, he is a glutton for punishment it seems

[PalmettoMason]

He’s going to give up the turban.

He’d rather wear his ass for a hat.

[Pearls Before Swine]

Actually, a debate between the two of them would be interesting to watch under ordinary circumstances. Unfortunately, because of the pending election and the current polling, it would be a publicity stunt for Jindal, and clearly is not going to happen.