Scorecard: How the GOP candidates fared in their 2nd debate

By THOMAS BEAUMONT | Associated Press ·

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Republican presidential candidate, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, left, and Chris Christie talk together during a break in the CNN Republican presidential debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, in Simi Valley, Calif. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

SIMI VALLEY, California (AP) — Here’s a look at how the eleven Republican candidates for president participating in the main-event debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Southern California fared on Wednesday night.

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DONALD TRUMP

The clear target of many of his rivals. Also challenged by the debate’s moderators to demonstrate proficiency on foreign policy and national security. Challenged by Carly Fiorina for his recent comments about her appearance, and by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush for attributing Bush’s support for an immigration overhaul to his wife’s Mexican heritage.

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JEB BUSH

Tried unsuccessfully to elicit apology from Trump for comments about his wife. Came on strong toward the end. Won one of the few big applause moments, when he countered a criticism from Trump of his brother, former President George W. Bush, with the line: “He kept us safe.”

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CARLY FIORINA

Critical of Trump’s business dealings, but got ensnared in a comparison of professional records. In her first prime-time debate, Fiorina stood out, vocally asserting her ideas on foreign policy. Memorably said “women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said,” responding to a question about Trump’s critique of Fiorina’s experience.

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SCOTT WALKER

Was among several candidates who went after Trump early in the debate, attacking him for projects that went into bankruptcy. The attack fell flat amid the vocal back-and-forth between the two. Walker was quiet during much of the second half of the debate, and echoed Marco Rubio during an opportunity to distinguish himself late on climate change.

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MARCO RUBIO

Largely stayed out of the fray with Trump. Demonstrated fluency on foreign and economic policy. Continued to season his comments with his family history as the son of a Cuban immigrant.

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MIKE HUCKABEE

Hewed close to his social conservative base, stayed away from Trump attacks, but also went 45 minutes without being asked a question. Insisted he would require Supreme Court nominees be abortion opponents, and defended the Kentucky county clerk who refused to grant marriage licenses to gay couples.

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TED CRUZ

Cruz held close to his tea party base by promising to “rip to shreds this catastrophic Iranian nuclear deal,” railing against federal funding for Planned Parenthood and calling his support for the confirmation of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts a mistake in light of his decisions that upheld the 2010 federal health care law.

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BEN CARSON

The popular retired neurosurgeon notably questioned Trump’s assertion that childhood vaccinations were a contributor to autism. He, too, was challenged by moderators to demonstrate foreign policy fluency, but was also notably left out of the questioning about the trustworthiness of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.