convert jquery object to javascripb string variable

convert jquery object to javascripb string variable

Is there a means to convert a jquery variable to a javascript variable?

for example:
    i have a jquery variable that I am attempting to assign to a javascript variable so I can use standard javascript methods on. 
      var b = $(b1).text();
      b = b.replace(.....)     this is not permitted.  The text object in jQuery is not the same as a string variable in javascript.


Thanks in advance