Bill Maher Last Night....The Worst I've Seen Him Do...

[GR]

I thought the panel looked bad before the show and it was...haven't seen all the show yet but here's my take on what I did see..

The Gannon stuff was good, but then Maher started talking about gender stereotyping at Harvard, approvingly, the use of prisoners' religious beliefs to torture and sexually degrade them, approvingly, the enjoyment of killing voiced by a Marine General, approvingly, narrowminded American-centrist jingoism in which he implied anyone with a culture like theirs was fucked up, approvingly and worst of all GEORGE W BUSH and how we owe him for the great elections in Iraq, approvingly....The ends don't justify the means Bill...Have you forgotten the lies to the American people used to sell that abomination...

Even the opening segment on Cristo's solution to the elderly problem was weak. I tried to think back if I'd ever seen Maher like last night and couldn't remember it. It's obvious he's "adjusting" his show to the new, improved, Bush thousand year reich....

It reminded me of what happened to Dennis Miller, once one of my favorite comedians. Could it be happening to Maher? I shudder to think if it is...

[Gin]

1. He likes Ann-thrax.....that tells me a lot about him....now he is

starting to talk like her....it's contagious.... all for a buck!

[datasuspect]

58. hmm . . .

scruples on the one hand and financial stability on the other.

sorry to say, but i think most people would swing in pretty much ANY direction for the right amount of money. especially in the media.

[MSgt213]

2. He said a few days ago he wants to attract more conservatives to his show

Not on the panels but in the audience.

[rpannier]

5. Yeah I can understand why

I mean John Stewart does his show to attract liberal audiences and nobody watched that show.
Maher is becoming a first rate sell-out.

[datasuspect]

59. more conservative advertisers

or at least strategic relationships that benefit him, his handlers, and his parent corporation.

[kysrsoze]

60. Funny how his opinions change to suit the situation

I was disgusted after watching the show on Friday. Does he really need Joe Biden and Robin Williams to talk him back in line? Oh yeah, Tommy Thompson - go fuck yourself.

[NewJeffCT]

3. well, this is a guy...

Maher is a guy that approved of Ashcroft profiling & locking up Muslim men and said that Colin Powell was his ideal president.

[Just Me]

55. Really. Well, the show I saw made me wanna' plant a warm, wet,...

,...passionate kiss on his mouth!!!

He was an open door. The whole show left my gut sore with laughter!!!

[riverwalker]

4. I wrote off Maher

after seeing him on Larry King a month ago praising Colin Powell and pushing that he should run in 2008. Maher does not run real deep, he is shallow and his course is easily changed, like Miller's.
We do not need people like them.

[Digit]

6. I was disgusted when I saw him on Larry King, too.

It would take alot to make me watch him again.

[Cha]

40. Shallow bill!

Who needs it? If he wants to "attract more conservatives" then let 'em have him.

[jdj]

47. sad, really,

but the truth is he's always been a libertarian.

he's never really liked women, the only women he seems to like are women that hate themselves so he doesn't have to, like Ann Coulter.

[The Backlash Cometh]

7. There's nothing worse on this planet than an arrogant, narcissistic

Libertarian.

[PassingFair]

43. Unless it's your garden variety

arrogant, narcissistic Republican!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

8. I lost respect for Maher after I heard he was friends with Coulter.

Last season when Richard Belzer was on as a guest, Maher interviewed Coulter and the audience was booing her. Maher was upset by that, and Belzer had nothing but disgust for Coulter and called her a Fascist Party Doll. I am sure that disgust extended to Maher at the same time.

I have had friends throughout the years with different political positions than my own, but if anyone of them spewed 1/100th of the garbage that Coulter has, I could not in good conscience continue a relationship with someone that warped. In Coulter's case, it's even worse, because like it or not, she does influence the feeble-minded.

[stanwyck]

31. I was so impressed with Belzer

on that show. I'm a "Homicide" fan and his straight speaking on Maher's show was much appreciated.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

39. Pssssssst.... I have a little secret..... I have a crush on Belzer. :)

BTW.... He plays the same character now on Law and Order that he played on Homicide. I love how they script in his own politics during the shows.

[xynthee]

9. That's not what my Mom said!

Right after I read this post, I thought, "NOOOOOOOOO!! Not Bill!!!!" I was quite devastated.

Then, I noticed my Mom had sent me an email with the subject line "Real Time". Expecting the same sentiments from her, I was quite shocked to read:

" . . . Damn it was good!! Robin Williams was a bit disruptive at times, but that's him. Joe Biden was good, also, but poor Tommy Thompson was clearly outgunned. I wish it was coming on again tonight . . ."

So I'm off to watch it!! I hope my Mom is right.

[Mandate My Ass]

10. you'll be wasting an hour of your life

The show was pathetic and TT didn't have to open his mouth because Maher, Biden and Williams tried to outdo each other's praise for Bush's leadership for holding elections. Nobody mentioned what a farce that election was and how everything to do with the invasion had been based on lies.

[MsTryska]

24. Bill took a swipe at the elections.

he got it right on the money when he said the elections were Iraqis way of saying "American's get out"



i'm thrilled they had elections too, and i'm totally against this war.

But those elections were one of the most subversive acts against american hegemony that have since taken place. the irony is delicious.


so good for the iraqis for risking life and limb to use "democracy" to their advantage.

[xynthee]

42. I agree with you.

It was a painful show to watch.

[JI7]

11. Bill Maher is the same as he has always been

he hates Bush but i think many came to assume that makes him a liberal. but he isn't a liberal. the is liberal on things like abortion rights, gay rights, and even gun control.

but on economic issues he tends to be libertarian leaning.

and he often has talked about how men and women are different and criticized many policies which promote equality.

[aintitfunny]

12. I don't see a change

I watched the show, and laughed out loud on several occassions. His opionions on Women/Men. Maher is not a democrat and he is not a liberal. He is a Libertarian. He did not support Bush, he made that clear.

It was not his best show, but I enjoyed it. I do not have to agree with everything he or anyone says to like them.

[question everything]

46. I agree. I watched the show earlier this evening and laughed

I think that he raised interesting points

About the Harvard comment - I agreed. I, too, wondered about the reaction of that scientist who said that she has to leave because she was either going to faint or to throw up. A very weak reaction that strengthen the gender difference issue.

I also thought that it was an interesting point to raise: that this is an army of volunteers so we should not be surprised when soldiers say they like to shoot people

I think that he raised an interesting point comparing the rush, during the Clinton administration, to appoint an independent counsel to investigate Whitewater - and then Clinton's sex life - but the Democrats are not calling to investigate how such lowlife like Gannon ended up in the Press Room with, or without clearance from the FBI.

[aintitfunny]

49. I did laugh out loud at some of it especially

Robin William's comment (I don't remember the first part) but it ended 'better latent then never. The timing was perfect, as you would expect.

I do not agree with BM's comments on the Harvard gender issue, although he scored on the point about the professor. I can still see the humor and can understand his point of view.

On many points I see eye to eye and on many others I do not. I just don't see getting upset about it when he does not represent my positions fully. I love the show, I am very glad it is back on for a new season and I look forward to watching all the shows, good, bad, right, wrong or indifferent.

[question everything]

51. And, really, if he just expressed the opinion favored by us

he would be just a Bill O'Rilley or a Hannity of the left.

I think that both he and Jon Stewart and, yes, the CNN people can keep their creditability when they do present both sides even if they infuriate us

[Walt Starr]

13. I LOVED it

and gained a newfound respect for Joe Biden!

[BlueJazz]

22. I liked it also....I thought the show had numerous Cuts on the...

..repugs and the closing statements (about how dumb a lot of High Schoolers are) were Great!

[Jacobin]

14. Maher thinks torture is really really cool

:puke:

[spanone]

15. He did not approve 'gender stereotyping' he approved the discussion

of it.

[delhurgo]

16. I wish I could have seen that.

I think I agree with him on every single point.

[Infantalism]

17. I thought he was pretty good

[teamster633]

18. I taped it but haven't watched it yet.

I definitely will, though. Any show which is anything but lockstep admiration of the chimp is an improvement over what passes as entertainment in these dark times. There is so little I will consider watching on TV these days. If it wasn't for HBO, CSI (original version), and the History Channel I could swear off the entire medium.

[alfredo]

19. He put some context to the liking killing remark.

How many of us would want to put the hurt on some wife beater?

[MsTryska]

20. he sure handed Tommy Thompon's ass to him tho.

i thought that was pretty hilarious.


and personally - robin williams cracks me up soemtimes, but he needs to dial it down a notch. He was on a panel, not on center stage.


as fro Bill - sure i don't like some of his ideas, but i will applaud him when he gets it right.

like the amount of press skewering he did last night. that was pretty fabulous too.

[alarimer]

21. this bothered me too

towards the end it got a little better.

[realFedUp]

23. Robin Williams was best thing about the show

as he always is...Thompson was dead weight,
Biden unnecessary as well. Maher's opinions
are certainly not always insightful. New Rules
basically was his opinion piece in the LA Times
days ago...

He's lost some fire in his belly...but with
this crowd, who's noticing the trains lining up.

[drdon326]

26. Respectfully disagree....

Robin Williams , who i really enjoy , was particularly annoying interrupting everyone....especially NEW RULES segment.

[leyton]

34. He was incredibly annoying.

Every time he opened his mouth, he spewed out a hundred jokes that had no apparent relation to the topic at hand. I was hoping that the Republican in the middle would reach over and punch him.

[blondeatlast]

38. I have to agree--I just kept muttering (to RW) shut up shut up shut up! nt

[realFedUp]

41. I guess I found Robin William's interruptions more entertaining

than what Maher was saying.

[spanone]

50. Didn't you hear Biden say both houses of congress should be

investigating the Gannon incident? Biden also said that it should be headline on every paper in the US. This is news. He's UNITED STATES SENATOR.

[TerdlowSmedley]

56. Joe Biden for President.

[theboss]

61. Seriously, who puts Robin Williams on a "panel" discussion

Robin Williams typically doesn't even need an interviewer. Just a "hello," ten minutes to spout whatever, and a "We'll be right back after these important messages...."

[LiberallyInclined]

25. Maher makes no bones about his misogyny.

but to me, the BIG story that NEEDS to be brought to the surface of this mis-administration is Gannon/Guckert- and it looks like Bill is gonna try to make that happen!

[stanwyck]

32. His misogyny is repulsive to me

I think he really has a problem with women. He ruins almost every show with some inane reference to "girly" behavior. He just can't resist. Last night, he intentionally misconstrued the point of the professor's remarks and the real story, which is how under-represented women are on faculties in higher education, particularly in the sciences. He seems to desperately want to be everything to everybody. Hey, right now I'm being a liberal! Now, I'm a conservative! And, now, I'm a "man's man" macho guy.....see? I'm NOT a small-framed, wimpy guy at all. I'm one of those guys who thinks women should be women and men should be men. Whatever that means.
He lacks Stewart's confidence and charm.
So, he tries too hard.

[LiberallyInclined]

53. then don't watch.

:eyes:

[stanwyck]

57. valid point. But

I like his guests.

[LiberallyInclined]

62. then watch...

:shrug:

but don't expect him to change just to suit you...

btw- the thing where you say: "He seems to desperately want to be everything to everybody. Hey, right now I'm being a liberal! Now, I'm a conservative!..."

i don't think that he's ever claimed to be either- he claims to be mostly a libertarian, which kinda makes him a little of both, depending on the issue.

[theboss]

64. He is at the Playboy Mansion every week...

...and you expect his views on women not to be twisted?

[leyton]

36. Well, he was being a comedian/buffoon about it.

I agree with Bill Maher that Summers should not have been skewered for what he said; as for Maher's particular comments on the matter - puhleeze. He's a comedian, not a serious commentator. His remarks like the one about girly behavior are to be expected; comedy is meant to offend sometimes.

[drdon326]

27. Anyone know if show is repeated during the week??

i would like to see it again.

[otohara]

30. Many Times

Date Time Channel
2/19/2005 1:00AM HBO2E
2/19/2005 2:00AM HBO-W
2/19/2005 4:00AM HBO2W
2/19/2005 10:00PM HBO2E
2/20/2005 1:00AM HBO2W
2/21/2005 12:10AM HBO-E
2/21/2005 12:10AM HBOHD
2/21/2005 3:10AM HBO-W
2/23/2005 12:00AM HBO-E
2/23/2005 12:00AM HBOHD
2/23/2005 3:00AM HBO-W
2/23/2005 10:30PM HBO-E
2/23/2005 10:30PM HBOHD


These are EST and I only posted through Wednesday

[Obviousman]

28. Sheesh, can't you like someone but disagree with some of their positions?

If want to hear someone who has exactly the same views as yourself, why don't you start your own show. I thought Maher was great last night, even though I didn't agree with him on everything.

[Maat]

29. My husband watches it.

I lose interest fast.

His fawning over Ann Coulter is nauseating; his put-downs of people of faith, including people of progressive faith (of which I am one), are over the top.

If he was going on about the Radical Religious Right, I would probably be there right with him.

But, when a person starts using terms like "opiate, superstition, myth" with respect to faith, I tune out.

Lately, he's like David Horowitz. David is the same person - rabid rebel - he just did a 180-turn politically.

Bill, he just wants to stand apart from the crowd, but he really doesn't stand by any particular principles (in themselves).

[DU GrovelBot]

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[G_j]

35. I found it ridiculous that

they praised Bush for the elections in Iraq, without clearly making the point of the war crimes that led up to them.
Maher referred to "mistakes". Williams joked that people didn't know who they were voting for. Maher was trying to say that because many liberals hate Bush they won't give him due credit for the elections.
That, IMO is like praising a rapist for giving his victim a ride to the hospital.
All in all is was pretty weak I thought.
I almost have to hand it to Thompson for sitting there while Williams used a lot of profanity, he sure looked uncomfortable.

[Nickster]

37. Glad I wasn't the only one

I sat there kinda stunned while I was watching it. I couldn't believe some of the things he was saying. Then I started thinking about what Janeane Garofalo has said about Bill. She said when too many people agree with him, he has to go the other way. If he gets on his high horse about fructose corn syrup, I think I'll scream.

[deacon]

44. He likes coulter, who is a racist-- so screw him /nt

[Behind the Aegis]

45. Not one of his best.

My partner and I were not all that impressed. There were a few good points, like Biden saying the difference in Gannon and the Lewinsky affair is media and who controls it. Also, they can't call for an investigation because of who runs the judiciary committee (Rethugs), and RW saying about the Gannon affari..."better latent than never!" (which I believe should be the Log Cabin Rethugs motto).

[FM Arouet666]

48. Pathetic

After I spotted your post, I was prompted to view the episode, which I had TiVoed. I enjoyed it, up until he mentioned the response of a MIT female professor to the inane comments of the Harvard Dean. Describing her outrage in stereotypical manner, I turned off the program and deleted his show from my Season Pass.

General comedy should have no boundary, I take offense to almost nothing. But Maher's show is political humor, left leaning, political humor. To perpetuate stereotypes, more befitting the GOP, is pathetic. What is next, a skit on poor African Americans in jail?

[Zinfandel]

52. Thanks, you have all talked me out of watching Bill Maher tonight-I missed

the original airing...and after reading all your posts about Maher on Larry King and on "Real Time"...Fuck Maher!

Just like all of these so called news "journalist" who keep silent and play the game, repeating White House lies as news, they have all sold their souls -- When people like Maher & Miller, etc. who don't want to leave that fast-lane materialistic lifestyle...they sell out and become republicans...they ALWAYS have some bullshit reason why...but we ALL know it's ALWAYS for the money.

I don't believe Maher's ego could handle having Jon Stewart on "Real Time"!

[desertalien]

54. Robin Williams was really funny

He said we should give the Iragis our constitution since we're not using it. Best line of the show.

[theboss]

63. You are shocked that Maher is a misogynist?

That's really one of his defining characteristics. He's always been a pretty bright, women-hating libertarian. Last night seemed in line with that.