Jerry Springer poked fun at his own show during a Kennedy Political Union-sponsored event last night at the University Club in Mary Graydon Center.
"First, I'm sorry for the show," he said. "I can't explain it. I really can't justify the show."
The event began with a performance by Mission: Improvable, AU's student-run improvisation group. After the skit, Grant Helms, a member of Mission: Improvable and a senior in the School of Public Affairs, joined Springer for two hours of questions and answers.
In between Springer and Goodrich's conversation video clips spanning the 17 years of "The Jerry Springer Show" played in the background, highlighting the most outlandish episodes - from a man making out with a horse to little people wallowing in birthday cake.
Springer took a few moments after the video clips to comment on societal problems, claiming that his show normalized once-taboo subjects.
"The show has opened society's eyes to things we've shunned in the past," he said. "Before my show, people were offended by things that made them uncomfortable, but now, nothing is surprising."
Jana Warner, a sophomore in the Kogod School of Business, said Jerry's serious commentary was insightful and tasteful.
"He really brought culture and society into his show, and I thought it was thoughtful," she said. "He really brought it together well."
Springer also took the time to expose the mainstream media's hypocrisies, citing the acceptance of celebrity problems but the rejection of problems from lower-income people.
"American television is full of upper-middle class white Americans," Springer said. "Television ought to really represent America."
Brian Goodrich, a freshman in SPA, said he came to the event because of Springer's legendary appeal and television stardom.
"Jerry's a legend," Goodrich said. "He's done things nobody else in television history has ever attempted - he's got a lot of nerve."
Shayna Cohen, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences, said she was impressed with Springer's performance.
"I didn't expect him to be as powerful as he was," Cohen said. "He's actually extremely eloquent and intelligent."
Springer dedicated the last 15 minutes of the event to talk about issues that he felt passionately about, including the Iraq war, national defense and health care.
"Why are we spending trillions on national defense when over 90 percent of us will die from accidents or disease?" Springer said.
