This was such a dumb argument from Maher.
On a recent episode of Real Time, Bill Maher mocked President Donald Trump over his frustration with Democrats during his address to Congress. Trump expressed disappointment that no matter what he said or did, Democrats refused to stand, smile, or applaud. Maher jokingly referred to Trump’s frustration as that of a “little boy” who hadn’t received enough attention or praise, comparing it to a relationship argument where one partner feels unable to make the other happy.
Maher also referenced President Biden’s own State of the Union speech from the previous year, where Biden condemned political violence. He pointed out that many Republican lawmakers refused to stand or applaud for this sentiment, suggesting that both sides were equally guilty of refusing to cooperate or show support when it didn’t align with their views.
During his speech, Trump highlighted his accomplishments and lamented the unwillingness of Democrats to acknowledge them, even if they were historic or groundbreaking. He questioned why Democrats couldn’t join in celebrating America’s successes for just one night and urged them to work together for the country’s benefit.
Maher, while mocking Trump, also commented on how predictable and familiar Trump’s statements had become. He acknowledged that conservatives, in particular, were no longer fazed by Trump’s claims, even if they weren’t entirely accurate. For many on the right, it had become clear that Trump’s words weren’t meant to be taken literally, a fact that some liberals continued to focus on. This, Maher argued, was part of the political divide where each side increasingly dismisses or ignores the other’s successes, leading to an even deeper polarization in American politics.