Danny Grosso

The network cut away from the debate broadcast just after an enticing view of the candidates approaching one another in seemingly casual conversation. As the lights dimmed for a commercial break, the candidates were left to speak without moderators, and the sounds of armor shedding preceded an exchange:

Donald:   Jeb! How’s your mom?

Jeb:   Very well, thanks big guy!

Donald:   Please give her my best…

Jeb:   You know, we’re all getting together up north this weekend, we don’t you ‘copter on up?

Donald:   Better take a rain check until after Super Tuesday. Gotta keep up appearances you know…

Marco:   (out loud to himself) There’s no one here to check my aggressive foreign policy anymore.

Jeb:   (turning his back to Marco) Hello Governor John!

John:   Hey fellas! I betcha I could even balance Bernie’s budget! (laughter all around, except…)

Ben:   I need a vacation.

Marco:   (out loud but not to himself this time) There’s no one here to check my aggressive foreign policy anymore.

Donald:   Guys, are we missing somebody here?

Marco:   Yes, there’s no one here to check my aggressive foreign policy anymore.

Chris:   Oh boy Marco, you know I’m gonna have to hit you on that one.

Marco:   That’s ok.

Chris:   Really?

Marco:   That’s ok.

Marco:   (after a pause) That’s ok.

Moderator 1:   Places everybody!

Donald:   (intimately, to Jeb) You’re strong tonight, my friend, high energy. Drinks tonight? My treat.

Jeb:   Sure, but please don’t tell Marco. We’re not done initiating him yet.

Donald:   Done. I’ll just tweet the others.

Jeb:   Ok.

Moderator 1:   We’re back on in three…two…