Carla Hernandez from UT Austin Caused an Uproar Over Her GOP Debate Question

*It was a simple question, but it mixed religion and politics and it was directed to candidates who lean on their religion to explain their politics. Why did it make them and so many on social media so uncomfortable? VL

By Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez, MiTú

So, last night during the 5th and FINAL Republican presidential debate, Carla Hernandez of UT Austin asked the candidates how they felt about a particular Bible verse as it pertains to Syrian refugees. What could possibly happen when a Latina asks Republicans a question about the Bible tied to the refugee crisis? This.

Here is the question that sent Twitter, and the GOP candidates, into a tailspin.

CREDIT: MRCTV.ORG / NEWSBUSTERS

In case you didn’t catch that, Carla Hernandez asked all the Republican candidates, “If the Bible clearly states that we need to embrace those in need and not fear, how can we justify not accepting refugees?”

You could see the candidates on stage feeling like this:

CREDIT: THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA / BRAVO / REALITYTVGIFS / TUMBLR

It’s like they were all trying to find a way to stay anti-refugee, but pro-Bible without saying anything about either.

Chris Christie was the first to tackle the startling question by…not really answering the question.

CREDIT: KEY AND PEELE / COMEDY CENTRAL / WHATSHOULDMARTIALARTISTSCALLME / TUMBLR

Chris Christie: “What I say to Carla is that the first job of the president of the United States is to protect your safety and your security and the security and safety of your family. And this debate stops with me in the discussions with the FBI director.”

But…that doesn’t really answer her question.

Immediately, there were some people on Twitter like:

CREDIT: THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA / BRAVO / BOBZILLA / REDDIT

Some immediately grabbed the popcorn and got ready for the show.

Who would have thought that a Latina asking Republican candidates a question would be so controversial? Answer: everyone.

Once I saw Carla’s last name was Hernandez, I KNEW she was gonna go in!!!!!! #GOPDebate

— Sebastian Ramirez (@sebramirez) December 16, 2015

CREDIT: @SEBRAMIREZ / TWITTER

WATCH: It’s Alarming How Much We Don’t Care about Elections

There was so much gratitude toward Carla for bringing up the Bible.

Thank you, Carla Hernandez. For bringing the bible into the conservative debate. And for proving they have no idea how to talk about it. — Stiles Stilinski (@NotAnotherNick) December 16, 2015

CREDIT: @NOTANOTHERNICK / TWITTER

Like, seriously though. How often are GOP candidates using the Bible to back up their positions?

Others thought the question had no room in the debate.

Dear Carla Hernandez this isn’t a church ints a political debate kthxbye.

— Our Folk Channel (@OurFolkChannel) December 16, 2015

CREDIT: @OURFOLKCHANNEL / TWITTER

Because, like the Constitution says, the Bible has no place in government.

Dear Carla Hernandez this isn’t a church ints a political debate kthxbye. — Our Folk Channel (@OurFolkChannel) December 16, 2015

CREDIT: @BROTHERJUDD / TWITTER

And, of course, there were some serious haters.

Dear Carla Hernandez this isn’t a church ints a political debate kthxbye.

— Our Folk Channel (@OurFolkChannel) December 16, 2015

CREDIT: @MIKEYWHITEYLIVE / TWITTER

READ: Ted Cruz’s College Roommate Puts Him on Blast via Twitter

It seems like Carla Hernandez from UT Austin really ruffled some feathers.

I want to deport Carla Hernandez. Bitch. #GOPDebate — Don Fash (@MaiDindu) December 16, 2015

CREDIT: @MAIDINDU / TWITTER

Because how else are you going to keep those with a different view point silent other than removing them from your life. #trumprallylessons

But it seems that more people had love for Carla Hernandez.

Carla Hernandez… You go girl. Proud you are a Longhorn. Candidates need to quit calling fear “American security.” So pathetic. #GOPDebate

— Bailey Urban (@bailey_urban) December 16, 2015

CREDIT: @BAILEY_URBAN / TWITTER

And, of course, there was a wall joke.

Surprised Trump didn’t put a wall over the video of Carla Hernandez asking about refugees — Brad Couts (@bcouts5) December 16, 2015

CREDIT: @BCOUTS5 / TWITTER

He does like his walls, doesn’t he?

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This article was originally pubished in MiTú.