Republican candidates had their fourth debate on Tuesday and there was one person in the room who got a lot more attention than expected.
That person was Gerard Baker (a.k.a. "the random British guy") -- a former Oxford University grad, the Editor-in-Chief of The Wall Street Journal and one of the three moderators of the debate.
But the U.S. audience wasn't quite sure what to make of him...
Who is the bald British dude moderating? #GOPDebate— Mike Cauke 2016 (@MikeCauke) November 11, 2015
The only question I want answered during tonight's #GOPDebate is why is a guy with a British accent moderating it? — Paul Aniston (@ThePHicks13) November 11, 2015
Many people seemed distracted by his accent.
I'm sorry, but all I'm hearing from this British moderator right now is "Bloody good show, chaps! Care for a spot of tea?" #GOPDebate— Thankful Dissent (@officialCritDis) November 11, 2015
Some people were happy about his involvement.
British guy shuts down #Kasich. God bless the Queen. #GOPDebate— Mark Davis (@MarkDavis) November 11, 2015
How refreshing to hear a British accent on the moderating panel! #GOPDebate— Chidike Okeem (@VOICEOFCHID) November 11, 2015
Having someone with a British accent on the debate makes it seem more classy than it is. #GOPDebate— Kristen Squire (@kristensquire) November 11, 2015
Others, less so.
Not cool. the british guy didnt let american john kasich talk. #GOPDebate— Judah Friedlander (@JudahWorldChamp) November 11, 2015
Why is the British Kojak asking questions in the #GOPDebate? #ThisIsAmericaDamnit!— Tim Schenck (@FatherTim) November 11, 2015
In fact many people were outraged.
To be clear, I'm not in favor of a British moderator. I didn't fight a war to listen to a Brit tell me what's what all night. #GOPDebate— Angela Chiappetta (@angchip) November 11, 2015
WHO LET A BRITISH GUY IN ON THE DEBATE MODERATING. THIS IS 'MERICA. #GOPDebate— Emily Caples (@emilyycaples) November 11, 2015
Is that man British? YOU DON'T OWN US ANYMORE ENGLAND! #GOPDebate— eec (@eecully) November 11, 2015
#GOPDebate THERE IS A BRITISH OR AUSTRALIAN PERSON MODERATING THIS DEBATE. TREASON. SABOTAGE. TEA IN THE HARBOR.— Scott Watson (@scottymwatson) November 11, 2015
There were quite a few inevitable jokes about immigration.
Surprised @realDonaldTrump hasn't threatened to deport the British moderator yet. #GOPDebate— Nathan Brown (@NathanBrownAZ) November 11, 2015
The British moderator may be the most diverse part of the audience at the #GOPDebate— Rigel Robinson (@RigelRobinson) November 11, 2015
With all the #GOPDebate questions on deporting foreigners, I keep waiting for a big hook to yank the British moderator off the stage.— Terry Meiners (@terrymeiners) November 11, 2015
Trump: Can we see Gerard Baker’s birth certificate? #GOPDebate— Quinn Sutherland (@ReelQuinn) November 11, 2015
Quite a few people thought he reminded them of someone.
Carly Fiorina and this British moderator look like characters from a Lemony Snicket book. #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/kQ0slI5ePD— Flama (@theFlama) November 11, 2015
Hey, who's the British guy that looks like an American prison guard? #GOPDebate— Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) November 11, 2015
"The name's Baker, Gerard Baker." #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/aIPiOfW16G— Dianna M. Náñez (@DiannaNanez) November 11, 2015
Gerard Baker looks like Humpty Dumpty #RepublicanDebate pic.twitter.com/yZ7ViqbxEx— Big Cos (@Uncle_Dill) November 11, 2015
No matter what people thought, though, Gerard Baker would not be stopped.
The British guy with no hair is winning this, I think. #GOPDebate— Jennifer Weiner (@jenniferweiner) November 11, 2015
Not even by commercial breaks.
When you know it's time for commercial break, but @gerardtbaker doesn't hear the music. #GOPDebate @MariaBartiromo pic.twitter.com/Zlfbnp5RKo— Griffin Hammond (@Griffin) November 11, 2015
"Turn off that damn music!" -- Gerard Baker, probably.— Chris Cillizza (@TheFix) November 11, 2015
NO ONE silences Gerard Baker. NO ONE.— Chris Cillizza (@TheFix) November 11, 2015