Watch: Cruz and Wallace Spar During Debate, Cruz Jokes About Leaving, Rubio Says He Won’t Leave No Matter What

Texas Senator and Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz sparred with debate moderator Chris Wallace and joked that he would leave the stage if he was asked another “mean question” at Thursday’s second GOP presidential debate on the Fox News Channel.

“Governor Christie, you have compared both senators Cruz and Rubio to Barack Obama saying that we cannot afford another inexperienced president. You’ve also said that Senator Cruz’s vote to curtail the NSA surveillance program made America less safe. Is either of ready to be commander-in-chief?”

After Christie’s answer, Cruz said he should get a chance to respond. Wallace objected, saying that Christie’s answer didn’t mention Cruz, and “[I]t’s not my question you get a chance to respond to, it’s his answer.”

Wallace added, “Sir, I know you like to argue about the rules, but we’re going to conduct the debate.” Cruz objected that the question was an attack.

Later, Wallace asked former Florida Governor Jeb Bush about his criticisms of Rubio and Cruz. Wallace then gave Cruz a chance to respond. He began, “Chris, I would note that the last four questions have been Rand, please attack Ted, Marco, please attack Ted, Chris, please attack Ted, Jeb, please attack Ted.” Wallace responded, “It is a debate, sir.”

Cruz countered, “Well, no, a debate actually is a policy issue.” He then jokingly said, “But I will say this, gosh, if you guys say — ask one more mean question, I may have to leave the stage.”

Florida Senator Marco Rubio then said, “Let me go first, and then you can please recognize Rand after. But, first of all, don’t worry, I’m not leaving the stage no matter what you ask me.”

Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett

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