Jeb Bush says rival GOP presidential contender Donald Trump's surging candidacy is a "phenomenon" that taps into "people's anger," but has yet to stand the test of time.
In an interview with
NBC News' Lester Holt, Bush chided the news anchor for "not asking about Scott Walker or other real well-qualified candidates."
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"It's definitely a phenomenon," he said of
Trump's poll-topping popularity.
"I think he's captured the deep frustration that people feel," Bush said. "I get the lack of rule of law, the sanctuary cities, the open borders."
"He's in a very graphic way appealed to people's anger about those things," Bush added. "And I think it's important to be respectful of that. Make the case that we can fix these things. And over time, the Trump phenomenon will either succeed or fail based on his proposals."
But Bush says he's not worried about going head-to-head with Trump – or any of the other GOP presidential candidates – at next Thursday's debate, quipping; "I'm a big boy. I'll be showing up with my big boy pants on."
Still,
a Politico panel of experts warns Bush he'd be better off steering clear of the high-flying Trump – or nailing him with humor.
"The old maxim applies: Never wrestle with a pig," one panelist advises. "You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it."
A Granite State Democrat agrees.
"Donald Who? Allow others to seek media attention with attacks on Trump," he tells Politico. "Bush needs to be above the fray, because, frankly, he IS above the fray."
An Iowa Republican, however, tells Politico Bush "needs to introduce himself as a serious leader for serious times to a large and curious audience."
"I hope he stands next to Trump onstage," the Iowa expert adds. "The comparison in knowledge, depth and quality will be apparent in the first 15 minutes."
But there is one weapon Ronald Reagan used brilliantly that Bush should borrow, experts agreed.
"They all need to remember that Reagan's classic 'There you go again' line [to Jimmy Carter] was delivered not with a snarl and a smirk but rather with a smile and a shrug," a New Hampshire Republican said.
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