The latest Republican presidential debate had many people engaged on social media, and it appears front-runner Donald Trump dominated discussion.

Trump Dominates Twitter

Trump easily lead discussion on Twitter. Following the CNN and Telemundo debate on Thursday night, Twitter revealed the businessman was responsible for 51 percent of the GOP debate's social media conversation.

Like the latest primaries and caucuses, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz fought for second place in Twitter conversations, with the Florida senator edging out the Texas senator. Rubio placed second with 21 percent, followed by Cruz, who received 14 percent. Ben Carson and John Kasich received single-digit percentage rates.

As in the New Hampshire primary, Kasich managed to defeat Cruz on one matter on Thursday night: Twitter follower growth. Kasich received the third-largest follower growth during the GOP debate, claiming nearly 191,000 followers as of Friday morning, although Cruz still has more followers than the Ohio governor with more than 849,000.

Rubio was the runner-up once again in follower growth. And once again, Trump received the most Twitter followers. As of Friday morning, Trump had nearly 6.39 million.

All of the top three most discussed debate moments from Thursday night included Trump.

Trump Tops Google

Google also followed the Republican debate's progress. According to the search engine company, Trump comfortably led search rankings while the other candidates jostled for position. Cruz and Rubio consistently moved between second and third place.

Trump also caused Americans to search terms he mentioned.

Party Leaders React to Debate

Following the debate, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus praised the "spirited" debate.

"Tonight we saw another spirited debate between the most diverse and well-qualified group of presidential candidates in history. Republicans continue to bring forward thoughtful solutions to restore strength and prosperity to America, while Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders merely promise another four years of President Obama's failed agenda," said Priebus, adding the GOP debates have seen historic viewership and voter turnout.

Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz said Thursday's program did not change anything in the GOP's primary but exposed two problems for the GOP come Election Day.

"First, the GOP autopsy revealed the patient is definitely dead. And their Republican presidential candidates buried it. The Republican candidates' tone on immigration alienates everyone in America who has family or friends that they're vowing to deport, as well as those who recognize the economic damage that mass deportations would have on our economy. Just as troubling, the Republican candidates continue to show they don't have a plan for anything else," Wasserman Schultz said in a statement.

The Florida congresswoman criticized the GOP candidates for not offering solutions. She pointed to Rubio's failure to detail his healthcare plan beyond repealing the Affordable Care Act.

Ben Monterroso, executive director of Mi Familia Vota, a national non-profit civic engagement organization, said the debate showed candidates vying to be toughest against Latino and immigrant communities.

"The two sons of Cuban immigrants, Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida, sparred over who would be tougher on immigration, if elected. Rubio even stated that he would end DACA on day one of his Administration," Monterroso said. "And in response to comments by current and former Mexican presidents that Mexico would not pay for the border wall proposed by Donald Trump, the candidate said he would build a taller wall."

"On issues like healthcare, economy and taxes, candidates offered tax breaks for businesses without addressing fair wages for workers, and repeated their threats to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which has increased access to affordable health care for millions of Latinos," Monterroso added. "Despite Trump's claims that he can win the votes of the Latino community, it is unlikely that the candidates' position can gain the support of 40 percent to 47 percent of the Latino vote; the amount a Republican would need to win the White House, according to Latino Decisions."

Thursday night's contest was the final debate before "Super Tuesday," when 13 states will hold primaries and caucuses.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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