Image courtesy of the New York Times.

The nation enjoyed/endured yet another Republican Presidential debate over the weekend.

In debate number 16 (yes,sixteen) we learned that Newt Gingrich is not a fan of Palestine, Michele Bachmann is courting the 9-9-9 plan, and Mitt Romney is a betting man.

Gingrich revelled in his new role as leader of the pack of hopefuls but came under fire for his comments on Palestine and his past marital infidelities.

Newt stuck to his guns, claiming he was examining the situation as a “historian” when he told a Jewish television channel last week that the Palestinians were historically an “invented” people.

When confronted with charges against him of serial adultery, Gingrich seemed to respond calmly under fire, striking a fine balance by stating,

“I think people have to render judgment,” … “In my case, I said up front openly, I’ve made mistakes at times. I’ve had to go to God for forgiveness. I’ve had to seek reconciliation.”

Hopefully Newt is able to field future marriage questions as smoothly in the future, as his own sister has questioned the sincerity of his stance on gay marriage.

Mitt Romney, meanwhile, caused a bit of a snafu by challenging Texas Governor Rick Perry to a $10,000 bet over an excerpt from Mr. Perry’s book.

The comment is being pointed to by some as evidence that wealthy Mitt is not in touch with the economic realities of the American consumer.

Meanwhile, Michelle Bachmann managed to create a new species.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s a Newt Romney! Bachmann worked to set herself up as the alternative to Romney and Gingrich, whom she presented as virtual clones. Does this make her the lucky inheritor of the Cain supporters? Only time (and poll numbers) will tell.