Comedian and host of HBO’s “Real Time,” Bill Maher, shut down Michael Moore during Maher’s Friday night show over the liberal documentarian’s anti-Republican rant.
As Moore explained that he has never been more optimistic heading into the midterm elections about the direction of the country, he became so enthralled that the host had to interject with a reminder for him to respond to additional questions.
Initially, Maher introduced Moore and noted to the audience that it was the 20th anniversary of Moore’s documentary, “Bowling for Columbine,” then joked about the filmmaker’s recent loss of weight: “You look like Michael Less.”
The discussion quickly evolved into politics.
“So, ah, listen, we’ve talked about the midterms many times here. I think there’s sort of a bright spot there in the fact that the country is on the brink,” Maher began. “Which, for the first time I can remember, the midterms are sexy. This is the one usually we had trouble getting people to go out and vote for. Now there’s very high enthusiasm for a midterm election.”
After reminding viewers and the audience to get out and vote, Moore talked about why he believes Democrats are in good shape despite President Joe Biden’s dismal approval ratings, high inflation, a tanking stock market, and a chaotic southwestern border.
“I honestly believe Bill, and you know, you and I are two well-known pessimists, I think, and I have never felt this optimistic,” he said. “And I, and, you know, I was on your show here, what’s, now six years ago when I said that Trump was going to win. And the audience booed me, and you stood up for me.”
“You know, I’m from the Midwest. I think I had a pretty good sense of what was going to happen. I think the opposite is going to happen this time,” Moore continued. “I think that that there is going to be such a landslide against the traitors, especially the 147 Republicans who just hours after the insurrection voted to not certify the elected President of the United States, Joe Biden.”
“And I think that there is going to be so many people coming out to vote. I want to thank the Supreme Court for reminding women that they are, in fact, second-class citizens and taking their rights away like this. There are so many,” he continued.
The left-wing documentarian then named a number of states where abortion was already being restricted following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June to overturn Roe v. Wade.
“I think there’s a real revolution, a nonviolent revolution going on in favor of democracy,” Moore concluded. “People don’t want to lose it.”
“Michael Moore. Now let’s meet our panel,” Maher said, trying to pivot.
“I’m sorry!” Moore responded.
“I’m sorry. Question two!” Maher replied.
“I’m just excited,” Moore continued. “We’re going to get rid of these people that are trying to tear the country down. We’re going to get rid of them. I’m excited about it.”
“I see. You know, we have some Republicans watching this show. We are, we are for all Americans on this show,” Maher reminded Moore.
“So I don’t know. But that’s why we should …” Moore rambled on.
“Yeah, I know, I know. Shut the fuck up! Shut up right now and answer one other question. Okay?” Maher chided, as he clearly stated he was moving forward.
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In March, Maher predicted that former President Donald Trump could win again in 2024 because of Democrats’ ‘woke’ policies in public schools and throughout society.
“I could see that Trump could actually win that election, easily,” Maher told guest Ben Shapiro. “Especially if the Democrats keep doing the stuff they are doing to piss people off, like in schools, with all that kind of stuff.
“My theme has been that, yes, both parties have a lot to answer for. Again, I told you where my politics are in general, okay? I’m not coming over to this side. I do think that Republicans are more dangerous,” the liberal host noted further.
“But what pisses people off with Democrats is so much closer to home, it’s so much up close and personal,” he added.