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Ben Carson faces Republican debate test Ben Carson faces Republican debate test
(35 minutes later)
The new Republican frontrunner Ben Carson faces his first major test as he does battle with other presidential contenders in the party's third debate. The new Republican frontrunner Ben Carson has begun his first major test as he does battle with other presidential contenders in the party's third debate.
The theme of the debate, which is now under way in Colorado, is the economy.
The retired neurosurgeon this week edged past businessman Donald Trump in national polls for the first time.The retired neurosurgeon this week edged past businessman Donald Trump in national polls for the first time.
Commentators believe Mr Trump, who had led the pack for months, will be on the attack at the debate in Colorado. Commentators believe Mr Trump, who had led the pack for months, will be on the attack at the debate in Boulder.
Eight other candidates, who remain a long way behind in the polls, will share the stage in Boulder. He was riled by one of the first questions - he was asked if his economic plan was a "comic-book version" of a presidency campaign.
The theme of the debate, hosted by CNBC, is the economy. Eight other candidates, who remain a long way behind in the polls, are sharing the stage with the two frontrunners.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio, the former governor of the same state, Jeb Bush, and businesswoman Carly Fiorina will be hoping for strong performances to improve their standing. Ohio Governor John Kasich said other candidates' proposed policies - like Mr Carson's tax plan and Mr Trump's plan to build a wall on the Mexico border - were "fantasy".
The lowest-polling Republican candidates - Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Ohio Governor John Kasich, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham - squared off in an early debate. "We can't elect someone who doesn't know how to do the job," he said. "It's got to be someone with experience."
Mr Graham, the South Carolina senator, got the most laughs, especially when he attacked the top two Democrat candidates, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and self-described socialist Bernie Sanders.
"The number one candidate says she was flat broke even though she spent eight years in the White House," said Mr Graham.
"The number two guy went to the Soviet Union on his honeymoon and I don't think he ever came back."
Nick Bryant, BBC News, Boulder, ColoradoNick Bryant, BBC News, Boulder, Colorado
The backdrop for this Republican debate is not just the majestic mountains of the Rockies that tower above Boulder, but a new national poll which suggests Mr Carson has dislodged the billionaire Mr Trump as the frontrunner.The backdrop for this Republican debate is not just the majestic mountains of the Rockies that tower above Boulder, but a new national poll which suggests Mr Carson has dislodged the billionaire Mr Trump as the frontrunner.
At a time when the normal rules of politics are being upended, Dr Carson is a curious mix: a black ultra-conservative, who delivers jolting statements - such as that Obamacare was worse than the attacks of 11 September - with a soothing bedside manner.At a time when the normal rules of politics are being upended, Dr Carson is a curious mix: a black ultra-conservative, who delivers jolting statements - such as that Obamacare was worse than the attacks of 11 September - with a soothing bedside manner.
Donald Trump has been encouraged by his poll numbers to believe he can insult his way to the White House - and tonight he's expected to target Carson with his caustic one-liners.Donald Trump has been encouraged by his poll numbers to believe he can insult his way to the White House - and tonight he's expected to target Carson with his caustic one-liners.
The stage is set for a rumble in the Rockies.The stage is set for a rumble in the Rockies.
A Republican party split in two
The lowest-polling Republican candidates - Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Ohio Governor John Kasich, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham - squared off in an early debate.
Mr Graham, the South Carolina senator, got the most laughs, especially when he attacked the top two Democrat candidates, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and self-described socialist Bernie Sanders.
"The number one candidate says she was flat broke even though she spent eight years in the White House," said Mr Graham.
"The number two guy went to the Soviet Union on his honeymoon and I don't think he ever came back."
But most eyes will be on the main debate, which comes just days after Ben Carson's surprise lead in a New York Times/CBS News poll.But most eyes will be on the main debate, which comes just days after Ben Carson's surprise lead in a New York Times/CBS News poll.
He has expressed extreme views on a range of issues, gaining support from "anti-establishment" Republican voters.He has expressed extreme views on a range of issues, gaining support from "anti-establishment" Republican voters.
The 64-year-old Mr Carson was criticised this week for comparing abortion to slavery.The 64-year-old Mr Carson was criticised this week for comparing abortion to slavery.
Primary voting begins in February in Iowa, where Mr Carson also leads the polls.Primary voting begins in February in Iowa, where Mr Carson also leads the polls.
Mr Trump, speaking to voters an Iowa event on Tuesday night, begged the crowd to get his poll numbers up.
"If I lose Iowa, I will never speak to you people again, that I will tell you," he said.
He criticised Mr Carson's religion earlier this week, suggestion that his faith - Seventh-day Adventist Christian - was extreme.