Pat Buchanan, a past presidential candidate and co-host of the celebrated “Crossfire” TV debate show, believes that Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has the most potential to break out in Thursday’s GOP Cleveland clash and is urging Jeb Bush to challenge Donald Trump.
“I think Cruz is one guy that does have potential,” said Buchanan on CNBC.
But in one of CNBC Washington correspondent John Harwood’s folksy “Speakeasy” dinners, Buchanan ruled out another run.
HARWOOD: Now, we got 17 Republican candidates so far. Jim Gilmore just got in. Now, if he’s getting in the race, Pat Buchanan can’t be far behind.
BUCHANAN: The spirit is willing but the–the flesh is very weak, John.
Over a dinner, the two discussed the Thursday night GOP debate on Fox and the champion debater has some advice for the field of 10.
For Bush: “If I were Bush, I would challenge Trump directly and politely. I would certainly be ready. I would be ready for the — if you will, the sucker punch comin.'”
For Trump: “He’s a counterpuncher. He’s gonna have to take each of these things where he’s been hit. And I think havin’ a substantive — a short, substantive answer.”
On Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker: “I think he’s gotta show a measure of gravitas, and also of communication skills in a debate.”
Pat Buchanan on “Speakeasy with John Harwood.” CNBC photo
For New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: “He’s got a tough assignment. I mean, Trump has become the uber-tough guy.”
For Sen. Rand Paul: “Come out again as sort of an anti-interventionist against these wars in the Middle East. If I were him, I would distinguish myself that way to try to get back into the mix.”
On Cruz: “I think he does Ted Cruz. I think he goes after the Senate majority leader. No, I do think that’s him. I think Cruz is one guy that does have potential.”
His advice for Sen. Marco Rubio: “The perception of him is a certain callowness and youthfulness. I think he’s gotta deal with his own problems rather than the Trump problem.”
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
