HBO’s “Real Time” host, Bill Maher, declared that contemporary left-wing Ideas are “stupid” during his appearance on CNN with Fareed Zakaria. Maher was on air to promote his new book, “What This Comedian Said Will Shock You”. Zakaria questioned Maher regarding concerns of his alleged shift to more conservative views, accusing him of being one of the “old guys who says the kids are crazy.”
Despite acknowledging that his side-leaning humor has increased towards the left, Maher shared that his political perspective remained consistent. He also criticized the right for its allegiance to former President Donald Trump, accusing them of losing belief in democracy.
Touching on transformation within both political spectrums, Maher argued that while the right had changed for the worse, the left had also shifted. The HBO host listed a range of ideas currently popular on the left such as, challenging gender norms, tearing down statues of historical figures, and reconsidering communism; which he flatly rejected as “stupid”.
Maher pointed out the absence of cross-party congeniality, reminiscing about the time when former President Ronald Reagan and Democratic leader, Tip O’Neill, could enjoy a friendly drink together. Emphasizing the need for both sides to listen to each other despite disagreements, Maher lamented the current climate, where both opposing sides view each other as existential threats.