TV talk show host comes to Independence Hall to deal with Michael Vick and feud between Pat’s and Geno’s.
Famous steak slingers make nice, but aren’t big fans of each other’s work.
But there’s still plenty for the doc to deal with.
Updated 12:54, September the 17th, 2009
Dr. Phil solves city’s problems
The country's most popular shrink, Dr. Phil McGraw, brought his healing powers to Independence Mall yesterday, getting Gov. Ed Rendell to leave budget negotiations to talk dogfighting and two old cheesesteak rivals to hug.
Early on it was clear he would not settle some other city disputes. The large crowd jeered local NAACP President J. Wyatt Mondesire when he said the debate over Michael Vick involved "a racial component."
Dr. Phil himself had some strong opinions about Vick. He admitted he hasn't personally analyzed the quarterback, but said Vick exhibits "sociopathic" tendencies.
After Rendell — who said he has "mixed feelings" about Vick on his hometown Eagles — and the rest of the "Vick panel" left the stage on the great lawn, Dr. Phil introduced the owners of Geno's and Pat's, Joey Vento and Frank Olivieri, Jr. What happened next will be forever known as "the bite and spit" as each man tasted the other's steak sandwich before promptly spitting out the food in front of their wives, Dr. Phil and a thousand others in the crowd.