Posted 12:17 PM by Eric

The Quintessential Democrat

May 15, 2004 | 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.

"We welcome all delegates," said Jennifer Palmieri, Ohio spokeswoman for the Kerry campaign.

State Republicans said Democrats sank low by naming Springer as a delegate.

"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.

Springer, 60, spent about $1 million last year exploring whether to run for the Senate before deciding not to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. George Voinovich. He said he realized he couldn't be elected as long as he continued to host his syndicated talk show.

Springer is considering running in 2006 for either Ohio governor or for the state's other Senate seat.

There's a reason that, other than Clinton and some judicial candidates, Ohio hasn't voted statewide for a Democrat since 1992. The party is in complete disarray and stands, like the national party, for nothing beyond establishing power for itself. Since it has no power as it stands, its in a vicious circle of sorts. Quite frankly, unless the Democrats dump Kerry, I think Bush is a lock to carry Ohio.

They did get one thing right. On his TV show, Jerry Springer is indeed the quintessential Democrat. He exudes phony concerns, offers nothing more than feigned sympathy and hoary platitudes, and generally makes things worse whenever he opens his mouth.

Eventually things get out of hand, and Steve Wilkos steps in. Steve has little to say, but when he talks it makes sense. He's the one that gets called on to restore order, and does it quickly and efficiently. He's an ex-marine and an ex(?)-cop. Most guys with that background vote Republican, except perhaps in Chicago.

Springer's the perfect symbol of the Democratic Party. Wilkos symbolizes the Republicans.

By the way, yes, I know the show is staged. It's a parody of the other shows. That's what makes it watchable sometimes (like in a bar, drinking with others and making fun of it...LOL)

-Eric