Fresh off his less than stellar, at times even awkward debate performance Wednesday night, Jeb Bush held an emergency phone call with his campaign advisors and top donors. Understandably, those donors have significant concerns about Jeb’s ability to make it to key primaries next spring.

“I could have done better,” Bush conceded on a conference call Thursday afternoon with top donors and state chairs, according to a person who participated.

Like it or not, today’s campaigns for President are brutal on multiple levels. The Republican Party doesn’t have a front-runner yet, and in fact seems like its eating its own at times. So a strong or weak debate performance will help determine if a campaign moves forward, falters, or implodes.

Powerline, Legal Insurrection and many others agree; Jeb’s performance at Wednesday night’s debate was weak at best. Truly one of his most awkward moments came during his insistence on attacking Senator Rubio for his voting record.

Rubio’s response was measured, respectful, and on-point. This statement by Rubio is key:

“The only reason why you are doing it now is because we are running for the same position and someone has convinced you that attacking me is going to help you.”