Spitzer and Springer

The current saga of Eliot Spitzer's fall from grace has been reminding me of another politician who found himself is a very similar situation: Jerry Springer. This is one of the more memorable episodes of This American Life that I've heard:

Episode 258 - Leaving the Fold

The first act tells the unlikely story of Jerry Springer's career as a much-beloved politician in Cincinnati, many years before he achieved his current infamy as a talk-show host.

Tags: , ,

Posted on Mar. 14th, 2008 at 03:16 pm | | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend

Comments


[info]jlindquist

Once again, nobody ever learns. Springer got busted for writing a check, Spitzer for wiring cash around.

So when does Spitzer get his talk show? And what will his audience's signature misbehavior be?
Posted on Mar. 15th, 2008 12:22 am (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

[info]reskusic

The difference being, Springer came out of the other side of it and won the voters back.
Posted on Mar. 15th, 2008 12:31 am (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]juniperesque

It's easy in politics (and entertainment) to gain and lose respect.

Likability, on the other hand, is something you have or you don't. People have always respected Spitzer up until now, but few on the street would want to grab a beer with him. Springer on the other hand is a very likable guy.

This is, incidentally, why Guiliani started strong and tanked as soon as he started campaigning. People realized that they didn't like him.
Posted on Mar. 15th, 2008 01:38 am (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

(Anonymous)

Springer

I was inspired by the story. I had heard it before. But, I enjoyed it quite a bit.

John
Posted on May. 8th, 2008 01:36 pm (UTC) | | Thread | Reply