UPPER EAST SIDE — Sext-scarred mayoral hopeful Anthony Weiner took it on the chin at a candidates debate Tuesday morning after reportedly referring to one of his opponents as "grandpa."
The AARP-sponsored discussion, which took place at Hunter College's campus at Park Avenue and East 69th Street, focused on key issues for seniors and immigrant communities before turning nasty — thanks to barbs from longshot candidate George McDonald.
Multiple reports said Weiner called McDonald "grandpa" during an exchange before the debate, prompting the GOP hopeful to go on a tirade during the event.
After Weiner called for $500-per-month "efficiency" apartments to spur affordable housing, McDonald said he boasted better morals than than the disgraced former congressman.
"I would contrast my values with Anthony Weiner's values any day of the week," he said, prompting boos from the crowd.
McDonald then told the crowd that it could continue its attempts to quiet him, saying: "That's just more time for this glib narcissist."
When it was time for Weiner's turn to talk affordable housing, he simply said that rent increases should be tied to Social Security, refusing to address McDonald's attacks.
Other participants at the debate inclided included Erick Salado, John Castimatidis, Joe Lhota, Adolfo Carrion, John Liu, Sal Albanese and Bill de Blasio — but McDonald stole the show with his rips into Weiner.
When the discussion moved to the topic of hospital closures, McDonald doubled down on his slams, even telling the hostile audience, "You can boo me."
Toward the end of the debate, moderators asked candidates what the biggest misconception is about them.
"The biggest misconception about me is that I'm incapable of answering a question unless I'm standing up," he joked. "That's simply not true."
McDonald did not discuss Weiner, instead saying the public's biggest misconception about him is that, "I am going to win this election. I'm going to be the next mayor."
Liu, however, did manage to throw one more barb, joking in his closing remarks: "You can rest assured that I don't take pictures of myself."
