"I wasn't elected to be perfect," said Toronto mayor Rob Ford during his appearance on
Jimmy Kimmel
's late night talk show Monday night.
The embattled politician, who admitted to smoking crack cocaine while drunk earlier this year, is seeking re-election and making the rounds for publicity, but his appearance on
Jimmy Kimmel Live
may have done him more harm than good.
Kimmel began his interview with Ford by saying, "Don't get me wrong, I am very, very happy that you're here. But, why are you here? What good could come of this? Have you ever seen the show?”
But Ford replied that Jimmy asked personally, so he felt obliged, calling it "customer service" because everyone pays taxes.
Jimmy went through video footage taken of the mayor, grilling him on virtually every controversial incident he's been part of recently, ultimately making his sweat and then dabbing that sweat off his brow with a Kleenex.
Ford stood by his antics, reiterating over and over that he works for the people and he loves his job.
Near the end of the chat, Kimmel got serious, telling Ford he should seek help for any potential alcohol problems he may have.
"If you’re drinking enough that you can try crack in your forties and you don’t remember it, maybe that’s something that you might want to think about, like, talking to somebody,” Kimmel said. "“Just something to think about. In case — it’s nothing to be ashamed of -- and I think it’s a good example for other people who might be in a similar situation."
Ford laughed off Kimmel's comments, adding a plug for his reelection campaign. “Talk is cheap, action speaks louder than words," he said. "We’ll let the people decide on October 27. I’m just a normal, average, hard-working politician that’s real.”
“You are not the average politician, my friend," the host replied to heavy laughter. "You are the most wonderful mayor I’ve ever witnessed.”
Ford's brother Doug, who made the trip to L.A. with him for Oscar weekend and for Ford's appearance on the show, told the Toronto Sun that Rob was "a little upset" over his appearance on the show and referred to it as a "set up."
Watch the four-part interview below...