Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi (September 9, 2009)

Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi (September 9, 2009) Credit: Howard Schnapp

Former Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi made his debut as a national television pundit Tuesday night, trading verbal jabs with a panel on Fox News host Sean Hannity's show "Hannity."

Suozzi, a Democrat who in November lost a bid for a third term to Republican Ed Mangano, said disgraced former Rep. Eric Massa (D-Corning), who resigned this week amid a scandal involving his male aides, "has problems, he has serious problems.

"It's an example of the old saying," Suozzi said. "If you can't take the heat, get out of the shower."

Massa has accused Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel of confronting him in the shower of the congressional gymnasium to push Obama's budget proposal.

Appearing during a 20-minute segment dubbed "The Great American Panel," Suozzi, who is now a consultant for Cablevision, which owns Newsday, denied Hannity's contention that anti-Obama sentiment cost him his election.

"What's happening is people are insecure and people are worried about their jobs," Suozzi said.

From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

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