Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly grills Donald Trump on his attitude towards women

WE EXPECTED Donald Trump to be controversial at the first debate, and he delivered during a spat with moderator Megyn Kelly.

US PRESIDENTIAL candidate Donald Trump has been grilled on his attitude towards women at the first Republican debate.

Trump, who is currently leading the race for the Republican nomination, was expected to provide a controversial moment or two at the debate in Cleveland, Ohio, given his record of outspoken comments. It didn’t take long.

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In her first question to the real estate mogul, Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly raised his history of insulting women.

“You’ve called women you don’t like fat pigs, dogs, slobs and disgusting animals,” she said, beginning her question.

“Only Rosie O’Donnell,” Trump interjected, prompting laughter and applause from his fans in the audience.

try explaining that 2 ur kids

— Rosie (@Rosie) August 7, 2015

Kelly was not deterred.

“No it wasn’t. For, the record, it was well beyond Rosie O’Donnell,” she shot back.

“I’m sure it was,” Trump said.

“Your Twitter account has several disparaging comments about women’s looks, you once told a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice it would be a pretty picture to see her on her knees. Does that sound to you like the temperament of a man we should elect as president? How will you answer the charge from Hillary Clinton that you are part of the war on women?”

It’s fair to say that Megyn Kelly was not impressed.

“What I say, it’s funny, we’re kidding, what I say is what I say,” Trump answered.

“I think the big problem this country has is being politically correct. I’ve been challenged by so many people and to be honest with you, I don’t, frankly, have time for total political correctness. And to be honest with you, this country doesn’t have time either.

“Honestly, Megyn, if you don’t like it, I’m sorry. I’ve been very nice to you. I could probably not be based on the way you’ve treated me. But you know what, we need strength, we need quickness and we need brains in this country to turn it around. That I can tell you right now.”

“What did I do?”

That heated exchange came on the heels of a revealing moment at the very start of the debate, courtesy of Kelly’s fellow moderator Bret Baier.

“Is there anyone on stage, and can I see hands, who is unwilling tonight to pledge your support to the eventual nominee of the Republican Party and pledge not to run an independent campaign against that person?” Baier asked.

The question was aimed squarely at one person: Trump, who has previously refused to rule out an independent candidacy. Of the ten candidates on stage, he was the only one to raise his hand.

That’s significant, because if Trump runs against the eventual Republican nominee in the general election, it will practically guarantee victory for the Democrats.