Jerry Springer will officially file for a U.S. Senate run in Ohio, but he hasn’t made up his mind on a campaign just yet.
The talk show host and former Cincinnati mayor will file papers for a U.S. Senate campaign as early as Friday. Mike Ford, a political advisor for Springer, says the filing is necessary to avoid any legal problems that might arise from the airing of a 30-minute infomercial.
Ford says Springer will still make a final decision on whether to run by the end of the month.
The commercial is aimed at increasing Springer’s national fund-raising efforts and will not be shown in Ohio initially. Springer will appear on the program to outline his positions on issues, as well as discuss his background and experience.
The infomercial, which begins airing today, seeks small donations and offers t-shirts, bumper stickers and CDs of Springer singing.
The infomercial was not immediately scheduled for Ohio because of equal access concerns involving Springer's talk show, which still runs daily.
Another Democrat, state Senator Eric Fingerhut, from Cleveland, has already declared his candidacy.
The nominee will take on incumbent Republican George Voinovich.
Over the past few months, Springer has toured Ohio, trying to gauge interest. Springer has also set up a website to test voter support.
Springer also says he expects an expensive campaign, saying it would take more than the $12 million Voinovich reportedly has in his war chest to win. Springer says if people concentrate on his message, rather than his controversial show, he believes he will win.
Springer served as a city councilman and mayor in Cincinnati in the 1970's before becoming a TV news anchor and commentator. He ran for Ohio governor in 1982, finishing last in a three-way primary and winning only six of 88 counties.
posted on July 10, 2003 05:02:40 PM new
Don't connect that character with the people I support. He's a disgrace to the Democratic Party. I live in Ohio and no way do I want him as a senator representing me. Only in his dreams will he win.
posted on July 10, 2003 05:07:41 PM new
Ebayauctionguy,
Perhaps you should check before you leap to call someone a low life.
Jerry Springer
Challenging the rules and thriving on extremes — He’s a unique combination of New York City street
smarts, political savvy, adoring father, concerned humanitarian and a real nice guy. Jerry’s multifaceted
personality speaks to people of all ages, men and women alike.
Jerry was born in London, England in 1944 in the midst of his family fleeing from the Holocaust. At age
five, Jerry immigrated to New York with his parents. He can still recall the sense of awe and anticipation he
felt as he first saw the Statue of Liberty and crossed the gates of freedom on Ellis Island.
Having to adapt to a new country left an indelible mark on Springer. Being the outsider taught him
acceptance, tact and compassion – the same qualities he currently draws upon as a talk show host.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Tulane University in 1965, he went on to
earn a degree in law from Northwestern University in 1968. His first job after college was working as one
of Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign aides.
After Kennedy’s death, Jerry joined a law firm in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved into the political arena
himself. He was elected Mayor of Cincinnati with the largest plurality in the city’s history. At the age of
33, he was one of the country’s youngest mayors.
In 1982, Jerry launched his career in broadcasting as a political reporter and commentator on Cincinnati’s
WLWT-TV. Two years later Jerry became anchor and managing editor and was Cincinnati’s number one
news anchor until he relinquished the post in January of 1993.
Springer received seven Emmy Awards for his nightly commentaries, the forerunner to his now famous
“Final Thought,” and was voted television’s “Best Anchor” for five consecutive years by readers of
Cincinnati Magazine.
Of his professional achievements, Springer is the most proud of his involvement with Cincinnati Reaches
Out contribution on-site reporting from Ethiopia and Sudan where he documented local Cincinnati efforts
to provide assistance to famine-stricken Africans.
Always ready to accept new challenges, Jerry became a professional talk show host when he was tapped by
Multimedia Entertainment to add yet another category to his professional repertoire. “The Jerry Springer
Show” is now entering its fifth season and is seen in over 150 markets with ratings and popularity
increasing daily.
“This is a great opportunity,” said Jerry. “Being a talk show host gives me a chance to meet all kinds of
people from all walks of life, hear about the problems that affect each of us and learn to develop an insight
and sensitivity into issues that we may not have had before. I want my viewers to feel that they’ve been
touched by and learned something about life that they may not have known before watching our show.”
On the personal side, Jerry is most proud of his role as father. Jerry became a father in 1976 to a beautiful
baby girl. Katie was born physically challenged, legally blind, deaf in one ear and born without nasal
passages. Within hours of birth, Katie had to undergo major surgery to create nasal passages. Now an
intelligent and confident college freshman, Katie is Jerry’s top priority.
Touched by what may be the most heart-wrenching experience for any parent, Katie’s illness created in
Jerry the qualities of patience and sensitivity – traits that have made him one of the most popular television
personalities today.
Jerry’s open heart is not only reserved for his own child. He is sensitive to the needs of children around the
world. For several years he has been on the Advisory Board of the Audrey Hepburn Hollywood for
children Fund (AHHCF), an umbrella foundation to continue Audrey Hepburn’ s formidable work for
needy children around the world. A devotee of children in need, Jerry has personally participated in
fundraising events to benefit children suffering with AIDS by putting on a pair of ice skates for “Dishes on
Ice.” Donning an apron, he again helped children with AIDS when he participated in a celebrity evening
called “Cooks For Kids II.”
In addition to using his notoriety to benefit children, Jerry uses his fame to support as many causes as
possible. Jerry has donated his time to public service announcements for flood victims, AIDS and drunk
driving education, and battered women, to just name a few. He has also taken a strong stand for Breast
Cancer education, writing a definitive article for “Women’s Day” and participating in events to raise
awareness of the threat of Breast Cancer.
Jerry’s audience, evident by his increasing popularity and ratings success, has recognized just how unique
Springer is. He loves to have a good time on the show and ensures that his audience does also. His
determination to succeed and his natural ability to take what life dishes out and turn it into a positive have
contributed to his wide ranging appeal.
Consider that this one-time mayor has impersonated Elvis and Lyle Lovett, sung country-western at
Chicago’s Whiskey River and rock-and-roll at Johnny Depp’s Viper Room, sat astride a Harley Davidson
in a leather jacket and suited up to play goalie for the International Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals.
Balance that Jerry Springer with the Jerry Springer who dissects serious subjects on “Larry King Live” and
“Nightline,” holds the hands of AIDS stricken children, interviews such notables as George Bush and Jesse
Jackson, is concerned humanitarian helping to raise millions of dollars for charity. Be it lawyer, and
politician anchorman, father, talk show host, New York savvy with mid-western warmth-they’re all Jerry
Springer.
NO Wonder Everybody’ s Talkin’ JERRY!
[ edited by Helenjw on Jul 10, 2003 05:11 PM ]
I posted the biography before I saw your comment. Feel free to state the reasons for your opinion. Since you are from Ohio, you probably have an informed opinion.
I responded to this thread because it was just another attempt to sling mud at Democrats. We could do the same with Republicans. LOL!
posted on July 10, 2003 05:57:54 PM new
Helen, anyone who cashes in on a freakshow and exploits human misery is a low life in my book. Have you ever seen the show? I'm not surprised at all that Springer is a Democrat.
posted on July 10, 2003 06:05:11 PM newWe could do the same with Republicans. LOL
And how!
My opinion is based, not on his political standing or previous accomplishments, but on the fact that he has said numerous times he was going to "clean-up" and tone-down his talk show. He has done neither and IMO, it has gotten worse. He's a joke around the entire country. What he has in fact done is fuel hatred toward people who live outside the mainstream, e.g., transexuals, cross-dressers, etc. Like I've said in previous posts, I am around these folks everyday I'm at work and they have been hurt by how they are portrayed on this show. He has enforced stereotypes, e.g., hillbillies marrying cousins and sleeping with sisters, etc. He promotes violent and irrational behavior all in the name of entertainment. I have to wonder just how low he will go. Lordy, Ohio has enough problems! LOL!
ebayauctionguy
That was a terribly Republican thing of you to say. Springer does not represent the Democratic Party. If anything, he'd fit right in with the current administration and their antics. He may promote human misery, but at least it's only gone as far as promoting. The Republicans in office now are causing it. Which is the bigger sin?
Cheryl
[ edited by CBlev65252 on Jul 10, 2003 06:20 PM ]
posted on July 10, 2003 06:15:37 PM newWe could do the same with Republicans
Well try to match this list of shows:
Wounded Women
Ragin' Loved Ones
Penniless Prostitutes
Why'd you leave me?
Wrath Of The Transsexuals
Lesbians On A Rampage
Angry Women Face Off
Bizarre Betrayals
Kissin' Kousins
Bombshells On Springer
Steamy Secrets
Broken-Hearted Lovers
My Husband Left Me For A Hooker
Brutal Breakups
posted on July 10, 2003 06:27:38 PM new
I do not see Springer as exploiting his guests. He generally treats them with a degree of respect that I sometimes am surprised by. Whether or not you wish to vote for Springer he is open to people who practice lifestyles outside of what is thought to be your average American. As a matter of balance many who are currently feeling disenfranchised by the political process would be represented more honestly by Springer. He strikes me as both concerned and intelligent.
posted on July 10, 2003 07:01:35 PM newHe strikes me as both concerned and intelligent
Intelligent, yes. Concerned? I have my doubts. I've seen him egg people on. All the gays that I know certainly don't see him in a favorable light. I know a cross-dresser or two who are horrified by how they are portrayed on that show. Ain't this a wonderfully diverse and interesting world? Before I started working at the Center, I knew maybe two gay people. However, I am surprised by the number of men I know that have been closeted cross-dressers for years. I just never knew. Why now, I wonder, do they feel they feel they can trust me enough to tell me? With some of them I would have rather not known.
Back on track, if you really watch him throughout the show he does egg people on and then he does his monologue telling people it's okay to be different, love one another, yadda, yadda. Don't you think he's sending a mixed message? I don't think much of his guests either and wonder how much of this crap is real and how much of it is entertainment.
posted on July 10, 2003 07:27:41 PM new
The fact that he hosted an unpopular TV show is no reason to think that he does not have the credentials to become a senator. He hasn't adopted the life styles of his talk show guests. I haven't heard that he treated the show guests rudely. They volunteered to appear on his show and were paid for that appearance. So what's the big deal?
How is Arnold Schwarzenegger, for example, different?
posted on July 10, 2003 07:50:47 PM new "Back on track, if you really watch him throughout the show he does egg people on and then he does his monologue telling people it's okay to be different, love one another, yadda, yadda. Don't you think he's sending a mixed message? I don't think much of his guests either and wonder how much of this crap is real and how much of it is entertainment."
It IS OK to be different and love one another. Why do you think that is a mixed message? Maybe you have some prejudice toward his guests.
posted on July 10, 2003 07:54:31 PM new
I agree with Helen and davebraun. I think he's a no-nonsense guy. So what if he has lesbians, cheating couples and all that, on his show? Some people are like that. They're no more lower in life than anyone else.
Cheryl, I think the mixed message might be within yourself, thinking there's a right and wrong way to be.
I hardly have prejudice toward his guests. Someone I am very close to is a cross-dresser. I am friends with someone considering a sex change and my brother was gay. During the show he seems to promote the ugliness that goes on during the show. It's almost like he wants more of it. And then in his closing dialogue, he changes his tune altogether. It almost seems like the first part of the show is who is really is and the last part is how he wants us to see him. JMO. So, which is the real Jerry? The one who seems to condone the the fighting, the nasty comments from the audience and the off-color topics or the one who condemns it all in the end? That's the mixed message.
He may very well be an intelligent man. But, there has to be another way to make a buck besides making a public specticle of himself and his guests. I only wonder how he will act in the Senate? Geeze, they act goofy enough sometimes without someone there to egg them on. When people see you in one way, it's hard to make them see you in another way. Like the Right wingers here see the current administration. No matter what you say or what you do, they only see what they want to see. If that makes any sense at all.
Edited to add: The show is still on the air here. Is it not elsewhere??? You used the word "hosted", past tense.
Cheryl
[ edited by CBlev65252 on Jul 10, 2003 08:08 PM ]
Well, I think we should give him a break. All entertainers make public spectacles of themselves. I wonder how Schwarzenegger will shed his high-minded "Hulk" image -- guess he will have to leave his cool black leather at home. LOL
posted on July 10, 2003 09:11:44 PM new
He is still on the air. I think his show is still in production but could be wrong they may be reruns. I've watched on occasion but am not a regular viewer.
I do not see the guests on his show as representitive of any group or as freaks of nature. They are themselves and nothing more. The show is offered as entertainment, not as a role model for any lifestyle. He is doing a job and does it well.
posted on July 10, 2003 11:25:13 PM new
Jerry Jerry Jerry Jerry.
Woo Woo Woo Woo
Who’s your daddy????
This is one cultural export to Australia that gives great insight into how our f’d societies can breed some interesting things.
Isn’t it a documentary show??
One may well ask, ‘Is our children lern’in’
Sure they are, it’s on free to air daytime TV, just before Judge Judy.
posted on July 11, 2003 05:43:15 AM new
What's wrong ebayauctionguy. Did Jerry make you look like an idiot on one of his shows? Is that why you have such hostility towards him. You should have known it was coming especially with the show title of "Nazi Cross-Dressers for Bush & Cheney and World Domination"
It's a sad, but true fact that everyone has at one time in their lives (more than once I venture to guess) judged a book by its cover. That includes everyone on this board. It's the bad side of human nature. Jerry Springer himself should know that and IMO he should have lightened up his shows like he said he was going to. People will remember that one instance where he didn't do what he said he would. Like me, I suppose and am sad to say. Sure, these people who went on his show have gotten exactly what they asked for: a minute of fame at whatever cost to their dignity. What I remember is that Jerry Springer encouraged that and seemed to be delighted in it. I'm just one of those that doesn't think it right to cash in on human misery and oddities. Just how much money did those guests get to humiliate themselves? Not enough in my book when compared to what Jerry himself must have gotten. And I also have to wonder if these people needed money that badly. If so, Jerry was wrong to exploit them.
Told you. Most Democrats I like and have faith in and there are some I just don't. Being a member of a particular party or thinking the way a particular party thinks does not necessarily a good person make.
Cheryl
[ edited by CBlev65252 on Jul 11, 2003 06:21 AM ]
Jerry: We'll be right back with a final thought! Stay with us!
[Commercial break for debt-consolidation loans, ITT Technical Institute, and Psychic Alliance Hotline.]
Jerry: Hi! Welcome back. I just want to thank all our guests for
being here, and say that I hope you're able to work through your
differences and find happiness, if indeed happiness can be
extracted from the dismal miasma of warring primal hormonal
impulses we call human relationships. [Turns to the camera]
Well, we all think philosophy is just fun and games. Semiotics,
deconstruction, Lacanian post-Freudian psychoanalysis, it all
seems like good, clean fun. But when the heart gets involved, all
our painfully acquired metaphysical insights go right out the
window, and we're reduced to battling it out like rutting
chimpanzees. It's not pretty. If you're in a relationship, and
differences over the fundamental principles of your respective
subjectivities are making things difficult, maybe it's time to move
on.
Find someone new, someone who will accept you and the way
your laughably limited human intelligence chooses to codify and
rationalize the chaos of existence. After all, in the absence of a
clear, unquestionable revelation from God, that's all we're all doing
anyway. So remember: take care of yourselves -- and each other.
Announcer: Be sure to tune in next time, when KKK strippers
battle it out with transvestite omnisexual porn stars! Tomorrow on
Springer!
posted on July 11, 2003 09:51:07 AM new
I don't know how many of you are aware of this this but a quite a few of Jerry's guests are in reality actors. I think most people view the show as a parody of society. It's ridiculous, it's outlandish, it's laughable bad and yet at the same time it ahines a spot light on some of the biggest ails of society. You don't see bigots coming across as loveable and logical and at the end of the day Jerry commentaries always come back to one basic theme -repect of youself and fellow man and tolerence of the differences in others.
Personally I don't watch the show, I've seen it on occasion and I consider it to be more a matter of slapstick than talk but Springer himelf when not on the show has always come across as an intelligent, articulate annd logical individual. If he was running in California I would be more than willing to sit down and listen to what he was advocating and how he planned to implement his changes.
~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
- Thomas Edison
posted on July 11, 2003 10:20:42 AM new
Actors? No, I wasn't aware of that. They are pretty good at it then. I guess that puts things in a bit of a different light. I'm still not convinced I'd want him as a senator in Ohio. However, I do owe him the courtesy of at least listening to what he has to say. Fair is fair. Right? You all make good arguments.
posted on July 11, 2003 12:41:47 PM new
Maybe he will always be defined, not by his intelligence, experience and character but by the guests on his show.
posted on July 11, 2003 12:55:26 PM new
Thanks, kraftdinner.
Helen, I think you may be right. I am going to listen closely to what he has to say and am going to try to do it with an open mind even though it may be difficult at first. Like mom always used to say, "People judge you by the company you keep." Boy, was she ever right.
posted on July 11, 2003 12:59:58 PM new
Ditto Krafty
~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
- Thomas Edison
