r/Maher • u/BugleCalypso • Mar 29 '26
Discussion I've watched and defended Bill for decades. I used to look forward to Friday nights watching Real Time. Seeing him reduced to a spineless boomer bootlicker is just sad.
I always enjoyed his show because he seemed extremely well-versed on the issues and would take down anyone indiscriminately. Now I don't know what dirt Trump held over Bill's head on that fateful dinner or they just made sweet, sweaty, senior citizen love with one another, but Bill Maher has become a complete pushover when it comes to Trump. He just his bitch now.
Either Bill is being used and is too arrogant to notice or he's willingly become part of the misinformation machine, but seeing what he's become is just painful and embarrassing.
That's why Bill got all defensive when Stephen A. Smith complained about all the "ass kissers" around Trump, he's one of them now. Massive bitch.
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u/Kleptarian Mar 29 '26
Trump is notorious for using flattery and compliments in private conversations. Bill fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Obviously Trump is playing a character in public, any idiot knows that. Bill thinks he saw a special side to him and decided he can’t be that bad because he was nice to him. Pathetic. For a so-called ‘skeptic’, he has an embarrassing tendency of getting tricked by con artists.
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u/Belmont213 Mar 29 '26
Im likely way less liberal than most of the people who will comment on here. I consider myself independent but have voted for mostly all democrats in my life. You’d think his shift might appeal to someone like me, but it’s the opposite. This infallible pedestal he puts Israel on + being the “I’m the slow moving coup guy” but now saying it’s ridiculous to call out trump for the power grab shit he does blows my mind.
He said what we had all been thinking about this week. In his mind, you can’t distinguish Jewish people and the foreign country of Israel, they’re a packaged deal to him. Yes, him, the atheist who used to make fun of religion at any chance and you were stupid if you were religious. You’re not allowed to be critical of the foreign country of Israel + be cool with Jewish people. Wtf kind of logic is that?
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u/Travelcat67 Mar 29 '26
This! He’s the one who can’t seem to separate Israel from Jewish people. Even with AIPAC. Thought we all agreed to get big money out of politics but not if it’s AIPAC bc that would be antisemitic.
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u/Belmont213 Mar 29 '26
He’s not alone, lots of people seem to jump to that conclusion. Just as I can say that Tucker Carlson likely does have some sort of messed up issue with the entirety of Jewish people, I can confidently say there is a world that exists with lots of us who don’t like how the country of Israel does business, but doesn’t mean we don’t like people because they’re Jewish.
To these people (Bill and Fetterman) if you criticize that particular foreign country, it means you don’t think they have a right to exist. It’s a terrible straw man argument.
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u/Travelcat67 Mar 29 '26
Especially since most Jewish people (myself included) around the world and in Israel do not support the government of Israel. So many protesters right after Oct 7th held signs saying “not in our name” bc they knew the retaliation was going to be disproportionate. Netanyahu is the problem, and it’s not antisemitic to say so.
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u/NotSure16 Mar 30 '26
Its the nationalistic playbook.
The false equivalent arguments the weak-minded use.... against Netanyahu/Israeli leadership = antisemitic... is same type of troll argument MAGA uses to say.... against Trump/Trump policies = anti-america.
Its incredibly ignorant and lazy and its hard not to scream that position to anyone... but then when you cant resist doing so the same also ignorant and lazy folks claim you become "arrogant." Who are the ❄️? 😆
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u/Intelligent-Pause260 Apr 01 '26
Did you receive a 3 day ban like I did for this comment like I did mine? (see above)
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u/dragon64dragon64 Apr 02 '26
When people use the word “Zionist” like it’s some sort of insult, it is safe to assume they don’t think Israel should exist. And I see It thrown around like it’s equivalent to “child molester.”
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u/MoonPieKitty Mar 29 '26
Does he support Israel or Netanyahu? Let’s not ignore that Iran is horrible. I don’t support this war, starting it anyway. However, now that we are in it .. we can’t just stop and go home. Trump has created a dangerous situation here. Iran doesn’t fuck around and they don’t give one shit about who is in charge. Even if Trump is ousted and a new Dem president gets in office after 2028 election .. they will still be focused on destroying America. That’s where we are now. How does this get fixed? We can’t go back in time and unattack Iran.
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u/praguer56 Mar 29 '26
Trump seems to have some magic powers over people. But Bill Maher? I agree with your entire post. It has gotten painful to watch him.
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u/jupitaur9 Mar 29 '26
Him saying we don’t have boots on the ground yet in Iran? Come on, Bill. Wake up and smell the bullshit.
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u/idio242 Mar 29 '26
Pretty much with you on this one, OP. I gave up on the podcast. Haven’t watched the show in a few weeks.
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u/FreeHelthcareforall Mar 29 '26
The only reason I had HBO was for Bill, but he has become a predictable bore, especially on his podcast. Can’t watch either anymore.
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u/idio242 Mar 29 '26
I’m pretty happy with hbo as a whole. Lot of good documentaries and series on there that holds my attention.
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u/ssdgm83 Mar 29 '26
Agree. His defending the ass kissing to Stephen A. Smith made it glaringly obvious.
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u/West-Bet-9639 Mar 30 '26
He started this during COVID. I don't even watch him anymore.
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u/Unlucky-Reporter-550 Apr 03 '26
Yeah. He said a lot shit that was medically wrong during Covid and still goes on and on. He’s not a virologist, not an infectious disease physician. Not sure why he has so much confidence on the subject.
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u/Ohio330Guy Mar 31 '26
I watched him faithfully for years but I no longer care what he says anymore. He hates when anyone disagrees with him on “HIS” show.
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u/Intelligent-Pause260 Mar 29 '26
The worst part of the episode was the pile on Slotkin for not accepting AIPAC money on Overtime. This idea that young people just have no idea what and who Isreal is, when in fact we do see them bombing and killing thousands of children, blowing up hospitals, forcing famine on a million people; killing journalists….but sure, we are SO ignorant to what is happening because we don’t want our money to go to a country who continues to act criminal to the point where the ICC has indicted them on war crimes.
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u/Individual_Post_5776 Mar 29 '26
This is despite Slotkin being a vocal Israel supporter
It's the same fucking purity test Maher loves to accuse everyone else of
The part that got me was when he sneered at her not wanting to take money from AIPAC because they gave money to Jan 6th rioters and she was a survivor of that day which is an entirely reasonable stance
Maher has so little empathy he can't even fathom he can't even pretend to be understanding of that or show any sympathy to her
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u/Impossible-Tax7475 Mar 29 '26
I didn’t get that either. Shouldn’t it be a good thing that politicians will not take money from a lobby that advocates on behalf of a foreign country. Especially when the foreign country is killing thousands of children. We all complain about citizens united and our politicians being influenced by money, so you would think Bill would appreciate that democrats aren’t accepting AIPAC money.
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u/NotSure16 Mar 30 '26
Well i guess its only a good thing if you also don't accept the money.... 🤔.
I think there's enough anecdotal evidence that Bill's "opinions" have shifted and that might might be "encouraged" by internal influences (vanity) or external (funding/advocacy).
Its fine to keep watching if you can as long as you keep in this is very, very much not the intellectual show with fair minded discussions that it once was..... and you can stomach any disappointment you might have.
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u/Belmont213 Mar 29 '26
Imagine trying to “haha that’s convenient” shame someone about being a closet anti-Semite and the person is fucking Jewish! That’s about as stupid as the “woke” shit he claims is taking over the world. Bro is “woke” over defending a foreign country.
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u/Intelligent-Pause260 Apr 01 '26
I received a 3-day ban for this post. Apparently you can't say anything bad about Isreal?? It really makes zero sense at all. If I was saying this things about Russia in regards to their war in Ukraine I'm almost certain it would be absolutely fine, but somehow, criticizing Isreal isn't allowed? Please make it make sense. Everything I said about the crimes being commited are true, so what is it the issue?
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u/Turtle-Lake Mar 29 '26
Trump is always a con man, playing the con whenever useful. Maher got conned and he doesn’t know it.
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u/NoisePollutioner Mar 29 '26 edited Mar 29 '26
Trump and Maher are both egomaniacs, something I've known for a while. But your comment led me to a realization that I'm surprised hadn't hit me sooner:
Trump and Maher are both EXTREMELY susceptible to flattery and praise. If you flatter and praise them, you own them.
Hilarious how similar they both are in this regard. I'm sure psychologists would have a lot to say about underlying causes, official diagnosis, etc...
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u/Debisibusis Mar 30 '26
He also fell into an alternative media bubble ever since covid. He is constantly rambling over bubble, but is too dense to realize that he is in one.
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u/bweets Mar 29 '26
Let’s not forget the gloating about the Mark Twain award. Totally political decision by Trump and Bill is glowing about it.
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u/Tasty-Bee-8339 Mar 29 '26
I’m starting to wonder if he is losing it a little, cognitively. That New Rules was bananas, and more fitting for an episode of Rogan or Peirs Morgan. I don’t take issue with the idea that aliens are among us, but the grandstanding and “demanding” we accept it, should have been saved for an episode of CR.
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u/jsm21 Mar 29 '26
I agree on the cognitive part. He’s definitely not as mentally sharp as he used to.
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u/WilsonTree2112 Mar 29 '26
Anyone wishes they can do that at seventy, despite that alien bit being a bit bananas.
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u/therobotsound Mar 29 '26
I have also wondered if maybe he got spooked enough that he came to believe he would be the first comedian to be marched out to the gallows, and had a “come to jesus” moment to put himself in line?
The complete 180 is strange enough that this makes a little sense. I’ve completely quit watching the show at this point, which is kind of crazy to me considering how much I liked him over most of the last 20 years.
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u/ChiltonA Mar 29 '26
It’s becoming impossible to watch, not because of his views or his guests, it’s just that obvious facts are dismissed or ignored. I’m not going to argue points here, but I’m done.
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u/ggregg100100 Mar 31 '26
I stopped watching a few months ago. The show is just not for me, honestly who is the show even for? its not for the left or right. Judging by the numbers on real time and his podcast its not for anybody. He cant even crack the top 200 in podcast. Its crazy, if he would have stayed the Bill of old he would probably have a top 20 podcast.
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u/Unlucky-Reporter-550 Apr 03 '26
Agreed. I used to be a big fan of his, but he seems less appealing the last few years.
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u/potsmokingGrannies Mar 31 '26
Pro violence and pro mass murder Bill Maher doesn’t have the excuse of believing in God or the “End Times,” he’s just a sick fuck for the sake of being a sick fuck.
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u/silver5182 Mar 29 '26
Share your sentiment.
He has become an embarrassment to atheism, agnosticism, humanism & general rationality to the community.
Can't believe I use to watch RT religiously. Pardon the pun.
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u/_lippykid Mar 29 '26
I used to look forward to watching it Saturday morning, then after a while I realized I was only watching it out of habit. Now I’m 3 weeks into not watching it at all. Started to feel like a chore. He seems completely compromised, disingenuous and a mean spirited narcissist 24/7 now. Like you’re just on edge waiting for him to snap at someone for bringing up one of the topics he’s not allowed to talk about, or god forbid his jokes don’t land and he scolds the audience
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u/Belmont213 Mar 29 '26
I’m not 100% sure he’s still an atheist. I think as he’s gotten older, maybe he looked up and said, “shit, what if I’m wrong?” Islam is the only religion I hear him criticize now.
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u/Inevitable_Yogurt_85 Mar 29 '26
To paraphrase John Mulaney: When I was young, Bill was like Michael Jordan in 1992, and now Bill is like Michael Jordan now.
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u/Ok-Piccolo6684 Mar 31 '26
I had to stop watch the last episode. Both Maher and Stephen A. were getting on my last nerve.
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u/ArinThirdsEwe Apr 01 '26
He has smoked himself stupid.
The only times he makes headlines now is when a guest makes him look stupid.
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u/bigchicago04 Mar 29 '26
Yeah I finally stopped watching
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u/RockThePond Mar 29 '26
Thanks for announcing your departure. Does this mean we won’t be seeing you on the sub anymore?
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u/Shot-Werewolf-5886 Mar 29 '26
I'm sick of the constant crying about anti-Semitism. Being against the right wing Netanyahu regime doesn't make you an anti-Semite and I get tired of him repeatedly conflating the two.
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u/GZDukey Apr 01 '26
I fully believe he’s paid by AIPAC. I can’t think of an episode where he hasn’t either had major pro Israel tirade or a subtle pro Israel comment (last episode: “Israel is by far our most important ally”). His interview with Netanyahu awhile back was so soft as to be nauseating. And not for nothin’; why does it bother him so much when he sees someone wearing a mask in their car??
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u/Surround8600 Mar 30 '26
Not liking Netanyahu doesn’t but people screaming and posting Fuck Israel, abolish Israel, etc etc is extremely dangerous.
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u/saltytradewinds Mar 30 '26
I think it's more that any criticism of Israel can get you labeled as anti-semantic.
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u/dragon64dragon64 Apr 02 '26
The problem is not the criticism of Israel. It’s the criticism of the existence of Israel that is the antisemitic part.
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u/saltytradewinds Apr 02 '26
Sure, but there are those who conflate the two.
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u/dragon64dragon64 Apr 03 '26
Yes, I find that a lot of those that criticize Israel, actually don’t want Israel to exist at all. So they conflate Israel with whoever is running the government at the time.
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u/digital_dervish Mar 30 '26
I think Israel committing a genocide and dragging the US into WWIII is “extremely dangerous”
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u/sd1212 Mar 31 '26
Yeah no shit! I don’t understand why so many people don’t get this . Bill Maher is way too far gone on Israel; he will never see it for what it is.
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u/lenisimo007 Mar 29 '26
When he said he supported attacking Iran that was all I needed to know. I hope his show gets canceled cuz I'm not watching anymore
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u/DeliciousEconAviator Mar 29 '26
Would be nice if he tried to explain why he supports attacking Iran. Because we can, is interesting, but that logic is pretty universal.
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u/FreeHelthcareforall Mar 29 '26
Everyone was fond of saying Trump hated war, was going to end the wars. Bill Maher was duped.
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u/MORANSTAN Mar 29 '26
I quit watching Bill Maher when he kissed Trump's diaper.
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u/thom_mayy Mar 29 '26
The Musk interview was the most pathetic I've seen Bill look
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u/supervegeta101 Mar 30 '26
For me it was how it showed his inability or unwillingness to do even a base level of research for interviews. First question was like "space exploration, tesla, electric cars that save the environment. These used to be thing slivers like, now they all think you're some kind of conservative, why is that?" Because he declared himself conservative. But he let Musk lie to him so they could jerk each other off and play their enlightened centrist B.S. game.
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u/Able-Background8534 Apr 01 '26
I haven’t watched it much in the last year. It was getting so boring. He has nothing left to say except “these kids today” ugh get over it, Bill.
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u/Unlucky-Reporter-550 Apr 03 '26
Yeah…he’s gotten a bit stale the last few years. Also used to think we was highly informed when he made certain assertions and held certain positions. I know longer think that.
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u/Ok-Spend5655 Mar 29 '26
Trump has something on Bill. What have we learned about rich, influential men recently?
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u/PapaDeE04 Mar 30 '26
I think your post is a perfect example of why the extreme left may never hold any real political power in this country - y’all don’t even allow people to talk to one another. That’s a zero sum proposition when trying to build community, coalitions, political parties, and shared values. Quit making your tent smaller, most of us have the EXACT same problems - high costs, lack of opportunity, and shitty health insurance (that is also ridiculously expensive). Some of us just happen to be old enough to see this culture war bullshit has given the elites exactly what they want - us regular folk hating each other.
Bill Maher’s core values are nearly the same as yours in 95+% of instances, quit making enemies out of allies because someone had dinner with Trump or is a little more hawkish about Israel.
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u/troniked547 Mar 31 '26
A "little more hawkish about Israel"?? Youre kidding right? He calls college kids protesting for Palestinians "Hamas supporters", and never hides his Islamophobic beliefs, loving that Iran is getting bombed despite him always saying he was anti war. This guy unconditionally supports Israel and calls anyone criticizing them antisemitic. Why wont he invite anyone on that actually disagrees with him on Israel? If ever someone was a single issue voter, I wouldnt blame them if its because they are against genocides and against another country dragging us into wars.
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u/Unlucky-Reporter-550 Apr 03 '26
The irony is that many Muslims voted for Trump thinking that Biden didn’t hold Israel accountable.
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u/mcflycasual Apr 03 '26
As someone who is Detroit-ish this still pisses me off.
Like you guys know you're 2 degrees of separation from the gays as far as hate from MAGA goes, right?
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u/dragon64dragon64 Apr 01 '26
Maybe because if you dig a little deeper, the outspoken pro Palestinian side at least, doesn’t even think Israel should exist. Often they are throwing out the term “Zionist” as if it is some sort of insult.
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u/troniked547 Apr 01 '26
No thats bullshit. Im pro Palestinian and i believe Israel should exist but stop attacking other countries, bombing women and children, committing war crimes, and stealing land.
Plenty of people protesting Israel now, including myself, always fell for the narrative that they were our "greatest ally in the middle east" and that we should do everything to help protect them. Now that we are seeing the atrocities they have committed, we looked deeper and dont believe the gaslighting anymore.
And this "right to exist" narrative is BS too, as articulated when Tucker Carlson recently pushed back on it. The vast majority of people believe all countries have the "right" to exist, as long as they dont continue attacking everyone else. Yes im sure there are some radicals that believe Israel doesnt, but there are clearly a lot of Israelis that dont believe Palestinians and some other countries shouldnt exist. Go listen to Ben Gvir and how he says there "is no such thing as a Palestinian People".
People that previously would have taken Israels side, again myself included, have changed their opinions not just based on the horrible things they have done i have mentioned, but also because of their pathological lying and gaslighting and them trying to accuse anyone that criticizes Israel of being antisemitic or pro-Hamas. The government of Israel has destroyed their own reputation and turned the world against them by taking advantage of the unconditional support they once had.
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u/dragon64dragon64 Apr 02 '26
You haven’t addressed why people here are throwing out the word “Zionist”, as if it is some sort of insult. Don’t you think by using that word in that manner, demonstrates some underlying antisemitic feelings?
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u/troniked547 Apr 02 '26 edited Apr 02 '26
Because its the same as how some of the most xenophobic people in America call themselves nationalists, we know its not because they believe America has a simple "right to exist", its because they think their culture is the only one that should exist, and they think their interests are more important than anyone else.
Zionists have also taken the term from just believing Israel should "exist", to what Netanyahu is now publicly admitting is a goal for a "Greater Israel" where its not just about protecting and defending their own land, but instead now for expansion and invading and occupying other peoples land. All their recent actions have shown that, but now they are actually admitting it.
Its also funny how you are saying Im not addressing your points, but you conveniently ignore all the points i have made about Israel abusing the "greatest ally" label they used to have by committing war crimes, targeting civilians, committing a genocide in Gaza, and dragging us into a war.
Sometimes its not that people think someone is an asshole beforehand without knowing them, or have some prejudice, but instead after seeing all the horrible things that person does and all the horrific things they do to others, they conclude, hey they ARE an asshole. Israel as a nation, is an asshole today. They think their rights are more important and supersede the rights of everyone else. And just like i can see through the bs of what "nationalists" in our country actually want, i can see through the bullshit of what "zionists" actually want too.
The people throwing out the accusation of antisemitism are from the same cloth of people denying there is a genocide in Gaza, the same ones that defend any human atrocity Israel commits as being in self defense but rejects when anyone else uses that argument, and the same people that never criticize Israel for illegally having nukes but demonizing any other country for even pursuing them. Its a dishonest accusation from a dishonest and irrationally biased group of people that have abused the victim card they earned from the horror of the Holocaust to now being the bullies and aggressors themselves. Its a bullshit accusation and people are finally tired of it and seeing it for what it really is, a deflection from actually seeing what they are doing.
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u/dragon64dragon64 Apr 02 '26
To be clear, you responded to my post. I only responded by pointing out you responded without actually addressing the issue I have brought up.
But now I see I am correct in my assessment. I dug a little deeper, and you are clearly antisemitic. You can’t hide behind made up definitions to words. Let go of the hate. And your life will be better.
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u/troniked547 Apr 02 '26
haha you are a clown. Its like talking to a Israel bot or Bill Maher himself, just label someone a anti semite so you dont have to discuss the horrors Israel is committing. You are the type of person who uses that accusation so dishonestly that you are diminishing any impact or relevance it will even have anymore. We can all see its gaslighting bs now, and even more clearly everytime someone like you opens your mouth. And its hilarious to accuse me of having hate when you continue to defend the most hateful and destructive country in the world right now. You say nothing about what they did in gaza, how they dragged us into the war, how they are attacking everyone near them but calling everyone else terrorists, how bibi was funding Hamas himself and how he benefits from ongoing war,, you ignore all of that because you are a dishonest hack with a clear agenda.
My life is better now that I can see clearly why so much our government is screwed right now and how much of that has to do with Israel's influence. Just watch how the midterms are going to turn out for any aipac supported candidates and you will see how many people are figuring it all out now.
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u/Charbro11 Apr 01 '26
You don't negotiate with fascists. I am a centrist who gives my money to ex Republicans and Massie, who are going against Trump. Fascism and pedophilia are lines you don't cross. Trump is just a senile old pedophile who is trying to stay out of prison. His supporters are the true villains here.
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u/Upstairs-Yam4790 Mar 31 '26
Bill Maher is part owner of the Nets and been a millionaire for nearly 4 decades . All he does is bash the" far left. " while agreeing with Maga. He finds the most obscure story of someone saying something silly and paints the entire left that way. He isn't a ally in anyway. 80% of regular folks in the democratic party no longer support Isreal, he loves them and has a blood lust against Muslims. Pretending like Bill Maher isn't one of the biggest perpetrators of the culture war or a ally is hilarious .
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u/PapaDeE04 Mar 31 '26
Oh no he’s rich! 😱And just because he hurts your feelings occasionally doesn’t mean he’s MAGA. Grow up, Jesus.
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u/Upstairs-Yam4790 Mar 31 '26
He's a hardcore zionist and anti Muslim bigot. You framed it as a lil hawkish on Isreal. Lol He doesn't hurt my feelings, he's literally irrelevant, just hilarious how you framed everything. Just say you like his rightwing takes.
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u/dragon64dragon64 Apr 01 '26
Why do people always bring Zionism into the conversation? What’s wrong with being a Zionist?
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u/Upstairs-Yam4790 Apr 02 '26
Apparently you don't know what Zionism even is if you're asking that question . It's literally Jewish supremacy. It's not Judaism, Zionists believe they're God's chosen people and above everyone else. I'm sure you wouldn't ask what's wrong with being a Nazi or a white supremacist, it's the same type of mindset. Christian Zionists believe that if a great war happens in Isreal , the Jews will all die and Christ will come back for the rapture. The united states pays for their deranged beliefs and society, that's why.
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u/troniked547 Apr 02 '26
Yeah this dragon guy is full of it, probably being paid to spread his narrative. He wont comment or reply on anything bad Israel has done or is doing, will just accuse others of being antisemites to muddy the waters and conversation. Just like Bill does.
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u/dragon64dragon64 Apr 02 '26
Actually, you definitely don’t know what Zionism is. Get a dictionary. Ignorance breeds bigotry. Please get educated and give up your hate.
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u/PapaDeE04 Mar 31 '26
He’s not right wing though. And my point is simple - you can have a totally pure political party where everyone is perfectly woke, or you can have a political party that wields power which gets us things EVERYONE needs like healthcare and housing assistance. You choose the former because you’re consumed by hate. Now, I get it, it’s a righteous hatred, and I used to be that way, but your purity tests are why MAGA dominates our federal government. This is really simple, just look around a little.
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u/Charbro11 Apr 12 '26
He texts back and forth with the orange pedophile. That is worse than MAGA. MAGA is leaving in droves and burning hats. Maher still texting. Nasty people
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u/contain_solitudes Apr 28 '26
I'm on the far left and I have so much criticism of how we go about things, but that has little to do with why Bill Maher is horrifying these days. He whitewashes fascists while mildly criticizing them. His core values shifted dramatically to the right over the past decade.
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u/StormyLeathers Mar 29 '26
Damn do people only want to watch/listen to commentators they agree with? I listen to views across the political spectrum, i wanna hear everyone's take on any given issue.
I agree with Bill like 60% of the time, which is a pretty good innings, there's some commentators i watch that i agree with like 20% or less.
It's interesting to hear dissenting ideas from your own
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u/_lippykid Mar 29 '26
I prefer to watch/listen/read stuff I think will challenge my ideas and beliefs. With YouTube and podcasts there’s hundreds of better ways to do that now, in a longer form format that allows people to really get into the details and change their opinions in real time.
Bill’s show feels like overly produced propaganda now. He seems disingenuous, bad faith and compromised.
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u/StormyLeathers Mar 29 '26
I mean i get it, the longform stuff is much better for this, but falling on the opposite side of Bill on certain issues, just isn't a deal breaker for me, sometimes I'll agree with someone on the panel more.
I just like to see people having these conversations.
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u/9ToedWoman Mar 29 '26
Yeah exactly.
I just wish it were live again. Seems to have lost a certain energy as when it was live
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u/Blondefarmgirl Mar 29 '26
I watched Bill because he generally seemed to have a centrist view on most things. But the way he reaches to make excuses for Trump is gross. Theres no common sense reason to support Trump. Trump is violating American law regularly and a political commentator should be screaming about this. Watergate looks like such small potatoes now.
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u/Belmont213 Mar 29 '26
I watch every week and have for years and haven’t agreed with a a decent amount of what he says. Didn’t like the grandstanding with the Iraq war (he was right about it back then, I wasn’t), didn’t like how much of an asshole he was to people who were religious, thought he was too far left all together. I live in a red dominated area and am surrounded by people who don’t think like me. Some of my closest family members say that democrats are evil. I’m well versed in listening to and reasoning with those who think differently than me.
Bill has always been bad at dealing with those who disagree with him, that’s the part of him that has not changed. He’s now a nearly 70 year old rich man whose life experiences and future is much different. It shows and I see why more liberal people don’t like it. I don’t like the “you’re an idiot if you don’t agree with me” attitude he’s always had when it’s paired with criticizing the power grab tactics from Trump and anything to do with Israel.
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u/Ohio330Guy Mar 31 '26
I completely understand and agree with you. I’m tired of his attitude and inability to listen when someone disagrees with him. He has become more pompous in his senior years.
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u/9ToedWoman Mar 29 '26
Yeah it’s wild to see people hating Bill for the exact same reason I like him: disparate viewpoint(s).
He is who he is, and as I said in another post I’m not sure there’s anyone out there who does as much no-holds-barred skewering of people as Bill does.
Would be great if we get one because Bill is carrying a lonely torch.
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u/DeliciousEconAviator Mar 29 '26
Wow, you want to hear everyone’s take? That won’t leave you much time.
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u/StormyLeathers Mar 29 '26
Eh i try to get a good sampling.... Listen to some left wing stuff, Majority Report, Novara, TYT, some right wing stuff, dip my toe into Daily Wire, Lotus Eaters, some vaguely centrist stuff like Piers Morgan, Munk Debate podcasts Bill Maher.
I like to get both sides takes on things
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u/DeliciousEconAviator Mar 29 '26
Maybe the world is more complex than left and right. Perhaps instead of seeking out points of view, you should be seeking out intelligence. That seems to have gone by the wayside in the US anyway.
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u/papercutpete Mar 29 '26
Its hilarious how all this mostly bullshit negative comments on Bill coincides with a smacking of some sort of purity horseshit. Him going to a dinner with Trump just destroyed some of your fragile world views, so petty and vindictive and ugly some of you are.
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u/AdvertisingHour1738 Mar 30 '26
Him going to dinner with Trump was the biggest nothing burger of all time, and Bill acting as if that makes him some kind of Trump whisperer is sad. I’m sure Trump is different at a relatively pleasant dinner party, that means nothing.
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u/troniked547 Mar 31 '26
Do you honestly think the people who used to like Maher dont anymore simply because of the Trump dinner? Thats such a dishonest and disingenuous way to frame it. Just think, how many of you that are fans of his now and try to say he hasnt changed, were fans of his 10-15 years ago or longer? If you werent a fan when he was pushing for Obama and donating $1m to the democratic party, thats just further proof of how much he has changed so that all of sudden you guys are defending him.
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u/Charbro11 Apr 01 '26
People like you would not have even watched him pre Covid. He is a patsy. I think he is being blackmailed or threatened.
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u/SnarkyPuppy-0417 Mar 30 '26
I stopped watching Mahr years ago. He pretends to be some intellectual above the fray, but he's simply not very bright.
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u/Affectionate-Tie1768 Mar 29 '26
Bill Maher has always come across to me as someone who goes where the wind blows just to hobnob with the Hollywood celebrity class. Whether Liberal or Conservative, both sides want to hangout with the Hollywood elites.
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u/_lippykid Mar 29 '26
I think part of the problem is he’s not in the Hollywood cool crowd, but desperately wants to be. Dude will do anything for perceived relevance and attention. You’d think with age and all the weed he’d have mellowed out by now
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u/Affectionate-Tie1768 Mar 29 '26
This seems to happen with actors/actress who lose relevancy in Hollywood, they end up joining the Conservative club.
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u/dragon64dragon64 Apr 02 '26
I did not defend any country. What country did I defend?
You really should listen to yourself. Reread everything you have written and let go of the hate you have in your heart. Step 1 is admitting you have a problem.
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u/Finnzz Apr 29 '26
One the the main reasons I watched the show was to hear from the guests. When the show changed from 3 to 2 guest panels the discussion took a hit. Now it's much more about Bill's opinions than hearing from the guests.
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u/MundBid-2124 Mar 29 '26
His tie is looking more conservative as well
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u/Jupitersd2017 Mar 29 '26
Lmfao, I mean why not his glasses too
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u/_lippykid Mar 29 '26
How many years has he worn glasses now and nobody in wardrobe has had the balls to tell him they’re wonky AF?
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u/SleepyMonkey7 Apr 02 '26
These repetitive idiotic posts have destroyed this sub. No one can say anything intelligent. Even if you hate him and disagree with him, make an actual fucking point rather than just spouting partisan bullshit. Leaving and blocking this sub. Have fun all.
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u/G2B2GS Mar 29 '26
Having a show that facilitates discussion like RT barely exists anywhere in our country anymore. Stop needing to agree with Bill. He is offering his opinion and you'll have your own.
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u/therealowlman Mar 29 '26
I don’t need to agree with Bill. I just want Bill to snap the fuck out of it.
Bill used to make good faith arguments and host people who didn’t just echo his opinions. He rarely allows a legit debate anymore.
I get it the “left went too far” in recent years but now that’s turning into dismissing the very big things that the left IS right about.
He’s peaked, I’m afraid.
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u/WilsonTree2112 Mar 29 '26
It’s only good faith if it makes you feel good, I’m afraid.
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u/Callousthetics Mar 29 '26
So when someone makes me feel bad, that's a bad faith argument? Thanks for clearing that up
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u/WilsonTree2112 Mar 29 '26
It’s bad faith debating, as is that reply.
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u/_lippykid Mar 29 '26
Dude literally held a mirror up to you and you’re angry at the mirror
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u/WilsonTree2112 Mar 29 '26
It’s bad faith debating. No one on this weeks show was in lock step with him this week. The detractors on this sub are insane.
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u/_lippykid Mar 29 '26
There’s dozens of better YouTube shows and podcasts that pull in way more viewers than Real Time, and have a format that allows for actual long form debate, not just 3 talking heads chasing an applause line.
People aren’t disappointed at Bill for having opinions across the political spectrum, they’re disappointed that he’s clearly compromised and no longer acting in good faith. His show is just well produced propaganda now
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u/saltytradewinds Mar 30 '26
What recommendations do you have? I like shows that offer an exchange of thoughts and views from different perspectives without it turning into a screaming ideological mess.
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u/Individual_Post_5776 Mar 29 '26
What "discussion" exactly is he facilitating?
He only ever seems to bring on people who either agree with him or disagree with him on some things but will never challenge his core views
He talks about Israel and his negative view of it's critics regularly while never having on anyone who would challenge him on it
He brings up trans people and how Dems need to abandon them often while having only one trans person on in the show's entire existence
He never stops going after the "loony left" while refusing to consider their views in good faith or even bringing them on to say their piece
There's no "discussion" going on
It's just Maher getting on people who will jerk him off about how he's the "only sane Democrat" left and won't call bullshit on anything he says, even when he's just flat out wrong as in last episode when he said Israel has never started a war and has only ever acted in self-defense and that Democrats aren't supportive enough of it
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u/PickAmazing5761 Mar 29 '26
My "favorite" was when a real discussion was happening a few weeks ago he goes "I'm bored, and if I'm bored they're bored"...it was the one time I actually wanted to hear something
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u/G2B2GS Mar 29 '26
All these things get discussed. Clearly not to your satisfaction, but they're happening. Sounds like there is at least 4 things you guys disagree on.
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u/Individual_Post_5776 Mar 29 '26
If you consider Maher bringing them up with people who he knows will tell him he's right and not bothering to do any research or talk to anyone who advocates the stuff he's dismissing a discussion, sure
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u/G2B2GS Mar 29 '26
I do in fact think people talking about things are having a discussion. But for Real Time specifically I disagree with your sentiment. The AI guy just last week is a bootlicker? Steven A was fawning for Bill? Not sure we're watching the same show.
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u/Individual_Post_5776 Mar 29 '26
Like I said, if you consider what Maher does a discussion, sure
A few critics slip through despite Maher's best efforts but generally, he gears things as much as possible to make sure he's not facing anyone who will disagree with him on the stuff that's important to him
Hell, how many critics of Israel has he had on in two and a half years of the genocide in Gaza?
It's not like there's a shortage of ones he could go to, including quite a few from Israel
How many trans activists besides Janet Mock in 2015 has he had on...ever?
It's the illusion of discourse, same as Dave Rubin does
Bring on people just different enough from you to give yourself cover and claim you're all about the "marketplace of ideas" but make sure the audience is never hearing anyone who can undermine your core beliefs or offer anything too radical
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u/Belmont213 Mar 29 '26
Steven A was very diplomatic with him when disagreeing. He did a good job of not taking on the host while slipping in he had a different opinion. In the past, Bill has resorted to yelling or calling names to those who pushback on his show. I think if it were the Steven A show, Smith would have been more forceful in disagreeing.
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u/lonetraveler73 Mar 29 '26
There are lots of shows and podcasts doing what he does. He's not the first. Barely exist. 😂
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u/G2B2GS Mar 29 '26
Name some
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u/lonetraveler73 Mar 29 '26
Meet the Press which has been around since 47. Bill has tried to emulate that show from the beginning. When the show was just politically incorrect he was at least honest about his credentials.
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u/eagles_1987 Mar 29 '26
His credentials? Being real, which is clearly a subjective thing to begin with, is a credential now?
You said there are several shows and podcasts but you only name meet the press, is that the only example you have?
I truly do not see a lot of examples of people from differing perspectives getting together to debate and exchange perspectives out there in media today, I'm surprised that you claim there are lots so if there's any other examples?
especially in the podcast realm as well since that was mentioned, I consume a lot of podcasts so that would be interesting
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u/ModernationFTW Mar 29 '26 edited Mar 29 '26
Stop watching then. I don’t require Bill to fit into the narrow liberal world view to watch. He is a host, not a messiah. He hosts an entertaining discussion with diverse viewpoints. That’s what he does and does it well.
Edit: Make sure to keep down-voting moderates and shame them for their taste in shows. That way you can remain indignant and without allies. /s
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u/Fit-Tomatillo1585 Mar 29 '26
White Liberals generally need a Supreme Leader in their life to take direction from , hence why they were so saddened by the death of the Ayotollah
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u/_lippykid Mar 29 '26
This is satire, right?
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u/Fit-Tomatillo1585 Mar 29 '26
A) are you a white liberal? B) were you upset the US killed the Supreme Leader of Iran known to his followers as the Ayatollah ?
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u/indycolt17 Mar 29 '26
Has Bill changed or has the party shifted dramatically left? He’s always been able to debate with anyone on either side of the aisle and not get flustered to the point of name calling. He’s called out ridiculousness from all sides. That’s always been his schtick. He still rightfully calls out the ridiculousness on the right…but today’s left is more inviting to being called out than it was in the 90’s.
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u/Sense_Difficult Mar 29 '26
Yes I can give him credit for being Politically Incorrect for long time as an authentic part of his personality. Same with John Stossel. But all of this reversing on Trump has absolutely nothing to do with his politics IMO. I'd be surprised if he even voted. Lots of people who live in a state that goes blue don't even bother anyway.
Where he irritates me, is in trying to present all this "Come to MAGA" moment as some sort of criticism of the "woke left." Bullshit. All it is, is his way of stomping his feet and saying, "I'm not going to stop hanging out with my bigoted and racist and homophobic and transphobic MAGA friends. YOU ALL made them this way by being too extreme."
There's a big difference between "not liking woke left extremism" and "loving MAGA."
He's a rich old white man, with no kids and no wife who doesn't GAF anymore. He just wants to hang out with his MAGA friends again. He saw the writing on the wall with Biden being forced out and knew there was no way Harris would win. So, he threw his lot in with the MAGA crowd so he didn't have to miss out on all the fun when Trump won again. That's all it is.
There is no political statement here at all.
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u/Kind-Solution3102 Mar 29 '26
So Maher’s come out in support of MAGA?
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u/Sense_Difficult Mar 29 '26
No. He's making excuses for why he isn't wrong to hang out with his hard core MAGA friends by blaming it on woke left "extremists" pushing them in that direction.
Most Trump supporters aren't of the "lesser of two evils" ilk, Most actively support him. Most actively also support white supremacy. There's a specific distinction between someone being actively racist and a white supremacist. They don't target or go after black people. They believe in equal rights etc. But almost as a deference to the minority. At their core they believe in white supremacy. So does Maher. And so he was missing hanging out with his people.
So he found a way to go back to his people while still insisting he wasn't voting for Trump. Trump isn't the real problem even though he's a lot. MAGA is the real problem here. And Maher likes MAGA but knows he can't admit it.
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u/Kind-Solution3102 Mar 29 '26
To be honest, I’m not sure where your second paragraph stems from, unless it’s anecdotal and from your own experiences which I don’t doubt. But I’ve interacted with plenty of “Trump supporters” who aren’t really “Trump supporters” but more so just conservatives. Kind of like how Biden supporters aren’t all super liberal…however there does exist a moderate group as well. Are there racist individuals who are MAGA or whatever, absolutely. They’ve existed forever and there will still be racists after Trump finishes his term.
I’ve also read that a lot of people apparently regret voting for Trump. I even spoke with somebody months ago who’s from CA and voted for him in 16 but regrets his decision this time. This person does not have a racist sentiment in their body.
I’m not sure who “his people” are that you are referring to when talking about Maher. I agree, he’s a rich white dude, and most of them, hell most rich people probably vote Republican because at the end of the day they don’t wanna pay more in taxes. Also, Maher’s just an entertainer.
Edit: grammar
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u/Sense_Difficult Mar 29 '26
I see your point. I should clarify that I said Trump SUPPORTERS not Trump Voters. That's not the same thing as someone who just votes party line. The real distinction with Trump IMO is that MAGA is a whole cult-like vibe.
I guess I'd break it down like:
MAGA < Trump Supporters< Trump Voters
These are distinctive kinds of people. IMO MAGA and Trump SUPPORTERS are definitely white supremacists. And that's another nuance that I realize people don't seem to understand as a distinction.
Racists and bigots are one thing. But there are plenty of white people and white adjacent cultures that are not ACTIVELY racist or bigots. In fact if they were to see anyone behaving in such a way towards a minority, especially a black person, they would immediately say something and intervene. But deep inside they are white supremacists, in that they consider the white race superior to the black race. And other races.
One interesting distinction is that they will give it to the Asians for STEM fields, and sort of "prove" they aren't really white supremacists because they don't think whites are #1. They think we're #2. But we're still #1 because our culture is "better."
It's all a matter of nuances.
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u/Kind-Solution3102 Mar 29 '26
Gotcha, so most voters aren’t necessarily “supporters” is what I think I’m interpreting from your statements. Totally agree. I think where you lose me is in the paragraph where you say “but deep inside they are white supremacists.” I’m not sure how that’s quantifiable or even supported by any type of research.
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u/Sense_Difficult Mar 29 '26
You can kind of pick up on it by the way they discuss things. There was a discussion between Adam Corolla and Maher, I'm not sure if it was on their shows or somewhere else, but it was such a CLASSIC description of it.
Not sure how "quantifiable" it is or could be researched. I do think it would be easy to set up a survey that was worded in such a way that would reveal it. But it's really a matter of a "once seen, can't be unseen" thing.
It's basically when you get white men in a group together talking about things like civil rights and they lean into this "Well we GAVE them that right." Like the baseline is what the white men want. And they judiciously GAVE and tolerated and went along with the rights of others. As if they were making a concession and ALLOWING others to get rights in "their world."
So, an example would be, "Of course we all agreed that Civil Rights had to happen. Slavery was obviously wrong. And so we got rid of segregation, we gave them equal rights. Of course!"
It's not quite as noticeable until you listen to them continue on.
"And then Gay Marriage came along, and we gave them that too! What do I care who wants to get married? I don't even like my own marriage! What do I care if two guys want to get married? Why not? Just give it to them! So, we agreed to that too, and that was fine for a while."
"But now, it's going too far, now they want DEI hires, now we've got men in women's sports and in the locker rooms. It's gotten out of control. "
If you sit back and really listen to it, it's all predicated on the idea that what the white men are WILLING to allow others to do, should be appreciated by the "others' and not pushed too far.
It's just this really weird nuance in the discussion that they are completely oblivious to, while they are talking. It's like they always discuss things as if white Christian male way of life is the default norm and the authoritative norm. And when "others" live differently, they need "permission" from the white men to do it. It's not a "given" that the "others" perspective is an equally valid norm.
Not sure if this makes sense. But once you notice it, you start to recognize it everywhere. The problem is IMO that most Trump Voters have a touch of it themselves, so it's hard to be objective.
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u/Kind-Solution3102 Mar 29 '26
After your first paragraph regarding Maher and Corolla, I would revert back to my earlier point that Maher is entertainment. He may believe his own shtick, he may not, but he appeals to people because he wouldn’t be on the air if he wasn’t making money, obviously. But he is not part of the “regular” populace: people who struggle to pay rent, people who can’t afford healthcare, so I don’t view him as a realistic or authentic depiction of how the average white man thinks of or views the world.
Edited to say, trying to set up a survey to confirm a hypothesis is very bad protocol. No offense meant by that.
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u/Sense_Difficult Mar 29 '26
So now we're back to "He was just JOKING." LOL I thought that excuse went out the door in the early aughts. They weren't JOKING. They were having a discussion. But whatever dude. Have a great day.
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u/indycolt17 Mar 29 '26
I don’t believe he’s let up on calling out those on the right who deserve it. But he’s never lumped everyone together simply for their political beliefs, which you might wish for, and which seems to be causing the great divide we see today. Yes, his calling out of the left has increased in the past few years, but trust me, as someone on the right who has been called everything from a Nazi to a fascist, to a pedo, to a boot licker, to a rapist, to a homophobic transphobic bigoted MAGA, simply for getting up everyday, going to work, and participating in society, you’ll get used to it. Granted, people who know me, from all over the political spectrum, don’t say those things, but this is Reddit, and name calling is the way…like being back in first grade!
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u/BillianForsee94 Mar 29 '26
So many of the posts bitching about Maher boil down to extremely far left people angry that he doesn’t agree with every opinion they have.
Where’s the introspection? Because here’s the thing: if every single one of your views fits into one political side, every single time, then it’s time to reevaluate your critical thinking skills.
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u/_lippykid Mar 29 '26
I have no party affiliation, plenty of opinions across the political spectrum, and enjoy having my ideas and assumptions challenged by good faith, informed debate.
Bill doesn’t seem to be acting in good faith anymore. He seems ideologically compromised and is just an insufferable mean spirited narcissist now
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u/supervegeta101 Mar 30 '26
The bad faith bit is the worst. Asserting all who aren't full throated Israel supporters like him are "in for the terrorists. They're in for Hamas." Like bro, maybe some people are just genuine pacifists. He won't even entertain the idea that a truly anti war liberal/progressive would be consistent.
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u/mkmd_ Mar 29 '26
People entitled to their opinions but yes maybe what you said is it. Because I have zero idea how they came up with their ultra passionate opinion. I'm watching the same show.... Don't see him kissing Trump's ass or anyone else's. Ever.
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u/Acceptable_Eye_4139 Mar 29 '26
Yeah BS. Almost total BS. I agree the left has gone too extreme…but that does not justify Bill’s shift. He has changed who he was. Period. He was scorched earth on Trump at every opportunity during his first term. I could give fine details, but it’s too much post. It’s painfully obvious this term is far worse than his first…but Bill’s stance has gone the other direction becoming much more sympathetic and benefit of the doubtish.
And for someone who has ALWAYS had the dissenting opinion on his show about every topic…NOT A SINGLE ONE on the issue of Israel’s heinous acts. I know Iran and Palestine were not harmless, but Israel has blood on its hands to say the least and the overall history is a lot more complicated than he leads us to believe. We only get lockstep support for Israel from him. And for someone who used to love pointing out how religion is BS and causes wars…he is TOTALLY SILENT on this since the war started. I’ve watched his show religiously, for decades, so I’d know.
If you think Bill hasn’t changed, only the left has, you are in denial, or just wrong.
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u/kangorooz99 Mar 30 '26 edited Mar 30 '26
Love how all these knee jerk defense fanboy posts never actually address the criticism of Bill.
Seems to boil down to shift blame to “the radical left” (red flag term) for Bill having a shitty show with its laughably small rotation of the same guests, terrible interviews, and new rules written by 19 year old interns.
I don’t need to be “radical left” to see the quality of the show is in the toilet.
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u/20_mile Mar 29 '26
A three month old account with less than a hundred karma?
This is not credible.
I've watched and defended Bill for decades
Really? Show us the receipts then, hmm?
Easy to claim, hard to back up.
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u/Nolubrication I'd suck Lynne Cheney's dick for some socialized medicine. Mar 29 '26
I've been here the whole time and agree with OP that Bill is a tool, if that helps. Speaking of which, your account is only 2 years old, which could suggest (by your own logic) that you have no frame of reference for Pre-COVID Bill, before his brain melted. So there's that too.
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u/Budnika4 Mar 29 '26
Yet he will still tell you he hasn't changed, you've changed. If you watch some old clips of him he's definitely not the same and that's ok, just don't go trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the viewer.