Howard Stern Criticizes Bush

March 17 -- Howard Stern is swapping his trademark trash talk for politics as the syndicated radio talk-show host becomes one of the Bush administration's most influential critics.

"If you're listening to me now, the one thing I ask you to do is vote against Bush. Vote for Kerry," Stern said during a recent broadcast of his morning show.

Stern is now railing against the president on a daily basis to a massive audience. He has the third-largest morning show in the country and is urging his 8.5 million listeners to drive the Republicans from office.

"Howard Stern is going to prove to be George Bush's worst political nightmare if he continues in this vein," said Michael Harrison, publisher of Talkers magazine.

And he's had success in the past. Stern takes credit for having helped his candidates win tight elections, including two Republicans, New York Gov. George Pataki and former New Jersey Gov. Christie Todd Whitman.

The stakes are even higher this time.

Among the issues Stern has attacked in the presidential race: Bush's use of 9/11 images in his ad campaign, Bush's National Guard service, and the president's stance on abortion and gay rights.

Stern Also Under Fire

The constant Bush bashing comes at a time when the polls have the president's approval ratings falling to new lows. Specifically, support among male voters — Howard Stern's core audience — is reportedly down significantly.

But Stern's critics say his motivation for the campaigning is actually to save his own career.

The shock jock previously supported the president and is now promoting the Democrats just as the FCC is launching a major crackdown on decency on the airwaves.

Stern's continual attacks on Bush began two weeks ago — soon after Stern's show was punished for his alleged lewd remarks. The FCC slapped a hefty fine on Clear Channel Communications, which then pulled the shock jock from the six stations carrying the program.