Trump feels heat as GOP candidates face off in first debate

CLEVELAND (WLS) -- Preliminary estimates are in, showing 24 million viewers tuned in to watch the first presidential Republican debate Thursday night.

Blunt billionaire Donald Trump was among the 10 candidates vying for the spotlight.

The day after the big debate, top GOP presidential candidates gathered at a forum in Atlanta hosted by Red State, a conservative blog.

"For a guy from New Jersey, it is a relief to be in a red state, I guarantee it," said candidate and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

The memory of Thursday night's debate was still fresh in their minds.

Donald Trump, flanked by the nine other Republican presidential candidates, raised his hand when asked if he would consider running independently.

Trump was then called out by moderator Megyn Kelly for his offensive remarks and tweets about women.

"I think the big problem this country has is being politically correct," Trump said.

After the debate, Trump complained that he was picked on.

"I thought the questions, to me, were very unfair," he said.

While Trump may have been the center of attention, the other candidates tried to grab the spotlight.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich got a big reaction when he embraced gay marriage.

Rand Paul and Gov. Christie clashed on spying by the NSA.

The next GOP debate is Sept. 16.