New York City candidate for mayor Anthony Weiner called his 69-year-old opponent “ grandpa ” at an AARP event Tuesday. Clearly not content with the hole he’s dug himself already, Weiner’s poor choice of words have earned him new critics.
Directed at Republican mayoral candidate George McDonald, Weiner’s grandpa comment came after a heated exchange between the two.
Anthony Weiner approached McDonald before a political debate sponsored by the AARP. CNN says that Weiner patted McDonald’s chest in greeting, which enraged the GOP candidate . “Don’t put your hands on me ever again,” warned McDonald. Clearly not concerned, Weiner replied “Really? What’s going to happen if I do? You’re a tough guy now?”
Refusing to back down, Weiner claimed that his opponent had problems dealing with anger. McDonald shot back that he didn’t. That’s when Weiner dropped the g-bomb: “But you do, grandpa.”
Frustrated, the 69-year-old GOP mayoral candidate did not respond and turned to walk away.
After the debate McDonald was seen getting into another argument. Speaking with a Weiner supporter, McDonald asked how he was supposed to explain Weiner’s sexting scandal to his 10-year-old granddaughter.
McDonald and Weiner have been butting heads lately. Last week the GOP candidate called Weiner a “self-pleasuring freak” at an even in Queens. McDonald has also been actively tweeting negatively about the Democratic candidate as well.
Talking Points Memo reports that a statement from AARP New York’s Beth Finkel has condemned Weiner’s comments as being directed unfairly at McDonald because of his age.
Weiner has characteristically stood by his use of the word. On Wednesday Weiner said that he called McDonald “grandpa” not because of his age but because of his frequent references to his granddaughter.
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