Drama and Comedy in the Race for the White House

In their first prime-time debate last night, ten candidates for next year's Republican presidential nomination were pummeled with challenging questions. One columnist called it less a debate than an interrogation.

The result was both entertainment and substance, displaying agreement on some familiar issues but revealing divisions on others. Front-runner Donald Trump refused to pledge loyalty to the party, which could have major consequences for his continued leadership down the line. We hear how the other candidates jockeyed to take over first place if his chances appear to be fading.