Apologetic Trebek Explains His Debate Performance

Alex Trebek is apologizing after his much-panned gig moderating the Pennsylvania gubernatorial debate Monday night. The Jeopardy host, who was accused of talking way too much and was actually booed during the debate, issued a three-paragraph mea culpa Wednesday explaining that he "misunderstood" his role, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. "I thought that as moderator, I was to provide a certain light-hearted approach while still being able to challenge the candidates on their record or positions," the 78-year-old said, noting that he "failed to recognize the seriousness of the event for the voters." "I didn't realize I was to ask a simple question and then let the gentlemen go at each other," he continued, calling himself "naive." Monday's debate was the only one scheduled, and Gov. Tom Wolf has refused to agree to add any more. (More Alex Trebek stories.)