S2 Ep33: That's So Cincinnati: Jerry Springer sounds off on Donald Trump and networks for airing president's daily pressers

Jerry Springer knows television and politics — and the proud liberal can't stand Donald Trump.

So how do you get "Judge Jerry" fired up? 

Ask Springer whether the networks should be airing Trump's daily coronavirus press conferences.

"There is no excuse now that we know what they're like for just turning on the cameras," Springer told The Enquirer's That's So Cincinnati podcast. "The reporters should be there, and then write their reports or report it on the news that night. But to just turn the cameras on Trump for an hour and a half. that's not journalism. That's technology. I blame the journalists for this now. I could see the first couple of days – or maybe even weeks – doing it." 

Springer, the former Cincinnati mayor and one-time Channel 5 anchor, continued: "But now that we see what the routine is – that Trump gets up there and spews his stuff and then finally the doctors get up there and basically refute what he's saying – the public is not being helped."

Stuck at home in Sarasota, Florida, Springer is waiting to return to the NBCUniversal studios in Connecticut to record more episodes of "Judge Jerry," a syndicated, reality court show that debuted last fall. 

Springer, 76, also continues to record his weekly Jerry Springer Podcast with Greater Cincinnatians Jene Galvin and Maria Carelli via conference call. Once life gets back to normal, Springer plans to resume his weekly trips into Cincinnati to record the podcast.

In a wide-ranging interview on That's So Cincinnati, Springer didn't mince words in criticizing Trump and Trump supporters. Springer also discussed: 

About flirting with running for Ohio governor in 2018

In 2017, Springer told The Enquirer "I could be Trump without the racism" amid rumors swirling about him running for governor. He opened up more about considering that race.

"I was pretty close (to running), because there were people in the party who were very supportive," Springer said. "I hadn't thought about it in years, and all of a sudden, they send me a poll. I could see why I was in the discussion, simply because I'm well known."

He added: "It wasn't that easy a decision. I'm pretty glib about it now. I had to think: Do I really have the energy? The adrenaline can keep going when you're in a race. But then what if I had won? And now at this age, when I take naps in the afternoon ... I have to be honest: I think I would have the energy, but I don't know that for sure." 

Tale of two Republican governors

Ohio's Mike DeWine has been lauded worldwide for his proactive and cautious approach to handling the coronavirus. On the other hand, few governors have been more criticized than Florida's Ron DeSantis, who was reluctant to shutdown beaches and was late to issue stay-at-home orders. 

Springer offered his assessment of the governors in his former state and current state.

On DeWine: "I may disagree with a lot of his politics, but he's not a crazy person. He's a bright person and he's responding to what is obvious: If we don't have social distancing. If we don't do what the doctors and the scientists are telling us, this thing is going to come back again and destroy the economy for another five years. Yeah, he's Republican but he's a common sense kind of person. He's going to get a lot of credit and frankly he deserves."

On DeSantis: "Well, you know, he's horrible. He was going to be Trump's boy. Those were his (campaign) commercials. He was going to do whatever Trump said. So what he's doing is not surprising and it's dangerous." 

Still loves Cincinnati politics

Springer has long maintained relationships with a handful of Cincinnati Democrats, including City Councilman David Mann and former local party Chairman Tim Burke. Springer and Mann served on City Council in the 1970s. In recent months, Mann has been considering a run for mayor in 2021 and he reached out to Springer for advice. 

"I would support David Mann for whatever he ran for because there's no conceivable way David Mann would make an irrational decision," Springer said. "He is like if you ran to your father for advice. Add to his demeanor and his rationality, his intelligence and knowledge and, you know, that's pretty tough to beat.

"My text (to Mann) was, I think I said: "Hell yes!"