» How did the show begin? “I was drinking.”

» “I’ve never told people, ‘You should watch the show,’ because what would you get out of it?”

» “You never want to be on my show.”

Nevertheless, he told Yeas & Nays in an interview that it has provided “a window on the edges” of culture. “Either the topics or the people are outrageous,” he said. These people had always existed, but they had “never been seen before.”

Springer also gave the crowd some insight into the inner workings of the show. For instance, before a taping, guests get a list of 21 possible surprises they could face, and sign it in front of a lawyer, so as to minimize liability.

As for the fights on the show, he said, “I stay away from the fighting because I’m a chicken. I also wear rented suits.”

Springer’s appearance happened to coincide with the “Dancing with the Stars” tour at Verizon Center, followed by a party at IndeBleu, where champion dancer Karina Smirnoff and Snow Urbin from “So You Think You Can Dance?” judged a dance-off for the “Late Nite with Erik Haase” show on The CW channel 50.

Springer regrettably had to travel to Baltimore immediately after his AU appearance and couldn’t partake. Besides, he told us, “I’ve kind of hung up my shoes.”

Springer has long been a fan of Dennis Kucinich (both were young mayors of major cities in Ohio) but lately he’s been beating the drum for Hillary Clinton.

He was quick to add, however, that he doesn’t “have a bad word to say about Obama.”

“I’ve been uncomfortable with the last three choices we’ve had,” in presidential elections, he said, adding that this year “is an embarrassment of riches” in comparison.

“Clearly [John] McCain is the best the Republicans have to offer,” he said. “I just prefer the policies of a Hillary or an Obama. These next eight years have to be better than the last eight.”

Karina Smirnoff, “Late Nite with Erik Haase” producer Eric Seltzer and Snow Urbin.
Photo: Bryan Davis