A thread about Bill Maher: The Good, The Bad, and The UGLY!

brianlux · September 2016

I know you're not all Maher fans but starting at 2:30 (please post a link with just the last part if you have one, thanks!) in this video, Maher sums up what is really going wrong in this election cycle and American politics in general and probably in our society as a whole. And aren't most of us guilty of incivility at one time or another? I know I could do better. Let's at least try.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPTtV5HBylk

BS44325 · September 2016

Amazing....coming from one of the major contributors to incivility. Guys like Maher love to have it both ways.

brianlux · September 2016

BS44325 said:
Amazing....coming from one of the major contributors to incivility. Guys like Maher love to have it both ways.

Yeah, he even pokes fun at himself that way in this video (I'm assuming you watched it). But what he says is worth considering nevertheless. To my way of thinking, it's spot on.

Let's talk about how we can be more civil. Maybe even here on AMT.

Gtilley8 · September 2016

BS44325 said:
Amazing....coming from one of the major contributors to incivility. Guys like Maher love to have it both ways.

Maybe we're not watching the same person, or you just don't agree with a single thing he says. He's a comedian, first and foremost, and probably a liberal Democrat second - so, he's going to poke fun at political idiots - and mostly from the right. He also counts Ann Coulter as one of his friends, so it appears he can find common ground with even the most uncivil.

hedonist · September 2016

Most can find common ground with anyone, if they're willing. That's wonderful in effort and purpose, and I'm really thankful for the ability to seek, find, and appreciate that in itself. Online or not.

If some can take in valuable inspiration from Maher, or anywhere else, I say rock on.

He strikes me as a tool these days, but that's just my take on what I've seen recently vs the old days.

As for true incivility? Nope as a rule - sure we all fuck up in that vein but not as a regular behavior and for me, typically not outside the confines of my car or the occasional yell at the TV. Within, all shit breaks loose. That release is normal. Unleashing it upon others, not so much.

brianlux · September 2016

Although it seems like a good idea for us all to practice more civility, the biggest thing I got out of Maher's rap is the idea that people in political office especially should be setting a better example. Listen to the video from 4:45 to 5:30. Bingo- perfect example of how politicians used to do the right and honorable thing. Their behavior now has largely become deplorable and they set the president for the rest of the country to act like adolescents. A new better example would be helpful!

unsung · September 2016

In theory it's a nice gesture but we are past that point of it ever happening. And I'm good with that because at least I know where I am.

brianlux · September 2016

unsung said:
In theory it's a nice gesture but we are past that point of it ever happening. And I'm good with that because at least I know where I am.

Never is a long time yet striving to do the right thing always makes sense.

Not sure what your second sentence means.

unsung · September 2016

I've come to accept what needs to be done to make things better.

brianlux · September 2016

unsung said:
I've come to accept what needs to be done to make things better.

Which is what this is all about. Yes, lets bring more decency and civility to politics and to our own words and actions!

pjhawks · September 2016

I like Maher's show and i think he is right even if right before he goes on his rant he calls Trump the Orange Hitler. if Trump loses i can't see him being civil about it. he has already said if he loses Pennsylvania the vote is rigged. the republicans have continually shown no respect for the office of the President once Obama was elected so not sure why we should expect that to change anytime soon.

brianlux · September 2016

pjhawks said:
I like Maher's show and i think he is right even if right before he goes on his rant he calls Trump the Orange Hitler. if Trump loses i can't see him being civil about it. he has already said if he loses Pennsylvania the vote is rigged. the republicans have continually shown no respect for the office of the President once Obama was elected so not sure why we should expect that to change anytime soon.

"Orange Hitler" was pretty funny!

Who knows, maybe if Trump loses he will be very civil knowing he can now start is comedy show on TV, LOL. I still have this sneaking suspicion he's just in it for the gag. Else wise why does he keep screwing things up so hugely every time he starts rising in the polls? He must be having a total gas with all of this.

If it's the other way around (I really doubt it) will Hillary concede with civility?

Either way, will be interesting to see.

josevolution · September 2016

The civility should come from the so called leaders i.e. The candidates and so far there's only one that has been anything but civil , and like pjhawks said Trump will be calling for riots if he looses the election !!

Degeneratefk · September 2016

I'm not a fan of that dude. He talks out both ends of his ass.

brianlux · September 2016

Degeneratefk said:
I'm not a fan of that dude. He talks out both ends of his ass.

<(^_*)>

I'm having a really hard time picturing what that looks like, haha!

Degeneratefk · September 2016

brianlux said:

Degeneratefk said:
I'm not a fan of that dude. He talks out both ends of his ass.
<(^_*)>

I'm having a really hard time picturing what that looks like, haha!

Y3s, it's a tough one. Kind of like "head over heels..." Ones head is always over their heels

brianlux · September 2016

Degeneratefk said:

brianlux said:

Degeneratefk said:
I'm not a fan of that dude. He talks out both ends of his ass.
<(^_*)>

I'm having a really hard time picturing what that looks like, haha!
Y3s, it's a tough one. Kind of like "head over heels..." Ones head is always over their heels

Heels over head is more difficult, that's for sure!

Lerxst1992 · April 16

https://youtu.be/RxlopbcfXpQ?si=jqYtNZsGOq7zCBoz

PJ_Soul · April 16

I saw Bill's monologue about his absolutely delightful dinner with Trump on YouTube.... I think they way people, now including Bill, characterize Trump as anything other than a disgusting, megalomaniacal tyrant just because he was pleasant in a social setting is revolting, and I have zero respect for anyone who does so. Normalizing Trump is straight up dangerous, especially on a huge stage.

josevolution · April 16

PJ_Soul said:

I saw Bill's monologue about his absolutely delightful dinner with Trump on YouTube.... I think they way people, now including Bill, characterize Trump as anything other than a disgusting, megalomaniacal tyrant just because he was pleasant in a social setting is revolting, and I have zero respect for anyone who does so. Normalizing Trump is straight up dangerous, especially on a huge stage.

Agreed, I’m glad to know who to stay away from!

benjs · April 16

PJ_Soul said:

I saw Bill's monologue about his absolutely delightful dinner with Trump on YouTube.... I think they way people, now including Bill, characterize Trump as anything other than a disgusting, megalomaniacal tyrant just because he was pleasant in a social setting is revolting, and I have zero respect for anyone who does so. Normalizing Trump is straight up dangerous, especially on a huge stage.

I'm not exactly sure what Bill Maher's point was. He discovered that Trump can act sane when the ramifications are nil, but otherwise - can't or won't. How should this be comforting to anyone?

Gern Blansten · April 16

My wife and I are in disagreement about Maher.

Honestly I don't have a problem with his meeting with trump. I think it solidified my belief that trump is just a great actor. He doesn't really believe most of the shit he spews. Unfortunately he is very likely compromised and that is what is playing out here.

PJ_Soul · April 16

benjs said:

PJ_Soul said:

I saw Bill's monologue about his absolutely delightful dinner with Trump on YouTube.... I think they way people, now including Bill, characterize Trump as anything other than a disgusting, megalomaniacal tyrant just because he was pleasant in a social setting is revolting, and I have zero respect for anyone who does so. Normalizing Trump is straight up dangerous, especially on a huge stage.

I'm not exactly sure what Bill Maher's point was. He discovered that Trump can act sane when the ramifications are nil, but otherwise - can't or won't. How should this be comforting to anyone?

Totally. The whole spiel really irritated me.

brianlux · April 16

None of this relates to my thread of nine years ago or what I think today. Come on people, there should be a new thread.

Gern Blansten · April 16

PJ_Soul said:

benjs said:

PJ_Soul said:

I saw Bill's monologue about his absolutely delightful dinner with Trump on YouTube.... I think they way people, now including Bill, characterize Trump as anything other than a disgusting, megalomaniacal tyrant just because he was pleasant in a social setting is revolting, and I have zero respect for anyone who does so. Normalizing Trump is straight up dangerous, especially on a huge stage.

I'm not exactly sure what Bill Maher's point was. He discovered that Trump can act sane when the ramifications are nil, but otherwise - can't or won't. How should this be comforting to anyone?

Totally. The whole spiel really irritated me.

Bill said he was just going to give his interpretation and that we should interpret it however we felt.

His main point was that he didn't see any of the psychotic dear leader that we see daily. In private he was relatively normal, he took criticism from him without lashing out, he didn't go on and on about Biden's age, his greatness, etc. He had no idea that he had reversed some Obama era directives that he was complaining about in the meeting.

DE4173 · April 16

brianlux said:

None of this relates to my thread of nine years ago or what I think today. Come on people, there should be a new thread.

It is interesting reading through the comments though. 🍿

HughFreakingDillon · April 16

brianlux said:

None of this relates to my thread of nine years ago or what I think today. Come on people, there should be a new thread.

I don't know. I searched for a Bill Maher thread after his dinner with trump and found about 400, so I just didn't bother starting a new one, or commenting at all. I do think that this might be a good showcase of the evolution of Bill's relationship with Trump. We obviously know the thread is old, and may not reflect your current opinion of him.

tbergs · April 16

Gern Blansten said:

PJ_Soul said:

benjs said:

PJ_Soul said:

I saw Bill's monologue about his absolutely delightful dinner with Trump on YouTube.... I think they way people, now including Bill, characterize Trump as anything other than a disgusting, megalomaniacal tyrant just because he was pleasant in a social setting is revolting, and I have zero respect for anyone who does so. Normalizing Trump is straight up dangerous, especially on a huge stage.

I'm not exactly sure what Bill Maher's point was. He discovered that Trump can act sane when the ramifications are nil, but otherwise - can't or won't. How should this be comforting to anyone?

Totally. The whole spiel really irritated me.

Bill said he was just going to give his interpretation and that we should interpret it however we felt.

His main point was that he didn't see any of the psychotic dear leader that we see daily. In private he was relatively normal, he took criticism from him without lashing out, he didn't go on and on about Biden's age, his greatness, etc. He had no idea that he had reversed some Obama era directives that he was complaining about in the meeting.

I watched it the other day as well. I mean, it was what we already knew about him. The campaign/politician Trump is an exaggerated caricature playing to the base of sycophants with divisive rhetoric and the private Trump is a schmoozer looking for attention. If nothing else, it just confirms what a piece of shit he is who will do whatever it takes to make money and stomp on those who get in his way. Bill was a useful idiot for a night, congrats I guess?

brianlux · April 16

HughFreakingDillon said:

brianlux said:

None of this relates to my thread of nine years ago or what I think today. Come on people, there should be a new thread.

I don't know. I searched for a Bill Maher thread after his dinner with trump and found about 400, so I just didn't bother starting a new one, or commenting at all. I do think that this might be a good showcase of the evolution of Bill's relationship with Trump. We obviously know the thread is old, and may not reflect your current opinion of him.

Good point, bud. I do suppose one could say it shows the devolution on Maher. Sad.

Gern Blansten · April 16

tbergs said:

Gern Blansten said:

PJ_Soul said:

benjs said:

PJ_Soul said:

I saw Bill's monologue about his absolutely delightful dinner with Trump on YouTube.... I think they way people, now including Bill, characterize Trump as anything other than a disgusting, megalomaniacal tyrant just because he was pleasant in a social setting is revolting, and I have zero respect for anyone who does so. Normalizing Trump is straight up dangerous, especially on a huge stage.

I'm not exactly sure what Bill Maher's point was. He discovered that Trump can act sane when the ramifications are nil, but otherwise - can't or won't. How should this be comforting to anyone?

Totally. The whole spiel really irritated me.

Bill said he was just going to give his interpretation and that we should interpret it however we felt.

His main point was that he didn't see any of the psychotic dear leader that we see daily. In private he was relatively normal, he took criticism from him without lashing out, he didn't go on and on about Biden's age, his greatness, etc. He had no idea that he had reversed some Obama era directives that he was complaining about in the meeting.

I watched it the other day as well. I mean, it was what we already knew about him. The campaign/politician Trump is an exaggerated caricature playing to the base of sycophants with divisive rhetoric and the private Trump is a schmoozer looking for attention. If nothing else, it just confirms what a piece of shit he is who will do whatever it takes to make money and stomp on those who get in his way. Bill was a useful idiot for a night, congrats I guess?

I just don't see it that way. Bill is doing the same thing that Newsom did by meeting with the "enemy"

I agree that it confirms that trump is a complete piece of shit. To me that was the point.

tbergs · April 16

Gern Blansten said:

tbergs said:

Gern Blansten said:

PJ_Soul said:

benjs said:

PJ_Soul said:

I saw Bill's monologue about his absolutely delightful dinner with Trump on YouTube.... I think they way people, now including Bill, characterize Trump as anything other than a disgusting, megalomaniacal tyrant just because he was pleasant in a social setting is revolting, and I have zero respect for anyone who does so. Normalizing Trump is straight up dangerous, especially on a huge stage.

I'm not exactly sure what Bill Maher's point was. He discovered that Trump can act sane when the ramifications are nil, but otherwise - can't or won't. How should this be comforting to anyone?

Totally. The whole spiel really irritated me.

Bill said he was just going to give his interpretation and that we should interpret it however we felt.

His main point was that he didn't see any of the psychotic dear leader that we see daily. In private he was relatively normal, he took criticism from him without lashing out, he didn't go on and on about Biden's age, his greatness, etc. He had no idea that he had reversed some Obama era directives that he was complaining about in the meeting.

I watched it the other day as well. I mean, it was what we already knew about him. The campaign/politician Trump is an exaggerated caricature playing to the base of sycophants with divisive rhetoric and the private Trump is a schmoozer looking for attention. If nothing else, it just confirms what a piece of shit he is who will do whatever it takes to make money and stomp on those who get in his way. Bill was a useful idiot for a night, congrats I guess?

I just don't see it that way. Bill is doing the same thing that Newsom did by meeting with the "enemy"

I agree that it confirms that trump is a complete piece of shit. To me that was the point.

I really don't care if he had dinner with him or other people meet with him because they need to for business relations. I just don't see what the point of this event was. Some of the other meetings I get, but this one, not really besides to be able to get some ratings for it, which I guess is business related for Bill.

A thread about Bill Maher: The Good, The Bad, and The UGLY!

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