Trump dominates Republican candidates debate

(AAP)
(AAP)

The US Republican Party has officially kicked off its race to find its presidential nominee with the first candidates debate.

Developer Donald Trump's antics have put him ahead in the polls and have left his competitors doing anything for publicity, such as Texan Senator Ted Cruz cooking bacon with an assault weapon.

Even Jeb Bush, son and brother of two former presidents, trails Mr Trump in the polls.

Mr Trump has expressed controversial opinions over everything from illegal immigration to the United States' "over-politeness".

He promised to make the United States great again – a promise to be often repeated, as Republicans won't choose their candidate for another 50 weeks.

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