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 The Return of ‘New Rules’Posted on Feb 17, 2008
Bill Maher’s writers are back and so is his biting commentary on the political and cultural issues of the week. In this clip, the “Real Time” host tackles the decline of the handshake, Bush’s war addiction, the fighting Romneys, McCain’s zombie army and why it isn’t amazing that the Democrats have suddenly discovered diversity. Watch it: 
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Jump to Comments
By tdbach, February 20, 2008 at 12:29 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
You’re right and you’re dead wrong, mostly because you throw too many disparate things into your basket.
Yes, Countdown and Hardball are entertainment in the guise of political discourse, and should be understood in that context.
Mayer is politics in the service of comedy, which is to say that is supposed to be funny, but irony works like metaphor: it’s a back-door route to insight or ideas; you may not agree with those ideas, but if it’s working, it’s getting past your first line of defense.
Colbert and the Daily Show are satire - an absolutely worthy vehicle for political and social discourse. Do you mean to suggest that Mark Twain and Jonathan Swift had nothing original and worthwhile to say about the human condition?
Report thisBy Sue, February 20, 2008 at 5:46 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Aegrus, you are so right about these shows creating an illusion of discourse. I finally realized that about Keith Olberman on MSNBC. NBC is owned by GE and I could never figure out why the largest producer of nuclear power and arms dealer allowed Olberman to be so critical of Bush. It’s all smoke and mirrors to lull the public into believing someone is speaking for us and protecting our free speech. Olberman recently criticized David Shuster for making a comment about Chelsea Clinton being “pimped out” by the Clintons. Olberman used the same words about General Petraeus being “pimped out” by the Bush administration a few months back. Shuster was “suspended” for 2 weeks after Clinton complained. Olberman never even had his wrist slapped. Dont’ be fooled by these talking heads and corporate-owned tv stations! TV is useless for news. Read the internet - truthdig, commondreams, etc.
Report thisBy Leefeller, February 18, 2008 at 7:39 pm #
Nice to see the writers back. What do you mean it is not real?
Report thisBy Aegrus, February 18, 2008 at 10:33 am #
Bill’s show is watchable, but I think its premise should be kept in mind. Real Time, The Daily Show, Cobert Report, Hardball, Countdown and all the other programs which highlight news are all for entertainment only.
The jackass pundits, political personalities and even the credible politicos are used, dismissed and distorted through the echo chamber of the mainstream media. How often do you see dumbass opinionists like Tucker Carlson and Arianna Huffington go onto Bill’s show and dominate the whole conversation on controversial topics? Mahr has gone so far as to make a point to his audience about his show being only for entertainment, so they should shut up when things don’t get discussed thoroughly.
I watch these programs from time to time, but I always remember the fact of their reality. These programs do not always provide accurate opinions, are not havens for debate and understanding of issues and are just for show to create an illusion of political discourse. They can all be amusing, though.
Real discourse, understanding and information is still only available on the internet and in certain publishings which are lesser known. We should really ask all of the media to do their job correctly because mock debate isn’t an adequate settlement for real debate.
I’m tired of hearing people praise these programs as saving democracy through comedy. Bullshit! They are counter-productive in most terms.
Report thisBy Expat, February 18, 2008 at 5:37 am #
^ in a long time. Thanks Bill and a special thanks to the writers.
Report thisBy dimaggio5, February 17, 2008 at 9:39 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Is he not the George Costanza of presidents???
Report this“MY WHOLE LIFE IS A LIE!!!!
By caia, February 17, 2008 at 8:50 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Bush scratching his arm and saying “I’ll suck your dick” are lifted straight from of Dave Chappelle’s “Killin’ Them Softly.”
Kinda spoils the whole thing for me.
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