Don’t Underrate the Undercard

Politico: “In the run-up to Thursday’s Republican primary debate, conventional wisdom has held that the GOP hopefuls who failed to make the main stage might as well throw in the towel.”

“Among political operatives, however, a different view is emerging: By being cast out to the second tier, several Republican strategists said, GOP hopefuls like Perry, Rick Santorum and Carly Fiorina will have a chance to command the debate stage without being eclipsed by the party front-runners. And if a candidate makes waves, they could win enough national support to garner a place at the next prime-time debate in September.”