The Republican Jewish Coalition hosted a forum Wednesday featuring the 2012 Republican presidential contenders, except for Texas Rep. Ron Paul, who was barred from the event.

“He was excluded precisely because a lot of the policy positions that he espouses and the views that he holds are not only as your hearing from the speakers here today, but so far outside the mainstream of where Republicans are. … Having him speak to our group is similar to inviting Barack Obama,” said Matthew Brooks, Executive Director of the Republican Jewish Coalition.

Watch:

[dcvideo videoid=”24779667″ name=”ndnPlayer_24779667″ type=”ndn” /]—

Videography by Direna Cousins

Follow Michelle on Twitter