NEW YORK — 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.
The exchange between 69-year-old Republican candidate George McDonald and the 48-year-old Democrat was caught on camera by the TV station NY1.
After Weiner touched McDonald's chest in greeting, McDonald barked, "Don't put your hands on me ever again."
Weiner responded by telling McDonald he has "anger issues."
When McDonald disagreed, Weiner said, "Yes, 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."
