By ideastream's Brian Bull
They didn’t make the top 10, but seven runner-ups among the GOP presidential candidates got their forum in Cleveland tonight, too. Their responses resonated with some conservatives and provided fodder for Democratic pot-shots:
Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, Bobby Jindal, Lindsey Graham, Carly Fiorina , George Pataki, and Jim Gilmore all failed to make FOX News’ Top 10 for the prime time debate. They did go first, though with a shorter program and no audience.
Afterwards, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal largely dismissed the situation.
“Look, it’s the first debate, not the last debate, it’s fine. I’m happy to debate anywhere, anytime,” he told WCPN.
Rick Santorum – once a top runner for the GOP nomination in the last election cycle – was resigned.
“Look, I had an opportunity to get in front of the American public for an extended period of time with other very good and competent people up there. And what I’m going to focus on like I have in the prior debates four years ago, is getting to the early primary states.”
Santorum says he’ll start with Iowa next week.
George Pataki says he didn’t mind the format, but would’ve appreciated more time to explain his views.
"’Cuz, I’m not a real good soundbite guy," Pataki wearily smiled. "And I think I know things pretty well, so having a greater opportunity to explain answers for me, would’ve been a good thing. But on the other hand, you don’t want people to tune out.”
Meanwhile, Democrats quickly attacked GOP policies as outdated, and out of touch…a repeat conversation from the last presidential election cycle.