Fox Business Republican Debate: Rand Paul Not Part of ‘First Tier’, Refuses to Participate

It's being reported that Republican hopeful Rand Paul will not be included in Thursday night's "first tier" debate. But like that guy who just can't get the point that he's not invited to your party, Paul is refusing to participate in anything but the main event.

Both Paul and Carly Fiorina are reportedly no longer in the main debates. Thursday's show, which will air on Fox Business Network, will welcome in the likes of Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie and John Kasich.

Paul recently spoke with CNN's Wolf Blitzer and explained that he has no interest in participating in anything but the first tier debate largely because he and his staff "have a first tier campaign."

The GOP candidate told Blitzer that his campaign was informed that there was a "technical problem" with the poll, and that is the reason he was not chosen to move forth to the main stage.

"We do not think that anyone should really be able to characterize our campaign as anything less than first tier."

.@RandPaul: I will not participate in an undercard debate https://t.co/6OZtrfIwim https://t.co/s27wHk5elS

— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) January 11, 2016

With approximately $25 million raised and seemingly rising poll numbers, as he puts it, Paul feels that trying to decipher which candidate has a chance in the race is a "rotten" thing to do.

"We will not participate in anything that's not first tier," he told Blitzer, adding that he is a voice that needs to be on the first tier stage, particularly because he's the one person against war, against collecting phone records and for looking into criminal justice reform.

"I will protest."

Which he's done so on Twitter:

If you are frustrated or angry with the media tonight, show them we are a top tier campaign by donating $10 here: https://t.co/78WPMcbQwP — Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 12, 2016

Don't let the media determine the outcome of this race. I am in it to win it. Donate $2 or $5 & support my campaign: https://t.co/78WPMcbQwP

— Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 12, 2016