South Florida's Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio are set to square off again in Wednesday's Republican debate, but the latest national poll shows both candidates far behind with eight and seven percent, respectively.
Barry University political professor Sean Foreman says Wednesday night is not the night for Bush to talk about his newly-released Social Security plan and Medicare reform.
"He could talk about his record in Florida where there was an oppressive economy while he was governor, he knows the issues inside and out," Foreman said.
In a typical political cycle, Bush would be a frontrunner with his experience and cash coffers, but Foreman says it's his name that's dogging him.
"There's a lot of anger against established politicians, where voters are looking for outsiders, and there's still some public anti-Bush sentiment out there," Foreman said.
The pressure is on Bush for a big night. For Rubio, he needs to score, consistently, especially after the Sun-Sentinel took jabs in an editorial calling for him to resign.
"You are paid $174,000 per year to represent us, to fight for us, to solve our problems," the editorial reads, in part. "You are ripping us off Senator."
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"He's short changing the people of Florida. He said he wasn't going to run for re-election, so maybe he should resign and let Governor Scott pick someone who can represent Florida in Washington," Foreman said.
Foreman said Rubio needs to hit his bread and butter: bank reform, income tax reform and job creation.
"Speak to the younger people which is one of the strengths of his campaign," Foreman said.
Perhaps trying to appeal to younger voters, Rubio released a YouTube video where he seems to be discussing opponents, until it's revealed he's weighing his fantasy football options.
