Ep 7. March 6, 2020

Real Time with Bill Maher is a political talk show that features a panel discussion, interviews, and monologues from host Bill Maher. Season 18 episode 7, which aired on March 6, 2020, welcomed a diverse group of guests to discuss the current political climate, social issues, and news of the week.

The episode opened with Maher discussing the latest developments in the Democratic primaries and the impact of the coronavirus on the global economy. Maher also touched on the tensions between the United States and Iran, questioning whether President Trump's actions were leading to a potential war.

Maher's guests for the evening included journalist Carl Bernstein, political commentator Neera Tanden, and comedian Jordan Klepper. Bernstein, known for his reporting on the Watergate scandal, spoke about the importance of a free press and the role of journalism in a democracy. Tanden, who served as a senior advisor to President Obama, shared her insights on the Democratic primaries, the role of superdelegates, and the challenges facing the party leading up to the 2020 election. Klepper, famously known for his work on The Daily Show, brought humor to the discussion, touching on everything from the absurdity of the political process to the challenges of being a white man in today's society.

One of the highlights of the show was a one-on-one interview with Congressman Justin Amash, who made headlines in 2019 when he left the Republican party and became an Independent. Amash spoke with Maher about his decision to leave the GOP, his thoughts on President Trump, and his views on the current state of our political system. Amash, who has been described as a principled conservative, pushed back on Maher's suggestion that his views were more aligned with the Democrats, stating that his values were rooted in libertarianism and a commitment to individual rights and limited government.

The panel discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the impact of the #MeToo movement on the entertainment industry, the role of money in politics, and the effectiveness of political ads. Bernstein spoke passionately about the need for journalists to hold those in power accountable, stating that the press was "the last line of defense" against tyranny. Tanden and Klepper exchanged some playful banter, with Tanden questioning the effectiveness of Klepper's comedy in bringing about real change and Klepper firing back with humorous jabs at the political establishment.

Throughout the show, Maher utilized his wit and humor to bring levity to some of the more serious topics, while also challenging his guests to engage in thoughtful and meaningful conversation. The episode was a reflection of Maher's trademark style, which combines sharp political commentary with a willingness to tackle controversial issues head-on.

Overall, Real Time with Bill Maher season 18 episode 7 was a thought-provoking and entertaining look at the current state of our political and social systems. With a diverse range of guests, engaging conversations, and Maher's signature comedic touch, the episode was a reminder of the importance of having open and honest discussions about the issues that matter most.