Rand Paul Qualifies for Main Stage at GOP Debate

GOP presidential candidates will discuss national security and global terrorism during tomorrow night’s live CNN Republican debate in Las Vegas.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul also made the main stage after a weekend of uncertainty – both for the debate and the future of his campaign.

Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Sen. That was interpreted to include immigration policy, which took up a whole segment of the debate and produced memorable clashes between senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.

Those in an earlier debate on Tuesday will be Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor; former Pennsylvania Sen. Lindsey Graham and former New York Gov. George Pataki – will precede the top-tier debate.

Podium order was determined by the average of the national polls from November and December. As such, I would have watched tonight’s undercard debate had Rand Paul been demoted, but he remains on the main stage tonight by the enamel of his teeth. Wolf Blitzer from CNN’s The Situation Room will moderate with panel help from Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash and Salem Radio Network host Hugh Hewitt.

CNN reported that Paul was “saved at the 11th hour” with a Fox News poll released this morning showing him with 5 percent of support in Iowa. For perspective’s sake, a GOP debate produced by Fox News on the same day four years ago averaged 6.7 million viewers, and that was considered very high at the time.

In the middle will be businessman Donald Trump, who has a sizable lead in the race for the GOP nomination nationally, according to Real Clear Politics. Undercard coverage at 5 p.m., main debate at 7:30 p.m. Central time.