Weiner Calls GOP Rival 'Grandpa' at AARP Event, Won't Apologize

Anthony Weiner isn't apologizing for calling an opponent at a New York City mayoral forum "grandpa."

Weiner said Wednesday that he stands by his remarks at the AARP-sponsored event the day before.

Just before an AARP debate on Tuesday, Weiner, the former Democratic congressman, was overheard calling candidate George McDonald "Grandpa" after McDonald, a Republican candidate, rejected Weiner's greeting, according to the New York Post.

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A New York 1 video camera was rolling during the encounter and caught this exchage:

McDonald: I said keep your hands to yourself.
Weiner: I heard what you said.
McDonald: Don't put your hands on me ever again.
Weiner: Really? What's going to happen if I do? You're a tough guy now?
McDonald: I am. I can defend myself.
Weiner: [inaudible]...your anger issues under control.
McDonald: I don't have any anger issues.
Weiner: But you do, Grandpa.

Weiner says that he frequently is the recipient of personal attacks at forums and says a mayoral candidate "needs a thick skin."

AARP state director Beth Finkel says the organization found some comments at the forum it sponsored "unfortunate."

This was the latest round in a feud that erupted last week when McDonald called Weiner a "self-pleasuring freak" at a mayoral forum in Queens and said he was embarrassed to tell his 10-year-old granddaughter why Weiner was so famous.

Weiner replied, saying that McDonald was "chirping at the fringes."

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