The first primetime Republican presidential debate was highlighted by the issues, but the 10 GOP candidates also took the spotlight including businessman Donald Trump, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Cuban American Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida.

Although there are 17 Republicans seeking the highest office in the U.S., Fox News and debate partner Facebook only allowed 10 White House hopefuls on the Quicken Loans Arena state in Cleveland, Ohio. The 10 Republican candidates must have placed in the top 10 of an average of the five most recent national polls "as recognized by Fox News." Joining Trump, Bush and Rubio were former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

The debate's first issue asked if any Republican candidate would consider a third-party run, which Trump raised his hand. While he received some boos, Trump said his commitment is with the Republican Party.

On electability, Carson was the first to respond. He said the most important aspect is to have a brain but recognized experience is important.

Rubio defended his electability, and said the election is not a "resume competition" -- if it was, according to Rubio, Hillary Clinton would then be the winner.

Bush was the third to speak, answering about potential concerns of dynasty runs. Bush said he has his own record in Florida, and he mentioned accomplishments such as managing a budget and use of vetoes.

The attention shifted back to Trump. The businessman responded to potentially sexist remarks, and he said the problem is that too many people are politically correct. He said he doesn't have time for political correctness, nor does the country.

"We need strength, we need energy, we need quickness, and need brain to turn this [country] around," said Trump.

Cruz defended himself as someone who tells the truth, referring to calling Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

Christie responded to New Jersey's economics. Christie said the state's situation was far worse before he was elected. Christie admitted there is still work to do in the Garden State.

Walker defended his pro-life stance, mentioning he has defunded Planned Parenthood several years ago.

Huckabee also defended his pro-life stance, and said it is time for people to recognize the "Supreme Court is not the Supreme Being."

On the military, Paul said the Islamic State created itself.

Kasich, on expanding Medicaid, said Ronald Reagan did the same on three occasions. Kasich defended health in Ohio and working on having the poor and mentally ill transition to better lives.

Bush was the first to respond about immigration. Bush said he believes immigrations entering the U.S. through illegal means are entering for the positive purpose but wants the border strengthened. Further, he wants to eliminate "sanctuary city" policies. Overtime and a "rigorous" process, undocumented immigrants should have the right to earned legal status, says Bush.

Trump said if it wasn't for him, the topic of immigration would not be as important today. The businessman reiterated his call for a big wall and "keep illegals out." Trump said border patrol and people along the border have told him about how immigration is at the border.

Kasich acknowledged that Trump "has hit a nerve" with Americans, in a positive way, but the Ohio governor then turned the discussion to his positive economic gains in the state.

Staying on immigration, Rubio said a wall may work but an e-verify system should also be implemented. Rubio said what needs to be discussed are the immigrants who are lawfully waiting, some for 15 years, to enter the U.S.

Walker also called for strengthening the border and has met with current Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Cruz said he was introduced legislation that would end sanctuary city policies, notably after the death of San Francisco woman Kate Steinle by allegedly an undocumented immigrant who was previously deported on five occasions over drug felonies. they don't want to enforce immigration laws. Cruz said the Senate leadership, however, has blocked his efforts.

The topic changed to national security, specifically the monitoring of Americans' records. Christie defended the National Security Agency, but was accused by Paul that the New Jersey governor does not understand how laws work. Christie said Paul has used Senate speeches to help accrue donations.

On the Islamic State militant group, Cruz said the terror group will not be defeated unless the president recognizes "radical Islamic terrorism."

Back to Bush, he said it was a mistake to go to the Iraq War -- knowing what he knows now. He said President Barack Obama made Iraq worst, which led to the growth of the Islamic State.

Walker said the current Middle East coalition against the U.S. has to improve. The Wisconsin governor said the U.S. has to lead across the Persian Gulf.

On whether or not waterboarding should be legal, Carson said some methods, with the aim of receiving the truth, should not be broadcast.

On the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also referred to as Obamacare, Trump said opposes the health reform law and prefers a single-payer system. He defended his donations to groups typically not aligned with the Republican Party.

On reducing the size of government, Huckabee spoke against the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Education and Internal Revenue Services and called for a flat tax system.

Bush, on the "common core" education plan, said the government should not be involved in education policies and it should be a topic for the states to decide. Rubio agreed the federal government should not be involved in education policies. On whether Bush agreed with Rubio, the former governor called for high education standards.

The next topic transitioned to Democratic frontrunner Clinton. Kasich said "growth" is important in a race against Clinton, namely economic growth including minority communities and those who need the encouragement to move up. According to Carson, he doubts Clinton will be the Democratic presidential nominee.

The topic quickly changed again on the economy and jobs. Bush said fixing the immigration system could result in a stronger economy.

For Walker, who was acknowledged his less-than stellar economic record in Wisconsin, noted the people elected him for a third time, therefore his policies have been working.

Trump defended his business policies and mentioned his company has never went bankrupt. While his company has declared bankruptcy, it was only "to take advantage of the laws." Trump noted many casinos in Atlantic City -- located in New Jersey - have went out of business. He said he successfully left Atlantic City before it collapsed.

On the Iran Deal, Walker wants to terminate the Iran Deal and would want more sanctions. Paul, although he opposes the deal, does favor negotiations. Huckabee also opposes the deal and said the U.S. received no benefits from negotiations.

The controversial Planned Parenthood video was discussed. Bush said he defunded Planned Parenthood and had no idea of the organization's alleged practice of selling fetal tissue.

Trump was asked when he became a Republican. Trump said he, just as Ronald Reagan, have evolved on many issues including abortion and gun laws. Trump then noted Bush's brother -- President George W. Bush -- had a terrible last few months, and as a result, saw President Barack Obama elected.

On same-sex marriage and religious liberty, Kasich admitted he's "an old-fashioned person" and believes in "traditional" marriage. Despite his stance, he still attends a same-sex marriage since respect is important and all should live the American Dream.

The social issues continued with the Black Lives Matter movement. Walker said, on policing, proper training is important and enforcement must know that consequences will occur.

Returning to the Iran nuclear deal, Trump is there are people in Washington, D.C. who don't know what they're doing. Cruz said the U.S. needs a new commander-in-chief who would stand up to enemies.

"The military is not a social experiment," said Huckabee regarding transgender individuals' involvement in the military. "The purpose of the military is to kill people and break things."

Christie also called for a stronger military, stating that would send a strong message around the world.

The focus then went to God.

Cruz said he's blessed to read The Bible, acknowledge he's the son of a pastor. Cruz said the next president has to be a "consistent conservative," which includes pro-guns, pro-life and protecting religious liberty. Walker said he will follow God's will into the White House. Rubio said God has blessed the Republican Party with diverse candidates while the Democrats can't find one.

The closing statements then began with Kasich. The Ohio governor listed his political resume, including his time in Congress, and economic progress. Christie mentioned his family's history, his political resume and managing to compromise to New Jersey Democrats.

For Paul, "I'm a different kind of Republican," adding he's fought for Americans' right to privacy and leading against Clinton in five states where Obama has won.

Rubio mentioned his immigrant parents and said his family's progress is an example of the American Dream and wants that to continue.

Cruz said his first day in the White House will include reversing Obama's immigration executive actions, investigate Planned Parenthood, cancel Iran nuclear deal and defend religious liberty.

Carson mentioned his medical accomplishments, as a rib on fellow candidates mentioning their political resumes.

Huckabee criticized Clinton in his closing remarks. Walker mentioned his policies in Wisconsin and "that it's not too late for America."

Bush said Washington, D.C. is holding Americans back and that immigration has been politicized instead of having the issue as an economic driver.

Trump called for the end of Obamacare and wants the U.S. to surpass China and Japan in economics.

At 11:04 p.m. EDT, the debate concluded as the candidates shook hands on stage.

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