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Ben Carson faces Republican debate test US Republicans spar in third fiery presidential debate
(35 minutes later)
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. US Republicans are trading blows in a fiery presidential debate in Boulder, Colorado, condemning the media, Democrats and each other.
The theme of the debate, which is now under way in Colorado, is the economy. Frontrunners Donald Trump and Ben Carson, with no political experience, have been under attack.
The retired neurosurgeon this week edged past businessman Donald Trump in national polls for the first time. "We can't elect someone who doesn't know how to do the job," said Ohio Governor John Kasich.
Commentators believe Mr Trump, who had led the pack for months, will be on the attack at the debate in Boulder. Mr Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, has edged past the New York businessman Mr Trump in national polls.
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. Mr Trump was riled by one of the first questions - he was asked if his economic plan was a "comic-book version" of a presidency campaign.
Eight other candidates, who remain a long way behind in the polls, are sharing the stage with the two frontrunners.Eight other candidates, who remain a long way behind in the polls, are sharing the stage with the two frontrunners.
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". Mr 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".
"We can't elect someone who doesn't know how to do the job," he said. "It's got to be someone with experience."
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Florida Senator Marco Rubio traded barbs, with Mr Bush saying the people of Florida deserved a senator devoted to representing them, not one busy running for president.Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Florida Senator Marco Rubio traded barbs, with Mr Bush saying the people of Florida deserved a senator devoted to representing them, not one busy running for president.
"Someone has convinced you that attacking me is going help you," Mr Rubio responded."Someone has convinced you that attacking me is going help you," Mr Rubio responded.
Nick Bryant, BBC News, Boulder, Colorado The lowest-polling Republican candidates - Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, former New York Governor George Pataki, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham - squared off in an early debate.
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.
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.
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.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 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.""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.
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.
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.