Lawrence O'Donnell plays Anthony Weiner's psychiatrist during awkward interview

The MSNBC host yelled at the New York mayoral candidate, demanding to know: "What is wrong with you?"

Published September 10, 2013 1:27PM (EDT)

Last night, MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell turned his show, "The Last Word," into spectacular, dramatic television in an awkward interview with New York mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner. It was so hostile that it left Weiner, unpalatable to a majority of New Yorkers, seeming oddly and uncomfortably sympathetic.

Offering his last interview before Tuesday's election, for six cringe-inducing minutes, Weiner was forced to respond to O'Donnell yelling, "What is wrong with you!" O'Donnell was not referring to Weiner's multiple sexting scandals, but instead to the way Weiner spent his time after his resignation from Congress in 2011.

"Anthony, I mean it at a psychiatric level," said O'Donnell.

"Dude, I don't need really need your psychiatric questions," a perturbed Weiner responded.

O'Donnell persisted:"You are being driven by some kind of demons."

"Do you want to ask me questions, or do you want to harangue me on a split-screen?" Weiner asked.

The extended online-only interview is every bit as awkward:

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By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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Anthony Weiner Lawrence O'donnell Msnbc New York City New York Mayor's Race Video