You're Simpletons': PA Gov. Rendell 'Loses His Cool' During '60 Minutes' Interview

WTXF-TV:

PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell's infamous temper flared up on Sunday night's "60 Minutes."

Rendell lashed out at reporter Leslie Stahl, who questioned the effect of legalized slot-machine gambling in Pennsylvania on gambling addicts.

"They're not losing their paychecks because Pennsylvania instituted gaming. Those people were losing their paychecks in Atlantic City, in Delaware at the racetracks or in West Virginia."

"So, why not lose it here, that's what you're saying," Stahl said.

"Well, if they're going to lose it anyway, let's get the upside," Rendell said.

Later, Rendell told Stahl, "You're a very smart person."

"But not now. I'm dumb now," Stahl said, laughing.

"You're not getting it," answered Rendell. "Those people would lose that money anyway. Don't you understand?"

When Rendell was pressed on that point, he snapped at Stahl, "You guys don't get that," gritting his teeth and chopping through the air with both hands head-high. "You're simpletons. You're idiots if you don't get that."