The Issue Is: Bill Maher Shocks You

We sit down with Bill Maher to discuss his new book, "What This Comedian Said Will Shock You."
The comedian, author, and "Real Time" host, joins us at The Woods WeHo, a cannabis lounge Maher co-owns with, among other, Woody Harrelson.
We talk about his writing process, how the country has changed, and how he's changed.
All this, on a week where violent protests erupted on a number of college campuses across the country - including at UCLA, where pro-Palestinian protesters and counter-protesters clashed - Maher saying the protests and encampments show the need for a "page-one rewrite" of elite education in America.
"The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson" is California's statewide political show. Watch more episodes at The IssueIsShow.com

[@geoffreygroom2436]

I'm an oldish englishman who lives in Sweden and have been a 'follower' of Bill Maher for some years.If I want to try and understand the USA,Bill Maher is my guide.A voice of normality and reason in an age of 'absurdity'.

[@smilesandyoka]

Looooove you Mr. Maher - watching faithfully in Tokyo!

[@JamesAnderson-ez2df]

I used to like Bill until he rode on the coattails of Trump. He has seen his liberal woke minded lefties are really just comprised of manure.😮🧐🥸

[@robertbrooks3917]

What is funny is that I am a fairly moderate to middle conservative and I love Bill Maher. Yes he makes more fun of the right, of which I am part of, but he also makes fun of the ludicrous nature of the left.

[@williamhartz8707]

I like Bill’s bluntness and sarcasm. Sometimes I disagree with his comments or my feathers get “ruffled” but I can handle it. I don’t want everyone to agree with me.

[@c.l.montoya2972]

Getting your feathers ruffled is a good thing, builds character, and puts color in your feathers. Wow who doesn’t like colorful feathers?😉

[@jeffreyhendren5373]

What a cool show. I've never noticed this before but I really enjoyed it. I do really like Bill Maher, I don't agree with his opinions all the time but I still really enjoy him and appreciate his opinions.

[@bklmiami9796]

How great is Bill Maher. Standup guy.

[@bonniejanedrake7303]

Thanks for having Bill on the show! ❤

[@timwalters8951]

Bill is right 99 % of the time and that’s why I love him. He is the voice of reason!!

[@ericbogar9665]

He sounds pretty dumb when he acts like trans people exist and it's not a mental illness.

[@santemedical6802]

I have always admire Bill Maher...realtime with bill maher is a quality show.

[@joncamp9126]

Thank you!!! I see things like this and it helps to reassure that the tide is turning. Bill is right, most people do want to talk to the other side. Disliking people you’ve never met is silly. Loving people despite their differences, is a message that is needed more than ever. People seeing more messages like this, hopefully help to see past each others ideals. Not everyone is the same and that is ok. It’s always been one of the beautiful aspects of getting along with one another. It takes an actual diversity of ideas to make the world go round.

[@kathrynmcelroy5658]

GLAD I FOUND THIS!

[@ForeverBennett]

I was in the car with my trans friend listening to Bill and she asked to change the channel, I asked why, and she replied, "Because he gives a voice to Republicans". Which I thought was absolutely absurd. I said Bill was a fair guy and he was letting all sides speak, and that he's a classic liberal, but she just couldn't handle it.

[@BDogg2023]

And that is why Democrats lose. The far left is too extreme and intolerant, wanting the 95% of America who doesn’t agree with them to bow to their will.

[@rhondennis979]

Most ears can't, as you said, handle it because they want everyone and everything to be about them. Forget it the other issues are easy on crime, high inflation or no protection for the country's boarder. Just as long as there's that one ME issue. So glad trans wasn't an issue in Hitler's time. Makes you wonder how much support he would have gotten.

[@mariareyes7913]

I agree with your trans friend. He does give a voice to Republicans and l think is not fair for Democrats or lndipendant. That does not mean that l dislike him, l don't, l watch his show but that doesn't change my opinion of him. You can learn from him because once in a while, what he says is true. My mother used to say listen to everyone and keep what is good, what is not discarded.

[@ForeverBennett]

@@mariareyes7913 It's not fair to let Republicans talk?? That's ridiculous. I don't like the GOP either, but not letting the other side talk is flat out wrong if you believe in free speech. Bill is an old school liberal who has voted for democrats 99% of the time, the only time he voted for a Republican President was Bob Dole but that was a sentimental vote because Dole was the last candidate of the "greatest generation". He has rightfully called out the failures of the democrat party because he, like a lot of people, want them to be better! He is more than fair to liberals and independents and usually ends up getting into the most heated arguments with Republicans.

[@ruthhorowitz7625]

Your trans friend just admitted to not wanting the right to have a voice. I have a lot of disagreements with the right (and the left😂), but when you don't want them to have a voice, you are one step from losing their own.

[@johnclement9370]

Thats a really great interview, Bill is very honest, also I very much like the ending, Bill was so genuinely flattered and it was a heartfelt sincere moment, you can see how touched Bill really is by the sweet words... ❤ New Orleans

[@HamiltonVanMan]

Bill mentioned "heartfelt" in his description of Elex's praise, because he had that idea come up in the discussion he had with Jerry Seinfeld the day before, and it was somewhat of a new concept for Bill in the way it was presented, so he remembered it and used it in his thank you and appreciation here.

[@paulvincenti2]

Very nicely done Elex!

[@YeaYeaOKBUT]

Glad I found this show!

[@elexmichaelson]

Thanks. I hope you'll watch more of our shows!

[@thechristopherfaurisshow6327]

I lean right now because I grew up but Obama definitely was not a fool. Probably one of the or if not the sharpest minded presidents of all time.

[@bigdeal6852]

Obama was an educated man...no doubt, and yes not a fool...but he definitely fooled America.

[@phriedokra6158]

Will pray for you....

[@Soknik01]

If you're so grown up then why are you taking a jab at adults who don't lean right by implying that they are less grown up than you are?

[@thechristopherfaurisshow6327]

@@Soknik01 I said that I grew up. Not everyone grows up at the same time.

[@Soknik01]

@@thechristopherfaurisshow6327 that's not the question I asked.

[@Verdeangela12]

Great interview!

[@drabbit61]

Bill Maher....is so often correct. Don't you ever harm the messenger ! I'm 63. a Tasmanian-Kiwi. 26 yrs living in Thailand. Ask me

[@slappyabromowitz]

That was lovely. Enjoyed it

[@merlekimbal3755]

He’s mostly correct on many issues.. sometimes he exceeds boundaries.

[@ltcolumbo9708]

You forgot to ask if he loves children

[@frankmarrero8167]

We need political people to get up to date on his views. Sounds like common sense views to me.

[@raylang4608]

I like Bill Maher!!

[@LadyYoop]

Way cool...I love Bill.

[@Traderbear]

That was an awesome praise for Bill at the end 😊

[@elexmichaelson]

Thanks!

[@Rockerlady]

​@@elexmichaelsonGreat interview, Elex. Also great when you come out with Tim on KFI radio!

[@robvangessel3766]

Reform the Electoral College, get rid of Gerrymandering, and open up a system in this country that allows a 3rd party candidate to actually win a general election. And with that, let's create the Normies Party.

[@rtflone]

@robvangessel3766 I'd ask how you'd reform the Electoral College, but I'm afraid to hear the answer you'd give..

[@robvangessel3766]

@@rtflone The how would be up to legislators. The aim - or part of it - would ideally be to shake the EC loose of the money that controls it and to let the Popular Vote decide general elections instead allowing a faction to decide them - too often overriding the nationwide majority of voters. It's the reason we get stuck with deficient idiots like George W. Bush and Trump. For that matter, the we as the collective representatives of the electorate would be able to get things done, like common sense gun control, which is invariably impeded by corportions, the Washington Lobby, and so many politicians in their pockets. In other words, we not only need to save what we have of our democracy, we need to move the system to a purer democracy. It can't be done now, of course. As it is, we'll be lucky if we can prevent an oligarchy from completely taking hold.

[@fusi56]

I wonder if Bill is channelling the 1960s TV news anchor look. I'd love to see a photo of his dad who worked in news to see if they look alike.

[@mikejonesnoreally]

He's actually just taken his rightful place as the current "Jack Benny" :3

[@kathrynmcelroy5658]

wow what a great place!

[@angelaandreos9169]

Great Interview!!👏👏

[@elexmichaelson]

thank you!

[@livinginvancouverbc2247]

It's nice to see Bill not angry.

[@smilesandyoka]

He never gets "angry" in the sense of how most people express "anger" - he is just being HONEST

[@brendashafer4864]

The students tried that in Alabama In the college In Alabama students Shattered them down By saying USA USA USA

[@alciderichards3622]

Bill I am a "normie" too. I have never heard that one before. Much better than a RINO. I will use it when I can.

[@GreenEyes-gv6zj]

Love him...❤

[@ChrisMalo-pv1or]

Really good interview!

[@davidburns8662]

I am so jealous of Bill Maher. He gets to talk with the most amazing people who can say what's on their minds in a safe place. It's so good to have someone, "in this news as entertainment world" who speaks the truth. Hay! Bill, why don't you point out the fact that the abortion issue is being desided by old men, who can't participate in the fun part of making babies any more. The way I see things, you can't really call yourself a man untill you've past a kidney stone. When this happens to a man it's the closest we ever come to experiencing what our mothers endured bring us into the world. I never mis your show, it really makes Fridays the best day of the week. Keep up the good work!

[@michaelgregg8716]

I’ve passed a kidney stone. Men don’t lose the ability to procreate at any point in their lives, generally speaking. However I agree with everything else.

[@JacobElyachar]

Great conversation with Bill Maher, Elex!

[@elexmichaelson]

Thanks!

[@sarah_yang]

Excellent interview!

[@MrsLangue]

If Mahers writers are working during the weekend to give him the ideas on Monday when do they have free time? I am asking as a European longtime fan of Real Time 🙂

Couldn't agree more. American work places seem to be hellish. Greetings from Germany.

[@davidletarte214]

well he made it seem kinda like a continuous process & there are probably enough writers where they can squeeze a day off here & there, right? but yeah in europe you guys undoubtedly have better working conditions than the majority in the US... the trade-off is we get to have the most billionaires! but we also don't tax them properly so don't actually benefit off of their existence at all. it really totally sucks actually...

[@andydrewlinger9301]

Show writers working some on weekends has been common practice in American broadcast entertainment for decades. It's standard after the Friday night live show or taping of it to finalize a working draft on the following week's topics/episode. Then they deliver the text by courier service on Sunday to the homes of the rest of the staff and on-air host(s) or actors); that way the staff/cast are prepared with some depth to share useful opinions during the usual Monday "table read" of the proposed script. That helps everyone then prepare for rewrites, non-dress and dress rehearsals, etc. as the week moves along.

[@MrsLangue]

@@andydrewlinger9301 Thanks for the explanation. The life of a writers in Europe is possibly not much different. I do understand that being a writer is not like other regular jobs, and probably many writers consider their job more as an extension of their hobby and are happy they can work on such a good show. I just wonder if the writers would wish to have the weekends as free time. Maybe it is not really case. I also assume that Bill is a good boss. As far I know there are many people who are working for him for years. For me it is very important to have 1-2 days in the week so I can focus only on your family, friends and myself, and forget the job, even though I like it.

[@markwegner6821]

Bill Maher stayed the same and the world 🌍 happily 😊 moved towards him.

[@parmispouya9419]

Big fan of bill mahr!

[@Gary-sx5ox]

I love how Bill is evolving into the world of Real Reality vs Social Media Reality. I have one suggestion that a fellow stoner has to keep his evolving going in the right direction. In the movie with Brad Pitt, World War Z, there is a seen called the ‘tenth’ man theory. It basically says that if everyone is reporting on the same story, the same way with the same wording and the same opinion, it is the responsibility of the tenth man to disagree and dispute everything that is being said. To me, that is where Bill should his role in the future. Bill, the tenth man.

[@AndtherewasJoy13]

🌿 The Woods

[@marisfenix]

Normies ❤ love it ! Normies parades 😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@nancygenso6787]

He has terrific wry humor!!!!

[@kathrynmcelroy5658]

Elex Michaelson is da bomb! Handsome lad!

[@EdfromCanada]

I enjoy watching Bill Maher's show. I do, however, disagree with his stance that pot is an innocuous, fun vice. Anyone that I remember from high school that were pot heads all ended up messed up in adulthood. Heavy pot use by teens translates into higher mental illness issues and increased number of incidences of schizophrenia. Just my opinion and anecdotal observation in life. Bill Maher's show is the last vestige of relatively objective journalism.

[@BDogg2023]

Today’s pot isn’t your daddy’s pot. It is literally 10 times stronger than 60s weed. As a long time smoker who recently quit, I wholeheartedly agree with you. And I love Bill, have for decades.

[@literatious308]

I’m always baffled by why these “celebrities” keep being featured as consensus experts. Must be tool of nudging narratives.

[@kathyschevetto5634]

Cool commentary, and as a normee i too am at awe of bill!

[@andreasmueller8353]

Nice location, would definitely pay a visit if it wasn’t for the for me awful smell of weed.

[@BDogg2023]

Great segment. Makes Me actually want to move back to LA!

[@phriedokra6158]

Bill thinks moving to Floriduh will make him HAPPY....

[@lloydg6634]

Love the honesty…

[@paolah1828]

Greats show!

[@barbaracameron4945]

Not everyone lives there.

[@hammertic]

😮 Is having teeth like the keys on a grand piano obligatory to be an interviewer on American TV ? Just asking 😂

[@eddiejones1463]

Maher needs to look at the Fulton County elections investigation

[@fredschwartz1259]

Nice interview but... Who's running the cameras? Almost impossible to watch. I assume the person was high 😅

[@oldsalt8011]

Stoners running a pot store??? There goes the profit margin.

[@Skottink]

This is like a bad movie about a superstar Hollywood leading man talking about how the world has been dying for him to put all his famous thoughts into a book for them. How does his head fit in that room should be his new book title. Did the world change or did you? Seriously that's your deep thought?

[@f8accompli238]

First off, let me say I love Bill Maher but we are listening to one side of the story. If Bill truly wanted to be respected in the field of journalism by more than “yes men” and “head nodders” he would have TRUE REPRESENTATION of the college student protesters on his show. If they’re quacks, we’ll see that, but you can’t hog the mic and spew your propaganda without the public hearing a single voice from the other side. Make it happen Bill. Let the public decide. Have them on your show and let us decide instead of you telling us what they’re saying.

[@marlenesoifer7219]

My brother would LOVE YOU

[@khkaiser3345]

Bill has changed. The issue with being woke, he categorizes people which is the first form of prejudice

[@marlenesoifer7219]

Limits

[@bilianashantzshantz459]

This day.s Subway Dopont. &Devenport St.

[@bilianashantzshantz459]

Okay

[@MauricioGonzalezFilms]

9:13 - 1 President 535 legislators & 9 justices, plus your own state’s branches. Takes a lot of folks to row the country onward, not just a cathartic hate towards the random potus of the decade.

[@patrickmcguire7929]

That host Elex Michaelson is quite a gracious host & interviewer. Always liked Maher but believe he's too insulated by his success & lifestyle. He's bright & forthright but could use more "real time" amongst the commoners. Just saying, easy for me, I'm stuck with them. 😛

[@elexmichaelson]

Thanks for watching

[@frankcolasanto2519]

Bill, right on que, "election denier" that's all you ever talk about

[@nzfreeski]

well, fans of trump deny election results - you miss 2020?

[@rhondennis979]

​@@nzfreeski Well, with all the "mail-in votes" the left loves to come up with, makes one wonder. By the way, what's your opinion now of your Mr Biden now that we all see what he's done with the country?

[@jayrosen6663]

One of the few liberals that still supports Israel.

[@oldsalt8011]

Now all of the LGBTQ Hollywood Community needs to open a Steambath House with private showers and a Disco Lounge.

[@slappyabromowitz]

California has so much beauty. Shame the cities are unlivable.

[@ernestj5812]

Why dont Elex ask him about why Killery Hilton still does about 2016. May be you are the comedian here and Bill Maher is the journo! Shame on you!

[@paulft272]

nyc is the best. LA is ugly and dull!!

[@drbvo9578]

His TDS made him look old and grey

[@James-gh7od]

Get some glasses that fit properly

[@desimartinez559]

And whos hands are in these colleges id sqy the democratic party

[@andresduany7925]

😮😮😮😮

[@eyelight3056]

Trump lives in Bill's head 🤣

[@loro3849]

Bitter unhappy man.

[@hlic7941]

His unwavering support for Israel ruins the validity of his views

[@bilianashantzshantz459]

Toyota. Florida

[@demoscratos4577]

I love bill Maher , great interviewer and interview. However I don’t appreciate his shameless bias towards Israel when it comes to the conflict. There is way more to the situation that he conveniently cheery picks. And I say this person of paternal Jewish lineage. That said, dude has been a favorite since Politically Incorrect.

[@niacal4nia]

Greedy Bill Maher will say anything for ratings. Keep both Maga & liberals happy😂😂😂

[@SFRainmaker]

Great episode. Bill Maher is a legend. He is the voice of sanity in our insane world.

[@mollygail]

Bill Maher is such a silly liberal.

[@rockman4699]

Love his humor but he's on the wrong side of History regarding Gaza. I couldn't even watch when Netanyahu was on his show. As smart as bill is he should know better than to equate support for the Palestinians as support for Hamas. Come on Bill you can do better

[@user-yt2rq8qn3l]

Used to like Real Time but now it became a joke. Facts are filtered according to his bias, prejudice or their comedic value. It's no longer reliable. Even if, generously, you assess his factual accuracy to 50%, how you are going to find out which statements are which besides doing the research yourself? That defeats the whole point of tuning in to get 'Real'.

[@WhineNot]

Yawn. This is a thin promo…

[@Coopsterish]

I forgot how effeminate Maher is. 🧐

[@francisdaulby3809]

Beware of all who proclaim honesty.

[@radikalmoderate5705]

Who would be shocked by Shill Maher? Is this a satire site?

[@henriettashenderey7096]

Love Maher but: Trump 2024!😉

[@dustinmorgan3505]

Let's go trump

[@sevans606]

Bill is slowly turning into a Simpson's character

[@user-de4ty9kg6o]

I hear you. He conveniently ignores the slaughter of 30,000 Palastinians and focuses on student protesters.

[@sevans606]

@user-de4ty9kg6o lol it's been a 30,000 since the end of November. Israel is defending itself

[@user-de4ty9kg6o]

@@sevans606 killing 30000 civians,attacking U.N workers and arresting, and torturing a Pslastinian surgeons till he died is NOT defending one's self. You're a Schmuck galore.

[@mytherapymytruth]

Which one?

[@iHeartOiSkanks]

He is honest and wrong

[@conradgonzales1185]

Corporate Shill hack comedian: shocking

[@ZennaD]

Hey, Bill. Did Hillary lose in 2016?

[@CritterSitterofCary]

He now sounds like Dennis Prager...an embarrassment....limp

[@roccocupido5082]

Oh and 🇵🇸

[@zoetvanham]

I used to quite enjoy listening to Real Time, but since the fake laughers were added to the audience, this has become intolerable.

[@terrific804]

I cancelled HBO for one reason. I couldn't stand seeing him as I moved through the different channels on the feed to get to something that I did enjoy. The thought that he profited by being on that service was too much.

[@amirahsadre4570]

I used to watched Bill Maher all the time. But I have noticed a big change in him in the last few years that made me lose interest. I now attempt to watch Jon Stewart much more and enjoy his show more.