GOP Presidential Candidates Square Off In First Debate

CLEVELAND (CBS) -- The top ten contenders in recent national polls squared off in the first debate of the Republican primary season in Cleveland, Ohio Thursday night.

Billionaire businessman Donald Trump was center stage in a debate on the Fox News Channel, and he came out swinging.

He was the only Republican candidate who could not promise he won't run as an independent.

"I'm talking about a lot of leverage - we want to win, and we will win," said Donald Trump.

Trump has a comfortable lead in the national polls, but the prime-time exposure was a chance for all ten men to get their message across.

Republicans agreed the immigration system needs to be overhauled, but disagreed on how to do it.

"We need to control our border.  It's our responsibility to pick and choose who comes in," said former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

"We need Jeb to build a wall. We need to keep illegals out," said Trump.

The candidates also sparred about the NSA's collection of phone records.

"I don't trust President Obama with our records. I know you gave him a big hug and if you want to give him a big hug again go right ahead," said Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul.

"Senator Paul, you know the hugs that I remember are the hugs that I gave to the families who lost their people on September 11th," said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

The candidates also attacked the Iran nuclear deal.

"We got nothing and Iran gets everything they want," said former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

"To me you terminate the deal on Day 1," said Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

The seven other Republican candidates debated earlier Thursday evening.

One of the current candidates will likely be back at the Quicken Loans Arena for the GOP convention next July as the party nominee.

CBS 3 Eyewitness News learned today the first Democratic presidential debate will be held October 13th in Nevada.

Democrats will select their nominee at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia next July.