Liberal talk show host defends Sarah Palin

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Jerry Springer wasn't always a "reality" talk show host. He has a law degree from Northwestern University and was one of Robert F. Kennedy's campaign aides. After an unsuccessful Congressional run in 1970, Springer was elected to the Cincinnati city council the following year. In 1977, he was chosen to serve one year as mayor by the City Council. So he knows a few things about politics. When asked about Sarah Palin in a recent interview, the politically liberal Springer was exceedingly gracious:

So I wanted to chat about someone you have a little in common with: Sarah Palin. She's also a former lawmaker who pivoted to television. Could she hack it with her own talk show?

Well, she's incredibly charismatic. Her politics are different than mine. But I don't belittle her. She represents a significant segment of America. It might not be the majority, but certainly a significant segment of America that lives her lifestyle and believes as she does. And therefore, I can disagree with her without making fun of her. And for those of us who are more liberal, we step on dangerous ground when we try to belittle her, or belittle her fundamentalism, or religion or stuff like that, saying you know she is backwoods or stuff like that. That is how liberals come across as elitists or snobs.

Palin is viewed as a woman of the people; easy to relate to.

She's obviously got something going. Just look at the reaction! It wasn't just her 15 minutes of fame. It's lasted. She touches a nerve for people who resent being looked down upon. And there is a significant segment of America that feels it is being looked down upon. I think that's dangerous. It's where people who are liberal can get into trouble. So, I respect her. I disagree with her. But I have nothing bad to say about her. And I am sure anything she does in the media will be successful. She's got that "whatever that is" that makes you pay attention.

As a keen observer of the media and politics, does it seem she's gearing up for a 2012 run?

I think it would be naive to believe she wasn't thinking about running for president. She'll read the tea leaves and figure it out and figure whether she can win the GOP nomination. Winning the general will be tougher. But you know, who knows? Ten years ago, who would have said that we would have an African American in the White House? World events happen, things come to pass. Is it possible? Sure. Does she think about it? Of course she does. I can't imagine she doesn't.

The full interview is here.

- JP