Could Jerry Springer’s Next Television Gig Be For C-SPAN?

Image by Getty Images

By Becky Scott May 30, 2017

In perhaps the most fitting turn of events since Americans voted a reality television star into our top office, some Ohio Democrats are pushing for Jerry Springer, 73, to run for governor of the state in 2018.

There’s no time like the present for Springer to bid for public office. After all, he’s an expert in the art of conflict resolution and knows how to conduct himself in a room full of violent politicians — the direction our government is quickly taking.

And it wouldn’t be the first time Springer has gunned for an official position. He resigned from Cincinnati City Council in 1974 after it was discovered that he paid for a prostitute with a check. Springer apologized for his indiscretion but it was unclear whether he was apologizing for purchasing the services of a prostitute or for not using cash.

Either way, it would be hard work for an opponent to smear Springer’s character. Unlike traditional politicians, all of the reprehensible and/or amazing traits of reality stars are broadcast for all to see. As far as Springer is concerned, he’s been a celebrity for decades now, subject as the rest of them to the volatile whims of TMZ. There’s likely not much dirt left to dig up.

Could Springer be the Democratic response to the Republican party’s Donald Trump? He seems to think so. In an interview with The Cincinnati Enquirer, Springer referred to himself as a “populist, liberal progressive” who could be “Trump without the racism.”

Springer hasn’t confirmed that he’ll be seeking the position but stay tuned to America: The Reality Show to find out whether the next crowd chanting “JER-RY! JER-RY!” will be a group of Americans exercising their democratic right.

Becky Scott is the editor of The Schmooze. Follow her on Twitter at @arr_scott

The Forward is free to read, but it isn’t free to produce

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward.

Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda.

At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.

Readers like you make it all possible. We’re near the end of our Passover Fundraising Drive, and we have a very ambitious goal of $127,000 by April 21.

This is a great time to support independent Jewish journalism you rely on. Make a Passover gift today!

— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO