The two GOP presidential candidates who lost their spots on the Tuesday Fox Business/Wall Street Journal debate stage after
Thursday's announcement expressed disappointment they won't be able to make their cases before the American people.
Former New York Gov. George Pataki sent out a statement, part of which he then tweeted.
"I am very disappointed tonight that early national polls are shaping the election choices for the American people," Pataki said, adding that he sees the trend as "a danger to our primary system, a disservice to voters everywhere – especially those in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina – and a clear boost to the worship of celebrity over accomplishment and ideas."
"Regardless of this decision tonight, Senator Graham continues to be the foremost expert on foreign policy and national security in this field of candidates, on either stage," Graham campaign manager Christian Ferry said in a statement. "In the end, the biggest loser tonight is the American people and the Republican Presidential primary process that has been hijacked by news outlets."
At least one other candidate and a member of the media felt Graham was wronged. Many thought he won the last undercard debate.
New Jersey Gov.
Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee were demoted from the main debate to the undercard. Both tweeted they were perfectly OK with that decision.
Candidates had to average at least 2.5 percent in four recent polls to make the main debate. To make the undercard required at least 1 percent in at least one of the polls.
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