Nation: Jon Stewart made his last appearance as host of the Daily Show last night but the Republican presidential candidates also had their first debate so, sadly, and without Jon Stewart, we lead with that.

Standing center stage among 10 candidates, Donald Trump came out blustering, blunt, and blistering, throwing elbows at his opponents, the hosts, and even the Republican party. “Our leaders are stupid. Our politicians are stupid.”

Answering the first question of the night, Trump refused to pledge that if he doesn’t win the nomination he will not run as an independent. “I will not make the pledge at this time,” he said.

Trump repeatedly broke the rules of political etiquette and deference. In an early exchange Sen. Rand Paul said, “he’s used to buying politicians” and Trump fired back, “Well, I’ve given him plenty of money.” The comb over candidate said what almost no politician ever admits; money buys results. The billionaire said he gave money to Hillary Clinton and “I said, ‘Be at my wedding.’ And she came to my wedding. You know why? She didn’t have a choice because I gave.”

Trump was unapologetic when challenged by moderator Megyn Kelly about calling women he doesn’t like “fat pigs and dogs.” He answered,

“I’ve been challenged by so many people, and I don’t frankly have time for total political correctness. And to be honest with you, this country doesn’t have time either.”

Other candidates had their moments. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and late entry John Kasich of Ohio came off as intelligent and reasonable. Kasich defended his decision to expand Medicare in Ohio against the Republican trend, and he said he’s against gay marriage but accepts that it’s the law of the land. Look for Kasich to rise in the polls.

Overall the field is pretty much united on basic Republican issues. They are against abortion and want to kill President Obama’s Iran nuclear deal. They want to shrink government.

Scott Walker presented himself as a regular American. “I’m a guy with a wife, two kids and a Harley.”

Retired surgeon Ben Carson said, “I’m the only one to take out half a brain but if you’d been to Washington you’d think somebody beat me to it.”

Interestingly, as nearly all the candidates touted their faith in God, they all dodged the question of whether God has advised them what to do as president. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said, “God speaks through the Bible.” Donald Trump didn’t say whether he had given to God’s campaign.

Quick Roundup: A Syrian force trained to fight ISIS was instead attacked and badly beaten by another rebel group. About half the group trained at a cost of many millions of dollars is dead, captured, or missing.

>New York mayor Bill DeBlasio has ordered that all water-cooling towers in the city must be inspected and disinfected after an outbreak of Legionnaire’s Disease that has killed 10 people and infected at least 100. The airborne Legionella bacteria has been found in five cooling towers in the South Bronx.

>Climbers on Switzerland’s Matterhorn have found the remains of Japanese climbers who went missing 45 years ago. It’s evidence that glaciers are shrinking.

>Former Los Angeles Clippers owner and loose-tongued lothario Donald Sterling has filed for divorce from his wife Shelly after 60 years.

Good Night and Good Luck: Daily Show host Jon Stewart went out last night with a homily on being a professional bullshit detector. “Whenever something is titled freedom, fairness, family, health, and America, take a good long sniff,” he said. He went on, “Now, the good news is this– bullshitters have gotten pretty lazy, and their work is easily detected. And looking for it is a pleasant way to pass the time like an ‘I spy’ of bullshit. I say to you tonight friends the best defense against bullshit is vigilance. So if you smell something, say something.”