Current front-runner Donald Trump addressed his recent controversial statements proposing a temporary ban on Muslim refugees coming into the United States.

"We are not talking about isolation, we're talking about security. We're not talking about religion, we're talking about security," Trump said. "People will not come in unless they come in legally."

"Donald is good at the one-liners," Bush responded, dismissing Trump's proposal. "He's a chaos candidate and he would be a chaos president."

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who passed Trump in recent polls in Iowa, weighed in about radical Islamic terrorism, stating it was the greatest threat to America.

"If I'm elected president, we will hunt down and kill the terrorists. We will utterly destroy ISIS," Cruz said. "We will keep America safe."

Cruz and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio both acknowledge why Trump made his comments on a Muslim ban. But the two senators, both Cuban-Americans in their 40s, highlighted their differences, specifically regarding military intervention and government spying on Americans' communications and immigration.

Cruz called for using "overwhelming air power," to destroy the Islamic terrorists. Rubio said airstrikes would have to be supplemented by ground troops, including American special operations forces.

Their rivalry could become one of the dominant forces in the race media coverage, as candidates work toward securing the first voting contests in February.

Physician and author Ben Carson likened America to a sick patient in need of healing. He also asked Congress to declare war on ISIS.

Some candidates shared concerns over "political correctness," saying it has contributed to [the] rise of radical Islamic terror attacks around the world.

"Political correctness is killing people," Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said. (Photo via CBN News)

"I'm not anxious to give away American principles for the sake of political correctness," Carson said.

The candidates highlighted concerns over the lack of national security in general under the current administration.

"Our allies no longer trust us and our adversaries no longer respect us," Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said.

Former Gov. Jeb Bush spoke about rebuilding the military and empowering families.

"America is still an exceptional country," he added.

The candidates differed over how to balance national security with the right to privacy.

Carson spoke about supporting plans to monitor Muslim mosques and schools that promoted anti-American rhetoric.

"We can't disassociate ourselves from peace-loving Muslims," Bush replied.

Fiorina weighed in, offering her own distinct approach amid the crowded field of male candidates.

"Talking tough is not the same as staying strong," Fiorina said, quoting Margaret Thatcher. "If you want something talked about—ask a man, if you want something done—ask a woman."

Candidates each took their turn closing the evening with 30-second statements.

"America can win again, and we will win again," Cruz said, promising to cut taxes and regulations, and fight Islamic terrorism.

"Our country doesn't win anymore," Trump said. "Nothing works in our country. If I'm elected president, we will win again."

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