White House hopeful Newt Gingrich weathered a pummelling by rivals who attacked the Republican frontrunner's conservative credentials, marital infidelities and a provocative remark about Palestinians.
But the former House speaker coolly defended his most controversial views in a feisty debate Saturday night, including a recent remark calling Palestinians an "invented people," while conceding that voters will have to decide whether he is fit to be president.
Meanwhile, Mitt Romney, fighting to regain the Republican lead, appeared to have run in to trouble of his own making, by challenging Texas governor Rick Perry to a $10,000 bet in a heated moment of the debate.
Supporters of the former Massachusetts governor went on talk shows Sunday to try to douse the morning after controversy, while banging away at Gingrich.
"He used a figure of speech," said former New Hampshire governor John Sununu, a Romney backer, pooh-poohing suggestions that the large bet added to perceptions that the wealthy former venture capitalist was out of touch with ordinary Americans.