Embattled Toronto mayor Rob Ford leaves his office Nov 18 2013, after a long day at city hall where a special council meeting stripped him of much of his power and budget.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and his brother Councillor Doug Ford have taken their story on the road, speaking to North American media about the scandal that's shaken the city. Appearing on six different shows from Sunday afternoon to Monday evening, the Fords rarely diverted from a script of answers, repeating these key messages during each appearance:
He is not perfect
Today Show: "I'm not perfect. Maybe you are. Maybe other people are. I've made mistakes. I've admitted my mistakes."
CBC: "Am I perfect? No, I am not perfect."
Sun News: "I'm only human. I am not perfect. I've yet to see someone who has never made a mistake in their life."
CNN: "What can I say? I made a mistake. I am human."
He is not an addict
Today Show: "No, I don't use crack cocaine."
CBC: "I haven't touched a drop of alcohol in three weeks and I don't do drugs."
Sun News: "I haven't touched a drop of alcohol in three weeks. I'll take a urine test right now."
Fox News: "I'm not an alcoholic. I'm not a drug addict. Maybe some people are. I'm not."
CNN: "No, I don't smoke crack and I am not a crack addict."
He is getting help
Today Show: "I have a weight issue. I have been training every day."
CBC: "I'm training every day. I haven't touched a drop of alcohol in three weeks."
Sun News: "I'm dealing with a team of professionals. I'm getting the help for, sometimes, sometimes my excessive drinking."
He will not resign
Sun News: "I'm not stepping down. I'm not an alcoholic. I'm not a drug addict."
Fox News: "I'm not resigning. I'm not stepping aside. I'm here to fight for the little guy."
CNN: "I'm not stepping down. Don't worry. What I always say is, there are more poor people than rich people and I stick up for the poor people."
Five (or six) months from now, you will see a change
Today Show: "Give me five or six months and if you don't see a difference, I will eat my words."
CBC: "You'll look at someone who is 30 pounds at least lighter, probably going to have a couple inches bigger arms, more solid chest."
Ford Nation on SunTV: "If I'm not down 30-40 pounds in the next six months then I can eat my words."