Mayor Rob Ford appears on NBC’s Today Show, admits he still drinks

Watch the video above: Rob Ford ducks questions about drug use. Jackson Proskow reports. 

TORONTO – Toronto Mayor Rob Ford admitted he is still drinking but “not to the point of some of the episodes before” during an interview on the Today Show with Matt Lauer Tuesday morning.

“Have I had a drink? Yes, I have. But not to the point of some of the episodes before. So you know what, that’s past me and we’re moving on,” Ford said.

Ford also denied using illegal drugs when he was asked if he has taken any since his first interview with Lauer on Nov. 18.

“I don’t use illegal drugs. I experimented with them like probably a year ago but I don’t use drugs and we’re in great shape. Right after this interview I’m dying to hit the gym.”

Ford was also asked about the video showing him rambling profanely in Jamaican patois that appeared on YouTube in January, in which the mayor later confirmed he was drinking that evening.

“You know what, I’ve been brought up with a lot of Jamaican friends, and we went out and yeah, that’s what I mean. I drank and I enjoyed myself on I think Friday, I forget what night it was,” he said.

WATCH: Rob Ford appears on NBC’s Today Show and admits he still drinks but doesn’t have a problem Credit: NBC/Today Show

“You know what, Matt, maybe you’re perfect but I’m not, we’re moving on in a positive direction.”

Mayor Ford appeared on the American morning television show via satellite from his family home in Etobicoke and fielded questions from Lauer on his progress since being stripped of most of his powers last November.

“I’m going to the gym every day, I’m down a few pounds,” Ford told Lauer. “Just going from door to door campaigning hard and the election is Oct. 27 and we’re going to win.”

Ford did one-on-one interviews on NBC’s Today Show and ABC’s Good Morning America last fall after admitting to having smoked crack cocaine.

Lauer questioned how the mayor has remained effective leading a city following the admission.

“We had a major ice storm. I led the charge in getting the power back on in the city. We’ve had the lowest tax increase over the last three years. Saved the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. We’re building subways. We got rid of the car registration tax that everyone said we couldn’t get rid of. We struck a union deal with the unions that no previous mayor could do. So we’re on fire. We’re doing a great job.”

The interview ended with Lauer showing a video of Ford jumping for joy when the Canadian women’s hockey team won the gold medal in overtime versus the Americans.

“Hockey is our game. Hockey is like maybe basketball or football to you. We did an absolutely phenomenal job and with all due respect to my friends in the States, hockey is our game.”