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Republican presidential candidates ready for first debate Republican presidential candidates ready for first debate
(35 minutes later)
The top 10 Republican candidates for president are gearing up for their first debate, with all eyes on outspoken frontrunner Donald Trump. The top 10 Republican candidates running for US president are gearing up for their first debate, with all eyes on outspoken frontrunner Donald Trump.
The hotel tycoon has upended the race with his blunt style and controversial comments about Mexicans and war heroes.The hotel tycoon has upended the race with his blunt style and controversial comments about Mexicans and war heroes.
Jeb Bush, Scott Walker and seven others will join him on stage in Cleveland, selected on the basis of popularity as reflected in recent national polls.Jeb Bush, Scott Walker and seven others will join him on stage in Cleveland, selected on the basis of popularity as reflected in recent national polls.
Fox News is anticipating a record number of viewers for the debate.Fox News is anticipating a record number of viewers for the debate.
With Mr Trump the focus of so much recent media attention, his rivals are under intense pressure for an effective performance. The 90-minute forum, which begins at 9pm local time (01:00 GMT), could feature some frank exchanges as candidates vie to stand out in such a crowded Republican field.
Immigration reform, the recent Iran nuclear deal, rise of Islamic state militants and abortion rights are likely to be key issues.Immigration reform, the recent Iran nuclear deal, rise of Islamic state militants and abortion rights are likely to be key issues.
The Republican top 10 On Thursday, the Democratic Party announced they will hold their first debate in Nevada in October, hosted by CNN.
The Republican top 10:
A fun guide to the 10 Republican debatersA fun guide to the 10 Republican debaters
Meet all the 2016 hopefuls
The debate in Ohio will be held in the same city that will host the 2016 Republican National Convention and a state many Republicans feel they must win to take back the White House.The debate in Ohio will be held in the same city that will host the 2016 Republican National Convention and a state many Republicans feel they must win to take back the White House.
The Midwestern state is seen a bellwether of success in US presidential elections - President Barack Obama won Ohio in both 2008 and 2012.The Midwestern state is seen a bellwether of success in US presidential elections - President Barack Obama won Ohio in both 2008 and 2012.
The format, which narrowed the field of 17 contenders to 10, has been criticised by some as unfair.The format, which narrowed the field of 17 contenders to 10, has been criticised by some as unfair.
Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum reacted angrily to his omission.Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum reacted angrily to his omission.
He and the six other remaining candidates are taking part in an earlier debate that began at 5pm local time (21:00 GMT). He and the six other remaining candidates took part in an earlier debate that featured several attacks on Mr Trump.
Also unable to make the cut for the main debate was the former Texas Governor Rick Perry and the race's only female candidate, former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry said he was running a campaign based on celebrity, while former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina mocked him over his Clinton ties.
During the sparsely attended early part of the debate, Mr Perry said if he were to become president, he would secure the Texas-Mexico border. Former senator Rick Santorum called the Supreme Court's decision on same-sex marriage a "rogue" decision, comparing it to another ruling, Dred Scott, which said African Americans were not citizens, and was later overturned.
He and Ms Fiorina seem to be taking the lead so far, offering sure-footed responses. Mr Perry said he would rather have Ms Fiorina be the Secretary of State than John Kerry. Ms Fiorina, the only female in the race, also slammed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
Former senator Rick Santorum compared the Supreme Court's decision on same-sex marriage to another Supreme Court decision, Dred Scott, which said African Americans were not citizens. "She lies about Benghazi, she lies about emails and she supports funding Planned Parenthood," she said.