There are three candidates at tonight's Democratic debate, but not all are getting the same talk time. While Sanders and Clinton have attracted most of the attention, Martin O'Malley, who is polling dead last, wants his closeup.
During Sunday night's debate, Martin O'Malley became excited at the prospect that he, too, could answer a question. But right when he went to speak, moderator Lester Holt announced that it was time to go to commercial break.
O'Malley pleaded for "just 10 more seconds," but Holt wasn't having it.
"When we come back, we'll look at the anger in America," Holt said, seemingly indifferent to O'Malley's request.
Malley seemed to struggle to capture the spotlight in tonight's debate, and Twitter couldn't help notice.
"Great question" - Martin O'Malley officially pandering for speaking time— Colin Diersing (@cdiersing) January 18, 2016
I saw Martin O'Malley for a second there. So easy to forget he exists. #DemDebate— Simon Jessey (@scjessey) January 18, 2016
Maybe if Martin O'malley starts buzzing in and answering in the form a question, then he'll get some screen time tonight. #DemDebate— Christian Spicer (@spicer) January 18, 2016
O'Malley working the refs during commercial break pic.twitter.com/BO2LRYjBlu— Peter Hamby (@PeterHamby) January 18, 2016
Later in the night, however, O'Malley asked if he could get his "30 seconds." He flashed an enormous smile, and turned his head, puppy-like, for support. The audience collectively blushed, and the moderators couldn't help but agree.
And just when you thought the night was over for O'Malley -- and viewers could collectively go to bed -- it happened. He got his 60 seconds. It was all he ever asked for (plus the presidency).