Gov. Rendell To <em>60 Minutes:</em> "You're Simpletons!"
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Television viewers across the nation will get to see something on Sunday night that Pennsylvania residents have experienced before: an angry eruption from Governor Ed Rendell.
In a "60 Minutes" interview with correspondent Lesley
Stahl (right), Governor Rendell explodes on camera as he is pressed about the negative impacts of expanded gambling.
The eruption comes as the governor hopes to land a gig as a TV news commentator. In an exit interview with capitol reporters on Thursday, Rendell said he hoped to land a spot as a "contributor."
"Contributor. Contributor. I'm not going to do a permanent show, obviously, because I've got too many other things I want to do," the governor told reporters.
But it remains to be seen how this outburst will affect his chances.
In a clip provided by "60 Minutes," Rendell barks through clenched teeth as he becomes frustrated during his interview with Stahl.
RENDELL: "You guys don't get that!"
STAHL: "I do get it."
RENDELL: "You're simpletons! You're idiots if you don't get that!"
Watch the clip...
What Rendell claims Stahl didn't get was his assertion that people who lose money they can't afford will do so anyway -- by gambling in Atlantic City or elsewhere -- if Pennsylvania didn't have casinos.
Reported by KYW Harrisburg Bureau chief Tony Romeo.
