Josh Marshall has been all over the President’s “Bamboozlepalooza Tour”. For those who aren’t up-to-speed, following the State of the Union address, Bush is making a five city trip to sell his Social Security destruction privatization personalization plan. What the choice of stops makes clear is that the real purpose of his trip isn’t to convince the American people that this is a good idea, but to scare the hell out of legislators who might easily flip sides to keep their constituents happy. Putting aside for a moment that we’re probably footing the bill of George’s partisan safari, I’m of a mind that one good piece of political theater deserves another. So here’s my idea :

Wouldn’t it be great if one of the legislators in question called the President’s bluff? Rather than stay in the shadows and wait for Air Force One leave the state, they should show up at one of the President’s functions with media in tow under the auspices of welcoming the opportunity to discuss “saving” Social Security. Once safely “inside”, loudly and publicly challenge the President to an impromptu debate. If Bush is so convinced that his plan is the best, surely he can defend his plan based its merits, right?