In this May 3, 2007 file photo, Keith Olbermann of MSNBC poses at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif.
It's been a rough week for Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, but is he really the "worst person in the world?"
Keith Olbermann says so. The U.S. television personality and political pundit mocked Mr. Ford on the "Worst Person in the World" feature of his CurrentTV show, which aired Oct. 28.
"The new conservative executive [of Toronto]has had a rough start, but never was it rougher than Monday," Mr. Olbermann said.
Mr. Olbermann refers to an infamous encounter last Monday morning between Mr. Ford and CBC comedian Mary Walsh on the mayor's driveway. Ms. Walsh, dressed as her character Marg Delahunty, warrior princess, attempted to interview Mr. Ford for the show This Hour Has 22 Minutes, but the mayor retreated inside his home and called 911.
Mr. Ford now admits he lost his cool and may have sworn at a 911 dispatcher while waiting for police to arrive, but he and Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair dispute a CBC report about the extent of his profanities.
"The mayor did not use the word 'bitches,' attributed to him by those 'several anonymous sources,'" Chief Blair said in a statement on Friday.
"I was frustrated. If I offended someone, I apologize," Mr. Ford told reporters on Thursday. "Maybe I shouldn't have used the F-word. I apologize."
Mr. Olbermann repeated quotes from the disputed CBC report, and concluded the segment by saying: "Toronto's Rob effing Ford, the mayor of his effing city. Today's effing worst person in the effing world."
The TV host also heaped scorn on conservative broadcaster Glenn Beck and a British school program that involved dressing kids up in period costumes.
Chris Hannay