Bill Maher to Obama: Get off the TV and socialize this country, darn it
posted at 1:55 pm on June 13, 2009 by Allahpundit
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Via RCP, a video version of his op-ed in yesterday’s LA Times that proves it’s A-OK in Hollywood to attack The One so long as you’re attacking from the left. Five minutes is a long time to endure smugness this thick but force yourself through it, as I think it represents a tipping point: When even a media whore as whorish as Maher is telling Obama he’s overexposed, he’s overexposed.
Pity poor Captain Legthrill next to him, forced to sit through such extended blasphemy. Exit question: Is Maher still calling himself a libertarian these days? He’s less laissez faire than Andrew Sullivan is conservative.
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tipping point? let’s hope so…
homesickamerican on June 13, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Haha
Good question. Maher Libertarians are a very special group of people /sarc
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 1:59 PM
c’mom, don’t do this to me, i can’t stand this wind bag! i even cancelled hbo cause of this puke.
SHARPTOOTH on June 13, 2009 at 1:59 PM
It would not hurt my feeling one bit not to see bho on tv until the next SOTU address, and then I would mute it. I am sick to death of seeing him on 24/7.
L
letget on June 13, 2009 at 2:01 PM
The worse part according to huffpo was that he suggested that Obama needs to force his will on the american people and damn be his popularity polls.
William Amos on June 13, 2009 at 2:02 PM
I have to admit he’s right about this. Its like:
BREAKING NEWS: Obama Taking a Laxative. More As The Story Develops.
Ryan Gandy on June 13, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Sorry, can’t listen to this, even for Hot Air!
Hobbes on June 13, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Is the LA Times so desperate for content they are reduced to continually letting Bill Maher pen op-eds? Is this what the standard for deep, penetrating thoughts and insights in LA has come to?
ChrisB on June 13, 2009 at 2:04 PM
No , he’s latrinien , full of it..
the_nile on June 13, 2009 at 2:05 PM
ChrisB on June 13, 2009 at 2:04 PM
It could be worse, they could have let Bill Ayers cross-post from HuffBlow.
Ryan Gandy on June 13, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Bill Maher looks like a guy who should be running a cheap pawn shop someplace…
The kind that sells dirty DVDs in the back room.
hawkdriver on June 13, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Who’s your Daddy on the teleprompter cracked me up.
longfeet on June 13, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Even his audience (who I assume are there voluntarily) give him basically pity laughs at his jokes.
Marcus on June 13, 2009 at 2:07 PM
I think most libertarians would have difficulty associating Maher and their core beliefs.
johnsteele on June 13, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Sorry, can’t listen to this, even for Hot Air!
Hobbes on June 13, 2009 at 2:03 PM
exactly………
SHARPTOOTH on June 13, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Are u kidding…I hate the guy, but I have like a million HBO stations on cable. Just don’t watch him, but HBO has some awesome movies, and shows, entourage anyone?. I love Boxing too…so no, I refuse to let the windbag win.
I’m keeping my HBO.
Chudi on June 13, 2009 at 2:08 PM
I like the Maher Halloween picture of him~ with the bloody stingray spike “embedded” in his chest, wearing “Croc Hunter” khakis~ better.
Shows his soul.
Shrivelled and slimy.
profitsbeard on June 13, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Chudi on June 13, 2009 at 2:08 PM
he’s constantly on ,he’s like herpes you can’t get rid of him…..
SHARPTOOTH on June 13, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Let him be, Bill. The more exposure, the more lies and broken promises. I want Dear Leader at the forefront of everyone’s minds as the next 3 years unfold. You broke it, you own it.
a capella on June 13, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Rethuglicans will lose the health care debate because the status-quo is currently unacceptable. They had eight years to reform health care and they didn’t. They for the dems to run their experiment
equality on June 13, 2009 at 2:11 PM
How long has Europe been running their “experiment?”
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Obama is damned if he does and damned if he does not.
Maher can always move back to Canada if the USA is not socialist enough for him. He is a Canuck isn’t he?
Terrye on June 13, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Oh come on man! It’s bad enough I watched part of Olberdouche’s video. Now you expect us to stomach Maher in the same day as well?! I’d rather be water boarded!
mizflame98 on June 13, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Will the REAL AMERICANS please stand up!
DougDavis on June 13, 2009 at 2:14 PM
equality on June 13, 2009 at 2:11 PM
you know,dr frankenstein also experimeted.
SHARPTOOTH on June 13, 2009 at 2:14 PM
How about a 2-fer, pull the plug on Obama and Maher.
moonsbreath on June 13, 2009 at 2:15 PM
equality:
Rethuglicans??? My oh my how unequal is that.
The status quo has been acceptable for a long time now and somehow or other most Americans have tolerated it. I think they will be just as willing to tolerate the status quo as they will be to tolerate rationed care and a $600 billion tax increase.
If I am a Rethuglican then you are a Demonrat.
Two can play at that game.
Terrye on June 13, 2009 at 2:15 PM
If this guy is a libertarian…. then BO is a moderate.
txag92 on June 13, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Poor Maher . . . now he knows what it feels like to be patronized and marginalized by a president of one’s own party. Re spending, immigration, bailouts, etc., we on the Right had to tolerate it for eight years — now Maher can squirm under catcalls such as, “If it’s so important, why isn’t your guy doing something about it?” Of course, poor besotted Matthews won’t be able to shift his focus from his thrilling leg to even notice . . .
loneloc on June 13, 2009 at 2:17 PM
I could be wrong, but didn’t this tard some time ago in years past try and call himself a Libertarian?
RobertInLexington on June 13, 2009 at 2:19 PM
More libertine than libertarian.
Patrick on June 13, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Mahr……..another fucking idiot heard from.
GarandFan on June 13, 2009 at 2:19 PM
What is Maher smoking in that bong? Oh yeah, Govt. reefer. BO is operating with way more bravado than Bush. BO is redefining swagger. And he is force-feeding his agenda at light speed! Barak’s stones are bigger than the Sun that revolves around him!
AmeriKeith on June 13, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Hey, if MegMac is a con, then Maher is a libertarian…
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Is there a transcript I can read? I just can’t stomach this guy, even for 5 minutes.
Jvette on June 13, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Waiting for Obamacity…
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 2:21 PM
This is his obligatory “I said something not postive about Obama” verbal screed so if anybody ever says all Maher ever does is say positive things about Obama he can refer to this.
He will be back to fawning and glorifying Obama at the next opportunity.
albill on June 13, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Maher and the socialist (there, I said it) left have always had a odd mix of contempt and concern for the American people and working class. Well, at least since the sixties. We see it expressed here with Maher’s monologue.
One the one hand they view them as idiots for their religious beliefs and, broadly speaking, more conservative cultural views. Not to mention their nationalism and love of America. And worst of all, they often keep voting in those neanderthal Republicans.
Morons.
On the other hand, the left sees them as victims of religious institutions or big business or some other nefarious force. Forces that they, the left, are committed to defeating if only the public would put them, the smart and wise, in power.
Idiots and victims. Sufferers and insufferable.
Very strange mix of populism and elitism.
Anyway, where does this sort of “I am my brother’s keeper” view by Maher come from?
SteveMG on June 13, 2009 at 2:24 PM
I didn’t know that Maher used to call himself a libertarian.
terryannonline on June 13, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Better headline:
Bill Maher calls Obama ineffective as President.
Skywise on June 13, 2009 at 2:25 PM
LOL, that word is so 9/10.
Let me guess, you still believe Gore won the 2000 election?
Del Dolemonte on June 13, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Try as I might, I just can’t bring myself to click the link and watch this friggin moron. err, I mean media whore!
glennbo on June 13, 2009 at 2:27 PM
How is this man’s face allowed to be on public television?
EMR on June 13, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Chrissy Matthews looked like he wanted to upchuck.. ROFLOL..
I’m shocked that Maher is coming and saying this..
reshas1 on June 13, 2009 at 2:30 PM
You might be onto something. Obama is stealing his attention.
As much as I like some Ann Coulter comedy, I’m also bracing for her to lash out… Rush has all of the attention right now…
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Do I get points for reading the editorial or must I watch the video.
Cindy Munford on June 13, 2009 at 2:31 PM
Maher blows… But the NORAD line was at least funny.
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Notice how Captain Legthrill was rocking? I’ll bet that is his version of thumb sucking…
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RalphyBoy on June 13, 2009 at 2:31 PM
I can see where Maher is libertarian on some issues (foreign policy and social issues). But I think libertarianism mainly defined by economic issues and Maher is NO libertarian when it comes to the economy!
terryannonline on June 13, 2009 at 2:31 PM
I brought myself to watch it………does that make me a bad person???
FontanaConservative on June 13, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Really? This is something I saw posted by someone in the Maher
“libertarian”green party.He’s not moving FAST enough.
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Perhaps Mahers words about forcibly inposing his will on people was a bit of a turn off, or a wake up to their current reality? Hope Hope Hope. Otherwise, Maher is a petty little man, who begs for attention. He can’t get enough. Makes ya wonder. Maybe his mother couldn’t tolerate he crap either.
capejasmine on June 13, 2009 at 2:32 PM
I wouldn’t even call him a social libertarian.
He doesn’t mind imposing HIS standards on other people.
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 2:33 PM
How so? Expand,
terryannonline on June 13, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Heh… I had a feeling you’d ask… just a sec…
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Sorry ALLAH, I refuse to watch 1 second of that douche.
angryed on June 13, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Yes, he did at one time. But real libertarians saw right through that charade from the get-go.
Independent, maybe. But independent does not equal libertarian.
Woody Harrelson used to call himself a libertarian too. As far as I can tell, the only viewpoint that these two guys have that’s even close to libertarian is legalizing marijuana.
UltimateBob on June 13, 2009 at 2:40 PM
I did…you owe me one…:P
The only time I’ve actually liked Bill Maher is when he threw that 9/11 troofer tool out of his studio audience. But like they say about a broken clock…
As for Chris Matthews… prophecy?
JetBoy on June 13, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Isn’t that cute? You’ve outed yourself as a moron immediately.
And invoked a strawman as the followup.
A two-fer!
lorien1973 on June 13, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Maher looks old. Hopefully he will cease to appear anywhere soon. I refuse to watch either him or Dear Leader. My health is fine but I see no reason to test it in that manner, rather run a marathon in bare feet.
Harry Schell on June 13, 2009 at 2:41 PM
How about a massive state intervention into the economy, high tax rates, redistribution of the resources.
All in the name of fairness or equality or social justice.
Recall Berlin’s distinction between negative liberty and positive liberty?
Not to mention driving religion out of the public square.
SteveMG on June 13, 2009 at 2:42 PM
I think there are tons of people who have no clue what libertarianism means.
terryannonline on June 13, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Had a discussion at work with a lefty, media bias. I pointed to the recent News Week editor’s “like a god” pronouncement… His reply was that Bush received the same drooling from the media during the ‘honeymoon’ period.
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Pu-leese. Bush had no ‘honeymoon’ because of the ranting over the photo finish like election results. His ‘honeymoon’ was ruined by an ex-entitled who never let it go. And within a week of 911, the truthers were lining up, so… Obama needs a bit of that treatment, the ‘Bush’ effect that Maher is hoping for… reversed.
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Just one term of “Not my precedent”, then out.
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RalphyBoy on June 13, 2009 at 2:46 PM
Cuz it doesn’t mean anything.
Libertarians are scatter shot.
For most of them, if you legalize pot, they’ll agree with anything else you do.
That’s reality. Unfortunately.
lorien1973 on June 13, 2009 at 2:46 PM
terryannonline on June 13, 2009 at 2:43 PM
by all means broaden my horizon….
SHARPTOOTH on June 13, 2009 at 2:46 PM
Tipping point? How bout a coordinated effort to get the gullable drones to choke down the next wave of s#!t while there suffering from indigestion on the first load.
smed on June 13, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Yes. Yes it does.
lorien1973 on June 13, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Well, first, I personally get ticked when a self-described “libertarian” comes out and says things like “Hey, I’m a libertarian. Let people do what they want,” and then the next minute comes out and will bash on totally reasonable positions – calling them backward. Sure, he can still be a libertarian and feel free to worry about other people’s personal lives, but it’s already a little strange. OK, but this doesn’t mean he’s not a libertarian.
My real issue would be perhaps his support for gay marriage or Environmentalism. I don’t know exactly where he stands except that he’s “for it.” I’m assuming that he’s for government sanctioned gay marriage. This is not a libertarian platform. It seems to only strengthen the size of government.
Environmentalism? Most current environmental regulation tends to be anything but libertarian. It often infringes on the rights of the individual. Again, not libertarian.
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 2:48 PM
Very true. I believe the only place Maher thinks one can constitutionally talk about Jesus is at church.
terryannonline on June 13, 2009 at 2:51 PM
I like comedy. I can laugh at anyone no matter what their politics are, just so long as the jokes they’re making are technically funny.
Maher is not funny. He sounds like he has a couple of smug college students writing for him and they’re writing jokes to make other smug college students laugh. A bong joke next to a Dick Cheney joke? Pretty much says it all doesn’t it. How the hell did this man ever land a TV deal? Blackmail?
Sharke on June 13, 2009 at 2:51 PM
AKA Maher Libertarians that watch Stewart.
~~~AKA Hipsters
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Well, I don’t know for sure, but I’m 99% sure. Again, not a social libertarian.
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 2:52 PM
There’s some hoping for change but don’t count on it.
This is Clinton II, same people, different mascot. He will be on TV everyday. There is nothing trivial enough for him not to make an appearance for.
Worst part—three years and six months to go—maybe seven years and six months. Yikes.
patrick neid on June 13, 2009 at 2:53 PM
:(
FontanaConservative on June 13, 2009 at 2:57 PM
I think Maher is just an unhappy person, period. He could have a POTUS that changes the country 99% to his liking and he would still be mad at the 1 percent he didn’t change. One of the sad things about extreme leftism is they are Utopian & nothing will satisfy them because Utopia doesn’t exist here on Earth.
terryannonline on June 13, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Despite this, most modern usage of the term “Utopia” assumes the latter meaning, that of a place of perfection rather than nonexistence.
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Can a person really be this dishonest, or is he just deranged?
Also, did you hear the very light and timid smattering of applause when he first said Obama needs to stop being on TV and “do something”. The congregation wanted to shout “BLASPHEMY!”
Also, who the f is this turd to talk about the constitution when there has never been a president who’s wiped his ass with it as much as Hussein. How many “czars” are we up to now, by the way? How many companies does the government own and control now?
For all the attacks on Bush, regarding the constitution, I can’t say I’ve ever actually heard an example. Because we dunked 3 of the world’s top terrorists in water? People who not only don’t share our rights, but the Geneva convention doesn’t apply to them either. So again, unless the left is talking about the open border (which they’re not) I don’t know what part of the constitution Bush violated.
RightWinged on June 13, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Marxist
Schadenfreude on June 13, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Gawd! I hate that I let you talk me into listening to that twerp AP. I bet that was pretty uncomfortable for that piece of trash sitting next to him though.
conservnut on June 13, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Maher claims he’s a libertarian. Chomsky claims he’s an anarchist. Neither of them have said or done anything to justify these claims. They’re just ham-fisted attempts to deflect accusations of partisanship. The two of them are left wing.
Maher a libertarian? He’s supported environmentalism, a minimum wage and has spoken out in favor of public education. He supports gun control laws. While he has in the past expressed views which could not be described as garden variety liberal, he is most certainly left of center. Libertarianism may come in a few flavors but at its core it represents a belief in the primacy and liberty of the individual and his right to live without interference of the state. The trouble is that you will always have the occasional lefty who thinks that because he believes in abolishing drug laws and is sexually liberal that he’s a libertarian.
Sharke on June 13, 2009 at 3:05 PM
I always thought that was the definition ;-)
I still think he leans more towards Green…
Upstater85 on June 13, 2009 at 3:07 PM
I can’t believe that Maher admitted on national television that he doesn’t care how his leftist policies get enacted
just along as they get enacted.
terryannonline on June 13, 2009 at 3:08 PM
It’s not a Maher rant without a Bush bash in it. But it is fun seeing Maher with buyer’s remorse.
Hog Wild on June 13, 2009 at 3:12 PM
I don’t say this often, but I agree with RW 100% there. And terryann, I believe this is what the Left will all be like in 6 months…they’ll get angry at Obama and demand he do whatever it takes to enact his leftist policies.
They’ve vested too much time and energy into Obama to simply let him off the hook.
JetBoy on June 13, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Maher forget one line from his closing: “Workers of the world unite, you have nothing to lose but your chains.”
ieplaya on June 13, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Best part from last night’s HA Headlines thread, on same topic
Schadenfreude on June 13, 2009 at 3:18 PM
This is a strange clip. I get where Maher is coming from on the overexposure of Obama in the media. I’m sick of it too, although it’s not like it was any different during the campaign.
But what exactly is Maher complaining about regarding his agenda? Obama’s gotten everything he’s wanted so far and it’s been less than 5 months. And he’s gearing up for health care and crap-and-trade next.
What is Obama not getting done that has him all riled up? Is it the fact that the economy is still in the toilet and sinking even further that has him questioning the effectiveness of liberalism? If so, fine. But don’t mask it with this rant about too much TV time and out-of-date Bush jokes. Just come out and say he’s a failure.
Doughboy on June 13, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Yeah I loved the way kept on emphasizing several “i don’t like bush” just in case an audience member misinterpreted his sarcasm. LOL! Does he really thing his audience are a bunch of idiots that can’t recognize sarcasm?
terryannonline on June 13, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Maher just likes being contrarian. I’m sure he’ll be saying something completely different next week.
Speedwagon82 on June 13, 2009 at 3:20 PM
All pathological narcissists like to be overexposed: the Castro thugs, Chavez, the little guys in Iran and N. Korea, the U.S.S.R. dudes, and a few others in history. Their days came, or will come, one by one.
Schadenfreude on June 13, 2009 at 3:23 PM
you are right. i hear a lot of people who are clearly “progressives” calling themselves libertarians and i am always like, “it doesn’t mean what you think it means.”
then i either get a blank stare or get talked down to.
it’s the same semantics game that they play when they call themselves “progressive” instead of “liberal”. i just say, “face it you’re a leftist.”
homesickamerican on June 13, 2009 at 3:24 PM
From the left, to the right. Respectfully, even you need to study it a bit more, Terryann.
Schadenfreude on June 13, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Maher has the same effect on me as ipecac. Can’t bear the man.
Dino64 on June 13, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Liberals are too critical of there leaders when they are in power i.e. “He’s not moving fast enough!” or “That is not enough!” Conservatives are not critical enough when in power i.e. we could have been much more critical of Bush and the Republican Congress.
terryannonline on June 13, 2009 at 3:30 PM
What do u mean?
terryannonline on June 13, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Maybe he’s a Liberaltarian
redridinghood on June 13, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Nice try, Allah. However, I don’t care if he suddenly campaigns for a Fred Thompson / Monica Bellucci 2012 ticket. He’s a snide, condescending, intellectually dishonest puddle of used douche.
MadisonConservative on June 13, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Bill, you’re so funny I almost forgot to laugh. What’s wrong…..running out of President Bush material?
yoda on June 13, 2009 at 3:37 PM
I think this is classic. Liberals attacking liberals. Although, I do agree with Maher slightly in that having any overexposure to the President does diminish the office.
I’ve got a blog up where I comment on these and other things. Check it out at
mncons72 on June 13, 2009 at 3:38 PM
I think this is classic. Liberals attacking liberals. Although, I do agree with Maher slightly in that having any overexposure to the President does diminish the office.
I’ve got a blog up where I comment on these and other things. Check it out at
mncons72 on June 13, 2009 at 3:39 PM
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