Where was John Kasich in CNN debate?

SIMI VALLEY, California – John Kasich wanted to use Wednesday night’s CNN debate to sell his experience and his positive campaign style.

And finally, about 84 minutes in, he did. He touted his experience helping to balance the federal budget in the late 1990s, his work for Lehman Brothers and, a moment later, his work as governor of Ohio, the ultimate swing state.

“Right now, I want to give people a sense of hope, a sense of purpose, a sense of unity,” Kasich said, when asked why he avoids criticizing Democratic frontrunner Hillary Rodham Clinton. "Don't worry about me and Hillary. That will all work out. And I'm from Ohio. She will not beat me there, I can promise you that."

But the opportunities were few for Kasich and the applause nearly non-existent. Twice, CNN moderators flagged his more moderate positions as they introduced major issues, calling attention to a factor that could hurt him among conservatives.

The governor explained his reasoning, seeking to invoke unity and pragmatism. But he lacked the home-field advantage he enjoyed in Cleveland at last month’s debate, whose afterglow helped propel him to "contender" status.

At three points on Wednesday, Kasich went 30 minutes between answers, in a debate in which candidates were allowed to interrupt, talk over each other and talk through multiple moderator cutoffs. He received only four direct questions over the three-hour event, held at the Reagan Presidential Library.

"I got to talk about the things that I wanted to talk about. I wish I'd had more questions and more time," Kasich said after the debate. "You know, it's 11 people on the stage. It'll thin out."

Kasich vs. Cruz -- and Carly?

The format played to the strengths of billionaire and frontrunner Donald Trump, who, while he may not have won the debate, won’t lose ground among supporters. Jeb Bush, the presumed frontrunner who has slipped as Trump has risen, sought to engage the fiery billionaire, with mixed results. And the format allowed Carly Fiorina, who had risen thanks to her first debate performance, to shine once again.

Early in the debate, Kasich got bogged down in mini-debates with conservative Sen. Ted Cruz, who’s not a frontrunner. The exchanges were prompted by moderators, who called out two of Kasich’s less conservative stances.

To Cruz: Kasich says you’re “playing to the crowd” by saying you’ll rip up the Iran deal. And later, to Kasich: Cruz is willing to shut the government down over defunding Planned Parenthood, a tactic you oppose.

On Iran, Kasich has said he’s concerned about destroying an agreement that involves several international partners.

“I think it’s a bad agreement. I would never have done it,” Kasich said Wednesday night. “We believe that we operate better with the world when our allies work with us. … Nobody’s trusting Iran. They violate the deal, we put on the sanctions.”

On considering a government shutdown to fight for defunding Planned Parenthood, he said: “The president of the United States is not going to sign this. ... There are ways to do it without having to shut the government down.”

Other candidates addressed the issues, most opposing Kasich’s stances. But it was Fiorina who most used the two questions to her advantage.

Fiorina promised to institute financial sanctions if she becomes president, unless Iran opens itself to more nuclear inspections. “We can do that; we don't need anyone's cooperation to do it. And every ally and every adversary we have in this world will know that the United States in America is back in the leadership business,” she said.

Then, she mentioned the content of the Planned Parenthood videos, to massive applause. “This is about the character of our nation,” Fiorina said. “If we will not stand up in and force President Obama to veto this bill, shame on us.”

Above the fray, but what about momentum?

Kasich went into the debate pushing his adult-in-the-room angle.

“If I were sitting at home watching this back and forth, I’d be inclined to turn it off. (Voters) want to know what we’re going to do to fix this place,” he said. “They don’t want all this fighting.”

Kasich didn't have to work too hard to stay above the fray. Attacks against him didn't come – not from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who has plummeted in polls; not from anyone.

After a remarkable eight weeks as a candidate – slipping his way into the first debate, rising in polls in early-primary New Hampshire – the debate reinforced one reality: Kasich is a longshot candidate nationally. He’s a threat in New Hampshire, but candidates aren't visibly worried about him on the national stage.

The only direct attack Kasich faced came in CNN's earlier debate, which featured four bottom-dwelling GOP candidates.

There, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said, when speaking about national security: “John Kasich says he want to close more bases.” (Kasich actually has said he wants to expand the U.S. Navy, but has spoken against the concept of keeping local bases sacred instead of pursuing efficiency nationwide.)

Kasich maintains his national standing is less important than a strong showing in New Hampshire, which hosts the nation's first primary. A Granite State win will propel him to the front of the presidential pack, Kasich says.

"Come to New Hampshire. You'll see me at town halls. That's where it really matters," Kasich told reporters after the debate.

And, his advisers said, he communicated his main theme -- he's an experienced adult -- even with his limited speaking time.

On Thursday, Kasich will leave behind his first eight weeks of goodwill. He didn't win the debate, and he didn't lose it. Will his momentum screech to a halt?

"He's in it for the long haul," said Trent Lott, former Senate majority leader of Mississippi, who has endorsed Kasich. "As he has more time, people will learn more about who he is and what his vision is for the future."