Jerry Springer, the charismatic television host, passed away this week at 79.
While best known for his long-running talk show, Springer began his political career in the late 20th century. His political journey started with a role in Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign and later saw him serving as the Mayor of Cincinnati. As we remember the life and career of Jerry Springer, let's delve into his foray into politics.
Born in London in 1944, Gerald Norman Springer was the son of German-Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany. His family immigrated to New York City when he was five. Springer's early fascination with politics began when, at 12 years old, he watched the 1956 Democratic National Convention on television and was captivated by then-Senator John F. Kennedy.
Springer graduated from Tulane University with a degree in political science in 1965 before pursuing a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in 1968. After completing his education, the 25-year-old Springer joined Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign. Tragically, Kennedy was assassinated in June 1968, prompting Springer to take a brief hiatus from politics.
In 1970, Springer decided to run for the House of Representatives as a Democrat in Ohio. Shortly after announcing his candidacy, he was called to serve in the military at Fort Knox. Upon his discharge four months later, Springer resumed his campaign but ultimately lost to incumbent Rep. Donald Clancy, securing 44% of the vote.
Undeterred, Springer ran for a Cincinnati city council seat the following year and won. He later became the vice mayor, but a scandal in 1974 forced him to resign. Springer admitted soliciting a prostitute, and his honesty resonated with the public. He was re-elected to the city council seat in 1975 and, in 1977, was chosen by council members to serve a one-year term as the Mayor of Cincinnati.
During his tenure as mayor, Springer introduced a bill that sought to abolish the drafting of residents for the Vietnam War. Although it would have been a symbolic victory, it illustrated the priorities of the newly-elected mayor. Springer also attempted to devolve power to Cincinnati's neighborhoods by dividing the city into districts that would each elect their representative. However, this policy did not gain traction.
After his mayoral term, Springer pursued the governorship of Ohio as a Democratic candidate in 1982 but was unsuccessful. Having experienced political setbacks, Springer decided to explore new opportunities and retrained as a journalist. He soon began working as a political reporter and commentator for WLWT, NBC's affiliate in Cincinnati. As the primary news anchor and managing editor, Springer's engaging speaking abilities earned him ten local Emmy awards for his work with WEBN-FM.
In 1991, Multimedia Entertainment launched The Jerry Springer Show, which initially began as a news segment but eventually evolved into a talk show covering various aspects of American life. The show produced more than 4,000 episodes, with some controversial titles like "Stripper Sex Turned Me Straight," "Stop Pimpin' My Twin Sister," "Hooking Up With My Therapist," and "I Married a Horse."
In a "Too Hot For TV" video released in the late 1990s, Springer defended his show against criticism, stating, "Look, television does not and must not create values... It's merely a picture of all that's out there - the good, the bad, the ugly. Believe this: The politicians and companies that seek to control what each of us may watch are a far greater danger to America and our treasured freedom than any of our guests ever were or could be."
Reflecting on his career in 2011, Springer told the Cincinnati Enquirer, "With all the joking I do with the show, I'm fully aware and thank God every day that my life has taken this incredible turn because of this silly show."
From his humble beginnings as the son of German-Jewish refugees to his time as a politician, journalist, and eventually, a television host, Jerry Springer's life was a testament to perseverance and adaptability. His political career showcased his dedication to public service and his ability to connect with people on a personal level. While his time in politics may have been relatively short-lived, it provided a strong foundation for his later success in television.
As a television host, Springer became a household name, and his talk show became a cultural phenomenon defining American television's era. Despite the controversy surrounding the content of his presentation, Springer's charisma and authenticity endeared him to millions of viewers.
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