Television personality Jerry Springer headlined an Ohio Democratic Party fundraiser in Toledo this week.
The Toledo Blade reported that Springer, who once endorsed an assessment of The Jerry Springer Show as "the worst show in television history," spoke to a crowd of about 50 people at a downtown restaurant about the importance of voting for Democratic candidates.
"These elections that are taking place in Toledo this year, they’re important. Why? We have to be organized and ready to elect a Democratic president," Springer told those who attended the fundraiser, which cost $25 per head for admission.
The television host has already thrown support behind Democratic candidate for Senate in Ohio Ted Strickland, donating $5,200 to his campaign in March. Springer favored Strickland over his liberal competition, P.G. Sittenfeld, the 31-year-old Cincinnati city councilman vying for the Democratic nomination in order to face off against incumbent Sen. Rob Portman (R., Ohio).
Springer, once the mayor of Cincinnati, slammed conservative policies and candidates, particularly taking aim at former fellow reality TV host Donald Trump.
"When government tightens its belt, when it cuts back, there’s not one wealthy person in America that has to cut back," Springer stated. "If you cut the federal budget, if you cut the state budget, you cut the local budget, no wealthy person has to close their country club."
"It’s not just saying rah, rah, I’m a Democrat. It’s because we are the only force left to make sure people in this country have a chance of making it," he added.
Springer personally apologized for the TV program he hosts at the fundraiser, which featured appearances by some state and local officials.
"Let me apologize for the show, I apologize," Springer joked. "I’ve ruined the culture."
Springer has previously characterized the show as "stupid," endorsing TV Guide’s decision to name it the worst show in television history in a 2002 op-ed for the National Enquirer.
"We’re not out there touting it as having redeeming social value. It’s silly TV. I don’t watch it. I have to live it once already when we’re taping each show. Asking me to watch it when I get home would be unfair. After all, I’ve got some taste!" Springer wrote.
"I'm hired to host a show about outrageous people—moms who steal their daughters’ boyfriends, moms who want their daughters to be hookers, cheating husbands. It’s not always pretty!"
"Many of the people on our show are from what used to be called the other side of the tracks. They’re not all beautiful and thin and moneyed. But they’re people!" Springer wrote.
Springer also identifies himself as a "Hillary fan," endorsing the Democratic candidate for president in 2016 shortly after Hillary Clinton formally announced her campaign.