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US Election 2016: Cruz and Rubio clobber Trump in debate US Election 2016: Cruz and Rubio clobber Trump in debate
(35 minutes later)
Republican presidential candidates Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio unleashed a barrage of attacks on front-runner Donald Trump in the last debate before a pivotal series of primaries.Republican presidential candidates Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio unleashed a barrage of attacks on front-runner Donald Trump in the last debate before a pivotal series of primaries.
The senators sought to blunt Mr Trump's momentum after he has won three out the first four contests. The senators sought to blunt Mr Trump's momentum after he won three out the first four contests.
Immigration, healthcare and outreach to Latino voters dominated the debate.Immigration, healthcare and outreach to Latino voters dominated the debate.
But like previous forums, the debate quickly devolved into long periods of shouting and personal insults.But like previous forums, the debate quickly devolved into long periods of shouting and personal insults.
Mr Rubio rolled out a new line of stinging attacks against Mr Trump. Mr Rubio, who has placed second in many of the recent contests, rolled out a series of stinging attacks against Mr Trump.
He criticized Mr Trump's failed online education venture, Trump University, and assailed Mr Trump for hiring foreign workers rather than Americans in his construction projects. "If he hadn't inherited $200 million, you know where Donald Trump would be? Selling watches in Manhattan," Mr Rubio said in one tense exchange.
Mr Trump shot back: "I hired tens of thousands of people. You've hired nobody." The Republican road to the White House - indepth
The billionaire real estate mogul found himself increasingly on the defensive about his business dealings, his conservative credentials and his support for Israel.
The Republican road to the White House - in-depth
Five ways Trump can still be stopped - Unlikely ways other Republicans can get out frontFive ways Trump can still be stopped - Unlikely ways other Republicans can get out front
What makes Super Tuesday super? - The long day of voting explainedWhat makes Super Tuesday super? - The long day of voting explained
The Republicans who hate Trump - Lifelong members of the party speak outThe Republicans who hate Trump - Lifelong members of the party speak out
Mr Rubio also criticized Mr Trump's failed online education venture, Trump University, and assailed Mr Trump for hiring foreign workers rather than Americans in his construction projects.
Mr Trump shot back: "I hired tens of thousands of people. You've hired nobody."
The billionaire real estate mogul found himself increasingly on the defensive about his business dealings, his conservative credentials and his support for Israel.
The stakes have been raised for the candidates. Next Tuesday, known as Super Tuesday, millions of voters in 11 states will cast ballots in the Republican race.The stakes have been raised for the candidates. Next Tuesday, known as Super Tuesday, millions of voters in 11 states will cast ballots in the Republican race.
A quarter of the total numbers of delegates needed to the secure the nomination will be up for grabs that day.A quarter of the total numbers of delegates needed to the secure the nomination will be up for grabs that day.
Mr Rubio and Mr Cruz are under tremendous pressure unseat Mr Trump before his lead becomes insurmountable. He is current leading in 10 out of 11 states holding contests on Super Tuesday.
Debate highlights:Debate highlights:
Mr Trump has been extremely popular despite his controversial comments about deporting millions of undocumented workers and banning Muslims from travelling to the United States.Mr Trump has been extremely popular despite his controversial comments about deporting millions of undocumented workers and banning Muslims from travelling to the United States.
After four primary and caucus competitions, Mr Trump has 82 Republican party delegates, Mr Cruz has 17 and Mr Rubio has 16. To become the Republican party's nominee, a candidate has to have 1,237 total state delegates. After four primary and caucus competitions, Mr Trump has 82 Republican party delegates, Mr Cruz has 17 and Mr Rubio has 16. To become the Republican party's nominee, a candidate has to have 1,237 total state delegates.
Mr Trump has said he is confident heading into Super Tuesday.
"It's going to be an amazing two months," he said after winning the Nevada contest on Tuesday. "We might not even need the two months, folks, to be honest."
The next primary and caucus is in South Carolina next week. Other states will have their turn over the coming weeks and months.The next primary and caucus is in South Carolina next week. Other states will have their turn over the coming weeks and months.
Each party formally announces their presidential candidate at conventions in July, four months before the presidential election.Each party formally announces their presidential candidate at conventions in July, four months before the presidential election.
Key dates to come
27 February - South Carolina primary (D)
1 March - 'Super Tuesday' - 15 states or territories decide
18-21 July - Republican convention, nominee picked
25-28 July - Democratic convention, nominee picked
8 November - US presidential elections
In depth: Primary calendar