GOP debate is marked by jabs at absences

Republican presidential candidates discussed the importance of reaching out to people of color during a minority issues debate Thursday night and criticized the four leading GOP contenders for skipping it.

"I think this is a disgrace that they are not here," said Sen. Sam Brownback. "I think it's a disgrace to our country. I think it's bad for our party, and I don't think it's good for our future."

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said he was "embarrassed for our party."

The no-shows -- Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, John McCain and Mitt Romney -- cited scheduling conflicts in not attending the debate at Morgan State University in Baltimore.

Moderator Tavis Smiley jabbed at the no-shows, saying, "Some of the campaigns who declined ... have suggested publicly that this audience would be hostile and unreceptive. Since we're live on PBS right now, I can't tell you what I really think of these kinds of comments." Rep. Duncan Hunter, Rep. Ron Paul, Rep. Tom Tancredo and Alan Keyes also attended.

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