At second GOP debate, targeting Trump and trying to break through

GWEN IFILL:

The Republican candidates now have two debates under their belts and they're now working to capitalize on last night's meeting — one clear winner, CNN, which scored nearly 23 million viewers.

While Donald Trump continues to be the marquee draw, business executive Carly Fiorina and Senator Marco Rubio also grabbed their share of the spotlight.

President Reagan's Air Force One served as the backdrop for 11 Republicans who hope to have their own presidential plane someday. But they first had to survive the night.

As expected, the primary target was front-runner Donald Trump, who has upended the race and left previously strong contenders like Wisconsin governor Scott Walker in the dust.

GOV. SCOTT WALKER Republican Presidential Candidate:

This is what's wrong with this debate. We're not talking about real issues. And, Mr. Trump, we don't need an apprentice in the White House. We don't need an apprentice in the White House. We have one right now.

GWEN IFILL:

Walker and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush tried to use the face-off to reestablish lost footing by linking Trump to the leading Democrat.

JEB BUSH, Republican Presidential Candidate:

You got Hillary Clinton to go to your wedding.

DONALD TRUMP, Republican Presidential Candidate:

That's true. That's true.

JEB BUSH:

Because you gave her money. Maybe it works for Hillary Clinton.

DONALD TRUMP:

I was — excuse me, Jeb.

JEB BUSH:

It doesn't work for anybody on this stage.

DONALD TRUMP:

Jeb, I was a businessman. I got along with Clinton. I got along with everybody. That was my job, to get along with people.

JEB BUSH:

But the simple fact is…

DONALD TRUMP:

I didn't want to — excuse me one second.

JEB BUSH:

No. The simple fact is, Donald, you could not take…

DONALD TRUMP:

OK, more energy tonight. I like that.

GWEN IFILL:

Trump came prepared to criticize Bush as well over his stance on women's health programs.

DONALD TRUMP:

I know, but why did you say it? I heard it myself. Why did you say it?

JEB BUSH:

We increased child support — we increased child support with a broken system by 90 percent.

DONALD TRUMP:

You said you're going to cut funding for women's health. You said it.

JEB BUSH:

I have a proven record. I have a proven record.

DONALD TRUMP:

You said it.

GWEN IFILL:

Carly Fiorina, a former Hewlett-Packard CEO who was relegated to the second-tier debate last time, seized the moment to slash at Trump while presenting herself as a leader.

CARLY FIORINA, Republican Presidential Candidate:

I also think that one of the benefits of a presidential campaign is, the character and capability, judgment and temperament of every single one of us is revealed over time and under pressure.

GWEN IFILL:

The only woman in the field also came prepared to belittle Trump, who in an interview, had criticized her looks.

CARLY FIORINA:

You know, it's interesting to me Mr. Trump said that he heard Mr. Bush very clearly and what Mr. Bush said. I think women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

GWEN IFILL:

Trump, in turn, dismissed Fiorina as a failure in business.

But New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, struggling in the polls himself, repeatedly returned to his theme of the night: that the campaign wasn't about them.

GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE, Republican Presidential Candidate:

While I'm as entertained as anyone by this personal back-and-forth about the history of Donald and Carly's career, for the 55-year-old construction worker out in that audience tonight who doesn't have a job, who can't fund his child's education, I have got to tell you the truth. They could care less about your careers. They care about theirs.

GWEN IFILL:

Each member of the 11-candidate field took turns trying to break through.

For Florida Senator Marco Rubio, it was on foreign policy.

SEN. MARCO RUBIO, Republican Presidential Candidate:

The United States military wasn't built to conduct pinprick attacks. If the United States military is going to be engaged by a commander in chief, it should only be engaged in an endeavor to win. And we're not going to authorize use of force if you're not put in a position where they can win.

GWEN IFILL:

And in an earlier forum, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham targeted former Senator Rick Santorum on immigration reform.

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, Republican Presidential Candidate:

How many democrats did you have on your bill?

RICK SANTORUM:

I don't know how many Democrats I had on my bill…

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM:

I can tell you. None.

RICK SANTORUM:

But, the point is — the point is, is that I had a bill…

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM:

That went nowhere.

GWEN IFILL:

The attention turns now to the Democrats.

Clinton used an appearance on "The Tonight Show" last night to mock her competition.

JIMMY FALLON, Host, "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon": How are you, Hillary? Haven't seen you since my last wedding.

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, Democratic Presidential Candidate:

Well, I'm sure I'll see you at the next one.

The Democrats' first debate is October 13.