Ohio Democrats Pick Jerry Springer as Delegate for Convention

[CShine]

CINCINNATI (AP) - Ohio Democrats have chosen talk-show host Jerry Springer to be an at-large delegate for the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

"He's made 50 appearances at Democratic events this year. He's been an outspoken advocate for the party," said Dan Trevas, spokesman for the Ohio Democratic Party.

Springer, who was the mayor of Cincinnati before hosting the raunchy "The Jerry Springer Show," was named Democrat of the Year by the state party last weekend. He was named Friday as one of 159 delegates and 24 alternates from Ohio at the convention July 26-29, when Sen. John Kerry is expected to be nominated as the party's candidate for president.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAD2GTEAUD.html

[AspenRose]

1. Not from The Onion, huh?

wow

[Maddy McCall]

2. I hate Jerry Springer...

...his show does NOT reflect Democratic ideals. He makes a living off of ridiculing the poor, the working class, and minorities.

(And this does NOT help our party in the court of public opinion.)

Fuck Jerry Springer.

[demdave]

9. I agree with most of your post, except the first and last line.

I do not hate Jerry Springer. I simply think, with all the decent Dems that go out of their ways to help people and better this world, it is a shame we must put people like Springer and Flynt out in the public eye with our parties name on them.

[Guaranteed]

38. Do you know anything more than that about him?

He's been a very loyal, intelligent, and courageous advocate for the Democratic Party. He's not afraid to tell the truth.

[Tight_rope]

43. Couldn't put it any better! n/t

[BattyDem]

3. I'm glad about this

I know the talk show is a circus, but have you ever heard Jerry speak about politics and the issues? He's a very intelligent guy. It's a shame that no one takes him seriously because of the "Jer-ry! Jer-ry!" stuff, because he really does have a lot to say. I know he's thinking about running for the Senate at some point - if I lived in Ohio, I'd vote for him. :)

[madrchsod]

7. i agree he really is good at

getting the democratic message out. one thing about jerry he knows and understands the down and outs of this country..we need more people like jerry who has nothing to lose ,so they too can really speak about what is wrong with this country..

[Toucano]

14. "It's a shame that no one takes him seriously..."

It isn't a shame.

It wasn't something he was forced to do at gun point.

It wasn't like becoming a whore was his only way to feed his family.

It was his own choice to exploit people. He agree that he has a good message, but a candidate is much more than his or her message. A candidate is the sum of the live he or she has lived.

Jerry Springer put his name on something wretched. He could have done something to uplift people, but he chose to exploit and degrade them.

He gets no sympathy from me.

[Spinzonner]

15. Dont you think those people are 'exploiting' themselves

and enjoying doing it ?

It's not as though they go on the show not knowing what goes on there.

[Toucano]

24. Oh, yes. Those people have negotiated

a syndicated distribution deal with television stations to exploit themselves. :crazy:

By that thinking, the young girls in China who sew the clothing for Wal-Mart for $0.23 an hour are exploiting themselves. I mean, after all, they know what goes on in that sweatshop when they take the job!

The subjects of the program lack the ability to exploit themselves in the absence of Springer's well-financed "forum". The exploitation exists only because those with the money use their money to elicit behavior from those who don't have the money. The behavior is then filmed and sold to generate more money.

Springer's name is forever associated with the lowest common denominator, and it's of his own choosing. To focus on the behavior of the subjects misses the point. The point is they are there only because Springer and the people he has chosen to make money with have put them there.

This is the antithesis of what I, a liberal Democrat, stand for. My purpose and goals involve strengthening our society by strengthening the weakest among us. I seek to accomplish that by making sure people are fed, educated, and protected from abuse by those who are more powerful. Mr. Springer and his media friends look at the frailty of the human condition and see an opportunity to profit.

If Mr. Springer denounces his involvement in the program and seeks to compensate for his shameful contribution to the debasement of American society, I can gladly accept him. The last time I checked, however, the program was still in production and making more money by selling the tawdriest parts on pay-per-view and home video.

"if lust and hate is the candy
if blood and love tastes so sweet
then we give 'em what they want" - Natalie Merchant

[BattyDem]

16. You misunderstood what I meant ...

I don't feel sorry for him ... Jerry's a millionaire! Nor do I feel sorry for his talk show guests. They're not being exploited ... they knew what the show was when they agreed to do it. Jerry's not Oprah ... he's not a talk show host, he's a ringmaster!

What I meant was it's a shame that someone who has a lot of good ideas and intelligent things to say will have enormous difficulty getting his message out because of who he is - he'll never shake the talk show image. I've heard him speak several times about the issues ... he's an intelligent, compassionate guy. Honestly, it surprised me. The man genuinely cares about people, so no matter what I think of his talk show, I still think it's a shame that someone who cares will probably never be taken seriously enough to make a difference. JMHO

[Toucano]

25. You're right.

shame (n)
1 a : a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety.

[BattyDem]

28. Is this a joke?

You're posting the definition of a word to prove what? Why are you so hung up on this? :shrug: I guess I should be insulted, but I think it's funny as hell!

Just one thing, if you're going to post a definition of a word, you should post all the definitions of that word, because the meaning of a word is dependent upon the context in which it is used a sentence.

As you'll see below, my comment, "It's a shame that no one takes him seriously ..." uses the word shame in such a way that the fourth definition is the applicable one.

shame (n)
1a. A painful emotion caused by a strong sense of guilt, embarrassment, unworthiness, or disgrace.
1b. Capacity for such a feeling: Have you no shame?
2. One that brings dishonor, disgrace, or condemnation.
3. A condition of disgrace or dishonor; ignominy.
4. A great disappointment.
Source: The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.


I hope I've cleared this up for everyone. I promise ... in the future, I will try to choose words that are less ambiguous. Next week, we'll discuss verb conjugation. ;)

Edited for clarity. Ironic, huh? :evilgrin:

[Toucano]

29. No insult intended.

You're perfectly welcome to be disappointed by the disgrace that is Jerry Springer. :)

[BattyDem]

31. LOL!

I'll drink to that. :toast:

I don't want to make a DU enemy because of Springer ... it's definitely not worth it.

[Toucano]

37. You wouldn't make an enemy of me

just by having a different view or opinion.:)

:hi:

Cheers!

[Longhorn79]

18. Yes, and he's a piece of human garbage

I don't care how intelligent someone is, (and I don't even think this guy is) if they use their intelligence to be such an influence of trash in this country, they should be spat on, not elected.

[Speed8098]

23. From a former Cincinattian

You have no idea what you are talking about.

The Jerry Springer show is about 1 thing....ENTERTAINMENT.

Jerry himself is a very intelligent and compassionate human being.
I watched as Jerry became a street person for a period of time, to try to understand and broadcast about the problems of the homeless.

He has made a few mistakes along the way, but I would welcome someone like him in the Senate.

He's real, he knows his shrtcomings, and isn't afraid to admit them.

He's well aware of the effect his show has had on his political aspirations. Either you like him or you don't, that's your perogative, but don't bad mouth the man just because you don't understand his motivation.

[Toucano]

26. "The Jerry Springer show is about 1 thing....ENTERTAINMENT."

So is bear baiting. So is cock fighting. That doesn't make it acceptable.

[Longhorn79]

32. Sorry, I don't vote for somebody who screws hookers

I lived in Dayton for several years and am quite familiar with how common the knowledge is that he is a pathetic immoral bastard.

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

44. He may screw hookers

But it's better than Bush screwing workers. Get your priorities straight, dude. I agree that he'll never be elected -- simply not possible given the overwhelmingly negative public image he has -- but he's a good guy and a great Democrat.

[madrchsod]

4. jerr-e ! jerr-e! jerr-e!

jerry is an excellent choice..i wish he was going as an illinoian

[TrueAmerican]

5. Jerry for V.P.

LOL

[BattyDem]

6. Kerry and Jerry!

:bounce:

[madrchsod]

8. steve as

sec of defense. ever see him in action???

[BattyDem]

17. LOL!

That might work! ;)

[lyrical di]

10. who should walk the talk

He may have a political resume, but his effect upon the children in my community is terrible. When we have trouble at school, it can often be linked to the kids being up late watching Springer. They think that is how society behaves, the topics that they should be worried about, and that it is okay to act out in public.
I hate that show because of what it has done to the kids.

We even use the term "Springered" when the kids and their parents have a riot at the bus stop on the way to school.

[KittyWampus]

11. Isn't The Problem Parents That Allow Their Kids To Stay Up Too Late

and also permit them to watch inappropriate shows?

[lyrical di]

30. big problem is parents

who don't know any better. When you get some of these parents who spend their money on tv sets and cell phones, are gone late everynight and never know when their kids go to bed, you can tell they aren't the best role models. With SPringer on tv as their role model, our society's lowest class just keeps sinking.

We teachers keep trying to get the kids to go to bed, to stop watching bad shows, to realize Springer's not accurate or the right way to do things. They really love the fighting, yelling, and chair throwing. They come to school and behave that way.
Is there any hope?

[skooooo]

12. lol..kind of funny...

...hope no one starts throwing chairs.

[Calm Like A Bomb]

13. Grand Ole Hypocrisy

From my blog:

Jerry Springer Named Democratic Delegate

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Ohio Democrats have chosen talk-show host Jerry Springer to be an at-large delegate for the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

"He's made 50 appearances at Democratic events this year. He's been an outspoken advocate for the party," said Dan Trevas, spokesman for the Ohio Democratic Party.

"They ought to be absolutely embarrassed and ashamed of this guy, but obviously standards take a back seat to power in the party of Bill Clinton," Ohio Republican chairman Robert T. Bennett said.

That's right, Bob. Standards are where it's at. So when you accepted at least $150,000 in illegal contributions from Larry Rogers (who got the money by defrauding the insurance company he founded), that was nothing to be ashamed of, right? And when you refused to return all of the money that wasn't at all embarrassing was it, Bob?

[playahata1]

20. Get over it already!

Don't these Repuke clowns realize that Clinton isn't the president anymore?

[steely]

19. What's this - Their answer to Ahhhnold?

eom

[newyawker99]

34. Hi steely!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Radical Activist]

21. Jerry has a great message

Springer's message of economic populism and empowerment for working people is exactly what the Democratic party needs. If more Democrats had the guts to deliver the same message that Springer does then the Midwest would be solidly Democratic. He's a very intelligent speaker and knows 100 times more about how to attract swing voters and win elections than anyone in the DLC. If it weren't for all the baggage from his show he would be an excellant candidate. He knows exactly what message and strategy would win in Ohio (and many other states) which many of the party establishment in DC and the east coast seem clueless about.
I never had a high opion of Springer but he was very good at changing my opinion about him when I heard him speak a few times.

[President Jesus]

22. Springer's campaign donations in detail

http://www.newsmeat.com/fec/bystate_detail.php?city=Chicago&st=IL&last=Springer&zip=60611

[Tatiana]

27. At least he doesn't give his money to Republicans.

Boy, we midwesterners really need to get on over there in Ohio and help those Dems out. Jerry Springer??? Is that the best they could come up with.

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

45. You don't know the half of it

Springer is a human cash register for Ohio Democrats. In addition to giving thousands to campaigns and county parties, Springer has been generous with his time by attending local fund-raisers -- his appearance all but assures a hefty box office.

My educated guess is that Springer has with donated or helped raise a half million dollars for Democrats in Ohio during the past two years.

[Philostopher]

33. Delegate? Cool.

Let him work for Dems. Let him speak eloquently -- and he definitely can -- for Dems. I know damned well he'll vote for them -- he's a Dem himself. He shitcanned his reputation and wasted fifteen years whoring himself for money, but I'm damned if I'd discourage him from donating it to Dems in Ohio -- the poor bastards need all the help they can get.

Run for office? I'd rather he didn't. But help? Yeah, I won't discourage him for one second. His money's as green as anybody else's, and if he can draw attention to the races in Ohio -- I'd be the last one to turn my nose up. His name draws attention, and makes people think about politics. If he wakes up a thousand people who might vote for Democratic candidates in Ohio, and who might not have done so if he didn't, who could discourage him? We're in bad shape here, our governor's a Republican, the Ohio Senate and House are almost two-to-one Republican, both our senators are Republicans and our congressional representatives are overwhelmingly Republican. To discourage anybody who can accomplish anything positive for Democratic races in Ohio would be shooting ourselves in the foot. Let him work -- he's effective at drawing attention. Again, Ohio Democrats running for office need all the help they can get.

[banana republican]

35. Do you think he will interview a few torturee's

[Piperay]

36. Yuck

:puke: let's hope he doesn't get the other delegates brawling and having a 'smack-down' with each other the way guests on his show do.x(

[Guaranteed]

39. Look into the man's history before you judge him.

You'll be surprised. Count on it.

[Freddie Stubbs]

40. Certainly an interesting history

The spiciest episode of his political career came when he paid a prostitute with a check while on the council.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2003-08-06-jerry-springer_x.htm

Why do the smart one always do such stupid thing?

[AspenRose]

41. I read somewhere that his parents were holocaust survivors

and he was born in London. Anyone have info on that?

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

46. Somewhat correct...

I believe that Jerry's family fled Germany before the rise of Hitler and Jerry was born in London. He was five or six years old when his family came to America (after World War II). When Jerry tells the story about coming out on the deck of the ocean liner as it draws close to New York Harber and seeing the Statue of Liberty, there's rarely a dry eye in the house.

[MsUnderstood]

42. Saw Jerry 2 days ago in Interview

I Saw Jerry 2 days ago in an interview (I don't know which crackpot right wing puppet show it was) and he was discussing the statements made against him.

He basically said "I know my show is stupid, I've said that all along. . ." and pointed out that he has always been a politician first, entertainer second.

Funny enough, most non politicals don't even understand what a delgate is so making a big deal out of this is really absurd--maybe the media should spend time providing educaiton about what a delegate is, how you get chosen, etc instead of focusing on Jerry's selection.