Once again it is time for our Sunday Shows feature, but this week we are taking a look at a show that actually comes on Friday night. "Real Time with Bill Maher" is entering its ninth season on HBO, and is possibly the best weekly political show on television. Maher has usually been labeled as a libertarian, especially when he hosted "Politically Incorrect", but recently drifted more into progressivism. To be fair, however, he tries to have at least one conservative on per week, and this is what creates such a good show. Rarely on television can we see such vibrant political debate.
The opening guest this week was President Obama's financial advisor Elizabeth Warren. Warren is a staunch defender of the middle class, and was instrumental in the formation of the new Financial Consumer Protection Agency. Her nomination to run that agency was blocked in congress, however. She downplayed that situation on friday, and insisted that she could be equally, if not more, effective in creating the new agency and being its biggest advocate.
The panel included democratic stratigest James Carville, GOP stratigest Mike Murphy, and actor Martin Short. Topics included efforts to repeal the healthcare bill, and the growing division between rich and poor. Of course all of America is talking about "the tone," and Maher promised to do his part, changing his segment "New Rules" to "Gentle Reminders."
So while we still encourage everyone to watch the Sunday Shows on the free channels, keep in mind that HBO is a great destination for political junkies. They show great documentaries, including thier recent original documentary about Hurricane Katrina, "God Willing And Creek Don't Rise," and have worthwhile series such as "True Blood," "Big Love," and "The Ricky Gervais Show." While it may seem ridiculous to pay for one channel, HBO serves up some of the best films and shows on television. Or as they would have it, "It's not TV, It's HBO."
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