Republican Debate – Why Jeb is All in

Six weeks after Carly Fiorina took the stage and single-handedly shut Trump up, and two weeks after the Democratic presidential debate, Republicans will take the stage in Denver on Wednesday night to remind Americans why the GOP gives a better debate.

During the lead up to Wednesday night’s debate the Republican presidential field has seen a little bit of a shake up in terms of candidates, campaigns, and poll numbers. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker dropped out after the last debate due to poor post debate poll numbers and lack of funding. Poll numbers for both Trump and Bush have dipped in recent weeks. Trump is now trailing Carson nationally and Bush has fallen into fourth place.

In a crowded primary field, the GOP debate is a chance for candidates to shine and stand out from their opponents. While every candidate hopes to have a break out of the pack moment like Fiorina in the last debate, candidates like Jeb Bush are feeling the added pressure to ensure he performs above the rest.

Jeb’s new standing in the polls and recent across the board pay cuts have put him front and center of swirling rumors that he’ll be the next Republican candidate to say “Uncle” and bow out of the presidential race. Words such as struggling and collapsing have been used in recent days to describe Jeb’s presidential campaign.

It comes as no surprise the Republican debate is a high stakes event for Jeb and his campaign. Luckily for Jeb, Wednesday night’s debate will play to his strengths. The Republican debate hosted by CNBC will focus on economic issues, including taxes, retirement spending, and job growth. The debate is titled, “Your Money, Your Vote” and will take place at the University of Colorado in Boulder and begins at 8pm.

Given Jeb’s track record as Florida’s Governor, he will have the opportunity to discuss in further detail how he cut so much spending he earned the nickname, “Veto-Corleone.” During Jeb’s time as Governor, he cut spending an average of 1.39 percent each year in office which is more than his fellow governor counterparts that will take the stage alongside him on Wednesday night. (We’re looking at you; John Kaisich, Chris Christie, and Mike Huckabee.)

Jeb will need to highlight his budget and spending cuts in the Republican debate on Wednesday as well as drive home the point that he has a proven track record to turn a lagging economy around by trimming the fat on budgets and cut spending during a time when other states were increasing their spending.

While it’s been a few years since Jeb has served public office, Jeb’s need to highlight his experience and economic acumen will be an important part of his debate style. On Wednesday night, Jeb will have a chance to step out of the shadows and flex his economic knowledge and expertise. Given the right chance, Jeb has the ability to win big on Wednesday and give the rest of his opponents a run for their money.

With speculations and rumors about the strength of Jeb as a candidate, it is imperative for Jeb to have a strong showing on Wednesday night if he wants to be seen as a viable candidate in 2016. After all, perception becomes reality and how Jeb is perceived on stage at Wednesday night’s debate will either give him the momentum he needs or create more turbulence for his campaign.