Trumping Trump with 'The Art of the Deal'

WITH DONALD TRUMP showing staying power, Republican powers are anxious; like in a dentist's chair facing a drill without Novocain.

For, despite predictions Trump can't last or will implode, he's holding a lead.

He leads nationally. He leads in early caucus and primary states: Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina. And he isn't going away.

Ed Rollins, former political adviser to President Reagan, this week wrote an op-ed for Reuters saying Trump can win the nomination.

Imagine.

And, yeah, it's early.

At this point last cycle, August 2011, the Republican atop a large field was Texas Gov. Rick Perry, with 29 percent. (Trump's at 24 in the latest CNN poll.)

That was before Perry's debate "oops" moment and subsequent tumble.

Trump's had moments that, for other candidates, might mean demise (wordplay with Fox's Megyn Kelly; dissing war hero John McCain). But when it comes to Trump, such moments only make his numbers rise.

Trouble is, Trump as nominee is a problem for the GOP.

While Trump outpolls the Republican field, he loses to Democrat Hillary Clinton by a lot, by more than she beats other GOP candidates in current head-to-head polls.

So what to do?

I turn to longtime Pittsburgh pal, political analyst Bill Green (yinz can see him on the tee-vee when in the Steel City).

Green is a conservative Republican. Of the kind who visits the Reagan ranch and believes Hillary's going to prison over her email stuff.

He says Republicans need to make a deal. I think he's on to something.

Somebody like a Haley Barbour or a Bob Dole or the ghost of Ronald Reagan needs to lead an effort to do two things.

The first thing is to winnow the GOP field.

Trump's lead is in a gaggle of 17 contenders, 16 of whom share three-fourths of Republican support.

Get the field down to Trump and two or three candidates capable of winning a general election, put them on a stage in a real debate and watch what happens.

Likely answers such as "because our leaders are stupid" won't be enough.

Likely plans such as building a huge wall with a door for nonrapists while expelling 11 million immigrants might be challenged for cost, practicality and humanitarianism.

So Trump keeps his 24 percent and comes in third.

Ah, but how to winnow?

You deal, says Green.

"Chris Christie, you'll be attorney general, now get out," he says, "Lindsey Graham, you're Defense secretary, so leave."

I like it. So I mix in suggestions with Green's: Carly Fiorina, Treasury; Ted Cruz, Office of Management and Budget; Ben Carson, CDC director; Scott Walker, Labor; Rand Paul, Peace Corps.

And out of sympathy or for old time's sake, promise to get Rick Perry a long-term contract as a male model for LensCrafters.

The second part of the deal is putting two and two together. The first two are Ohio and Florida because if you carry those states you win the election; the second two are candidates from those states on the ticket.

For example: Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a compassionate conservative with gravitas and actual executive experience to grab the base, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, young and Hispanic to expand the base.

"I'd love that ticket," says Green.

Or, Florida's Jeb Bush and Kasich. Or Kasich and Bush. After all Bush's pop was VP.

So, it's settled then. Pare down the pack. Test Trump. Put up a ticket with possibility.

All that's needed is the right artist to put together the deal.

Blog: ph.ly/BaerGrowls

Columns: ph.ly/JohnBaer