Taking on Trump May Be Key to GOP Primary

Mark Halperin: “Strength might be the defining factor in the 2016 presidential cycle so far…. To the other candidates, therefore, Trump should represents a target of opportunity‑because there’s no better way to show strength than by attacking a potent rival. And with Trump, of course, there’s much to attack…. Anything that he says is instantly national news, which, for his rivals, makes attacking him an extraordinarily risky proposition.”

“The risks are huge for anyone who makes a frontal assault, a full repudiation that goes beyond just challenging Trump on his immigration comments, a truly epic mud war. But a candidate who undertook it might be seen as both a party savior and pillar of strength, definitely prepared to be an Oval Office occupant. Even Bill Clinton might be impressed. Will any of them seize the moment?”