If admitting that you have a problem is the first step, Jeb Bush is there. The question is whether he can solve the problem of being a lousy candidate whose donors have lost confidence in him. But he's trying, saying on a Thursday
phone call with donors that "I realize I need to get better." But along with saying he knows he needs to get better, Bush is sending strong signals that he does not plan to go gentle into that good night.
He's working on that getting better thing:
Bush is doing “Meet the Press” on Sunday. Then he rolls out a new e-book on Monday. He’ll give a major speech in Tampa next week to coincide with the rollout. Then he’ll take a week-long trip to highlight his record in Florida. And at the end of next week, he’ll participate in a bus tour of New Hampshire.
Of course, if he doesn't give good performances at those events, it won't be helpful. But the Bush campaign also has a long-term plan, according to a presentation to donors in Houston at the beginning of the week. For one thing, the document made clear that, as a fellow Floridian and direct competitor, Bush has dirt on Marco Rubio, and is prepared to use it. He's also still got money to
swamp the airwaves with ads:
The Bush campaign has allotted $10.8 million for an advertising blitz to begin just after the new year, on Jan. 5.
The biggest investment is in New Hampshire, which will vote Feb. 9. Bush has slated $5.6 million for five weeks of broadcast and cable television, radio and digital advertising purchases. The Granite State is seen as close to a must-win for Bush as anything could be. He's made 16 trips there so far, according to The Chase presidential tracker – double the time that he's spent in Iowa.
Bush also will spend $2.7 million on commercials in South Carolina over a seven-week span, ahead of the Feb. 20 first-in-the-South primary.
And that's just the campaign. His Right to Rise Super PAC presumably has plans at least that big. So I guess mark this all down as that Jeb's not planning to go anywhere ... even if some of his donors are on their way out the door.
Just a private tip for the candidate: Maybe work on trying not to seem like you think you're above campaigning and eagerly asking for support.