Cooper Allen

USA TODAY

It's well-known to anyone who's watched debates that, when a candidate is attacked by name, they're given a chance to respond.

Donald Trump was attacked somewhere between 5 and 275 times Thursday night during the Houston debate, giving him ample speaking time. At one point he even complained that he was being asked questions first too often.

That was not the issue with Ben Carson. At one point when he was called on, he complained: "I'm going to whine," citing questions that went to others and not to him.

Finally, during a spirited exchange over foreign policy when attacks were flying and leading candidates like Trump were repeatedly getting chances to respond, Carson jumped in.

"Can somebody attack me please?"

The crowd roared. Carson trails badly in polls and has been struggling for speaking time in this and recent debates.