Posted on 07/16/2015 9:17:29 AM PDT by RoosterRedux
Since announcing his presidential bid last month, Donald Trump has thrown haymakers at a variety of candidates, but he’s gone after Jeb Bush with particular zeal. He has called the former Florida governor a “total disaster,” has asked “How the hell can you vote for this guy?” and has even gone after Bush’s Mexican-born wife on Twitter.
Now, those close to his campaign say, Bush, who has taken on the mantle of front-runner, is bracing for the possibility of a presidential debate pile-on — with Trump leading the charge.
Gaming out how Trump — a bombastic figure who refuses to abide by the usual rules of political decorum — will present himself has become a growing subject of speculation in Bush’s world. During one recent phone call with a political ally, Bush pointedly asked about the surging real estate mogul. What, the friend recalled the former governor wondering out loud, was behind Trump’s antics, and what was he trying to accomplish?
“Trump presents a challenge for Bush because he’s a hand grenade,” said Nelson Warfield, a longtime Republican strategist who has prepared a number of candidates for debates. “His people understand that and will be prepared for anything that comes their way.”
As the Aug. 6 debate grows closer, some Republicans are relishing the prospect of Trump tearing the bark off the former governor — or, at the very least, trying to trip him up. “Trump has one target and one target only,” said an adviser to a rival GOP candidate. “He’s going to bring a lawn mower for Bush.”
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
“Hope he trims Bush into a topiary.”
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I just finished reading The Shining.... even the word “topiary” gives me the creeps. :)
When a dedicated left winger like Alan D. calls Cruz “brilliant”, it might be time to pay attention : )
Maybe he'll come down with a case of Montezuma's Revenge.
: )
Political enemies? No. Political rivals? Most definitely. At the end of the day, Cruz wants the nomination. Right now his biggest competition is Trump and Walker, people taking conservative votes away from him. He has to take both of them out early so he can build strength to finish off Bush. So why is Cruz meeting with Trump and defending Trump? As Winston Churchill said, "When you have to kill a man it costs nothing to be polite."
Cruz will not be slicing up Trump in the debate, count on it.
ROFL!
Bush needs to be taken out ASAP. He is the most likely among the evil GOPe to gain momentum after Florida.
Chrisie or Graham are a joke.
If we can get Bush out then there is a much better chance for a Conservative to win.
Waiting to take Bush out is a dangerous move.
I think Cruz will be content with letting Trump shoot himself in the foot over time while RubioChristieBush highlight Trump’s more leftist history and Cruz expressing Trump’s better positions more elequently. Ted is in perfect position for these early debates. He won’t be the RINO target and the RINO contingent will be hit and Ted won’t have much blood on his hands.
We will see. I expect Cruz to take chunks out of all his opponents.
Agree, Christie and Graham are no threat to go anywhere. Aside from Bush, Rubio is the only other threat because the establishment likes him as a backup and women always want to vote for a pretty face, not to mention Florida.
Jeb girds himself?
Wearing a back brace to support his spine?
A pair of marbles in his pants to feel like he’s got cojones?
Or, sporting a pair of Depends for when he doodoos himself?
Hmmm, maybe that’s what Trump and Cruz met about. Trump will bait Bush, Bush responds. Cruz is all nice and above the fray. Nice.
Jeb Bush capitalizing off the family name when we’ve begun to realize the Bush family was neither patriotic nor competent. Why’s he in this race, again?
Nah, just a non-aggression pact, IMO.
I think “hedge trimmer” would be an apter metaphor. Or weed whacker.
Better yet.. bring one of THESE -- a Bush Hog!
Instead, he can only generically "gird".
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