After Criticism, Santorum Condemns Audience’s Jeers And Thanks Gay Soldier For Service

At last night’s Republican debate, audience members booed gay soldier Stephen Miller for his YouTube-submitted question about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and none of the candidates defended him. The question was directed at Rick Santorum, who didn’t say anything on behalf of the soldier, even when he followed up on the question after the debate. After a day of criticism from media and conservatives, Santorum told Fox News’ Megyn Kelly that he did not hear the boos, and that he is, in fact, thankful for the soldier’s service:

SANTORUM: I condemn the people who booed that gay soldier. That soldier is serving our country. I thank him for his service to our country. I’m sure he’s doing an excellent job. I hope he’s safe and I hope he returns safely and does his mission well.

I have to admit, I seriously did not hear those boos. Had I heard them, I certainly would have commented on them, but, as you know, when you’re in that sort of environment, you’re sort of focused on the question and formulating your answer. I just didn’t hear those couple of boos that were out there, but certainly had I, I would have said “Don’t do that. This man is serving our country and we are to thank him for his service.”

Watch it:

Of course, Santorum made no apology to the soldier for saying that his mere presence in the Army “undermines” its ability to defend our country by creating “very difficult and uncomfortable personal situations.”