I’ll say this for your suggestion. A public debate with Tribe would be high profile. Even those who didn’t watch would hear about it. The challenge would project confidence and fearlessness on Cruz’ part. If he then mopped the floor with a liberal icon, he would surge. Nothing legally would have been resolved and the Dems would still litigate, but in the meantime, Cruz would SURGE.
And then the monkey on Trump’s back. Trump could mention that Obama was announced eligible. And Trump should at some point call out McCon-man.
Not that Trump ever fights fair, but it would be presidential of him when he feels confident enough.