The New York Post reports on last’s night debate between Republican candidates for President:

Giuliani unloaded both barrels at Texas Rep. Ron Paul, a fringe Republican White House hopeful with little support, who said, “Have you ever read about the reason they attacked us? They attacked us because we’ve been over there.” “We’ve been bombing Iraq for 10 years,” Paul went on. “I’m suggesting that we listen to the people who attacked us.”

Giuliani suddenly turned the polite debate on its head when he jumped out of turn to respond to Paul’s shocking comments. The former mayor tore into him for blaming Americans for 9/11.

“That was an extraordinary statement, as someone who has lived through the attacks of Sept. 11th, that we invited the attack because we were attacking Iraq,” an indignant Giuliani responded.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard that before, and I’ve heard some pretty absurd explanations for Sept. 11th.

“I’d ask the congressman to withdraw the statement and say he wasn’t serious,” Giuliani added to rousing applause – the loudest of the night – at the debate sponsored by Fox News and the South Carolina Republican Party.

Hot Air has a brief commentary plus the video and post-debate footage.

Unfortunately, Congressman Paul’s running mate, Ward Churchill, could not be reached for comment.

Yes. That last line was sarcasm. Most folks did not need me to explain that yet I don’t want those who keep voting Ron Paul into Congress to get too excited. Ward Churchill is still considering Ron Paul’s offer.