Real Time with Bill Maher Season 17 Episode 31 October 18, 2019

On October 18, 2019, Real Time with Bill Maher aired its 31st episode of the 17th season, featuring a diverse panel of guests discussing current events and political issues.

The show began with Maher's opening monologue, where he delved into his thoughts on the ongoing impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump, the recent Democratic presidential debate, and the danger of China's rising power on the world stage.

Maher kicked off the panel portion of the show by interviewing political scientist Ian Bremmer. Bremmer, an expert in geopolitics and international relations, shared his thoughts on the current state of global affairs, including the Syrian conflict, North Korea's nuclear program, and the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China.

Next up was John McWhorter, a linguistics professor and author who discussed the ways in which language shapes our perceptions and beliefs surrounding race. McWhorter argued against the idea of "white privilege," suggesting that the term has become overused and oversimplified, leading to a lack of nuance in discussions about racial inequality. He also discussed the implications of the recent college admissions scandal, which revealed the ways in which wealthy families can game the system to secure spots at elite universities for their children.

The panel then shifted to the topic of technology and its impact on society, with returning guest Kara Swisher, the co-founder of Recode, and Zachary Karabell, an author and expert in finance and economics. Swisher and Karabell discussed the problematic practices of tech giants like Facebook and Google, and the need for increased regulation to prevent monopolization and misuse of user data. They also explored the potential long-term effects of technological advancements like artificial intelligence and automation on the job market and economic inequality.

The final guest of the night was former Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who joined Maher for an in-depth conversation about his experiences in the military and his views on current political leadership. Mattis shared his concerns about the U.S. pulling troops out of Syria, arguing that it could create a power vacuum that would benefit Russia and Iran. He also discussed the state of American democracy, noting the importance of a free and independent press in holding leaders accountable and maintaining public trust.

Throughout the show, Maher and his panelists engaged in lively and thought-provoking discussions that delved deep into the complexities of the current political landscape. The episode was notable for its diverse range of perspectives, with guests from academia, the tech industry, and the military all weighing in on important issues facing the world today.