The GOP debate: Jeb Bush tries (and fails) to land a punch on Donald Trump

Jeb Bush
(Image credit: Getty Images)

At the Republican presidential debate on Wednesday night, Jeb Bush launched what appeared to be a premeditated attack on Donald Trump, saying Trump tried to get casino gambling in Florida when Bush was governor. "We said no," Bush said.

But Trump was having none of it. "Totally false," he said, before adding, "I promise if I would have wanted it I would have gotten it."

As the two talked over each other, Trump then pulled out a variation of his favorite line about Bush's "low energy," saying, "More energy tonight. I like that."

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Bush and his team have reportedly been preparing such zingers in the weeks running up to the debate, in a bid to push back against Trump's relentless attacks on the establishment favorite. Judging from the peanut gallery, Bush will have to do better. Ryu Spaeth

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Ryu Spaeth is deputy editor at TheWeek.com. Follow him on Twitter.