Ten candidates vying for the Republican presidential nomination debated in Cleveland Thursday, with front-runner Donald Trump coming in for some attacks, but not committing any serious blunders in his first debate. Josh Robin filed the following report.
CLEVELAND - The Republican debate didn't lack for fireworks.
It started with the first question. Front-runner Donald Trump wouldn't commit to running as a Republican if he loses the nomination. A few moments later, he ripped a moderator who asked Trump about his disparaging comments about women.
"What I say is what I say," Trump said. "And honestly, Megyn, if you don't like it, I'm sorry. I've been very nice to you, although I could probably maybe not be, based on the way you have treated me."
Nice was not exactly how Trump came off. The question was how the others would react. It varied.
Ohio Governor John Kasich said Trump "hits a nerve."
"And for people that want to just tune him out, they're making a mistake," Kasich said.
Top Trump rival Jeb Bush was also subdued.
"I have said that Mr. Trump's language is divisive," Bush said.
Rand Paul, however, laced into Trump for not committing to the GOP run.
"He's already hedging his bets because he's used to buying politicians," Paul said.
Buying politcians is a charge Trump doesn't deny. And what did he get in return for donating to Hillary Clinton?
"With Hillary Clinton? I said be at my wedding, and she came to my wedding," Trump said. "You know why? She had no choice."
While Republicans were unified in seeing Clinton as a virtual clone of President Barack Obama, they differed over major issues, with Rand Paul often alone on one side.
The Kentucky senator especially tangled with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The topic: the constitutionalty of terrorism raids.
"Use the Fourth Amendment. Get a warrant!" Paul said.
"Senator, you know, when you're sitting in a subcommittee just blowing hot air about this, you can say things like that," Christie said.
The 10 candidates also debated illegal immigration, same-sex marriage and abortion, but with no major divisions emerging.
The debate followed something of an undercard: the seven candidates who didn't make the cut.
Former business executive Carly Fiorina drew notice not only for sharply dismissing Trump, but also appearing to poke at Bush as well.
Former New York Governor George Pataki was also on stage.