Bill Maher has carved out a unique space in liberal comedy circles.
Few of his peers hold Democrats accountable. Some actively cheer them on and help fill their coffers.
Not skilled.
He has remained an independent voice, and appears willing to criticize California Democrats for making the raging wildfires worse.
Much worse.
Bill Maher has a question for California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass – why would it take a massive disaster for the state to cut red tape?!? pic.twitter.com/ZQObI9NZ8w
– TMZ (@TMZ) January 16, 2025
Maher teased his “Real Time” return with TMZ this week, giving the platform a glimpse into his opening monologue regarding the California wildfires.
The comedian said it’s hypocritical for liberals to say we can’t politicize this tragedy when they attack conservatives for saying that after mass shootings.
Maher did not stop there.
Yes, global warming has made matters worse, Maher claimed. So did the incompetent leaders, all of whom hailed from the Democratic Party. We’re already seeing moves to recall Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom.
Maher may vote yes on both accounts. Why? He says California’s progressive politics have played a role in the ongoing disaster.
“Are you hindered? [containment efforts] to some extent? Maher said: Sure.
RELATED: Bill Maher mourns loss of Howard Stern’s friendship
Maher fought red tape in California while trying to build a shed on his property for solar panels. He shared those skirmishes with the public, hoping to embarrass local officials into moving forward with the matter.
This is a luxury that most homeowners do not have.
That experience taught him how tangled red tape can be in the Golden State, which doesn’t bode well for the rebuilding of the greater Los Angeles area. Adam Carolla and Andrew Schultz have both expressed similar concerns.
Mayor Karen Bass literally read the “URL” from her text during the news conference instead of the emergency website for fire victims.
I think we have a new winner for America’s most incompetent politicians. pic.twitter.com/KIQfIVCWZB
– Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 9, 2025
Now, Mayor Bass is vowing to cut said tape, but why did it take a disaster to make such a logical decision?
“They all say: We’ll cut the routine, as if they’re doing us a favor. If you can do it now, why can’t you always do it? It’s not our fault… Why do we live in this nightmare of a routine at other times of the year when we’re not Are you on fire? Maher asked.
Now, compare Maher’s comments to what Bill Burr said on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Boston-born comedian Defend the Democrats He said the current blame game is 100 percent wrong.
Like Maher, Burr has created a cultural space where he is generally center-left but willing to mock the left when needed. Just watch “Paper Tiger” to get all the evidence you need.
He’s a stand-up comedian, not a late-night host. However, Burr’s candor is appreciated.
Recently, he may be shifting to the left. Netflix’s 2024 comedy “Old Dads” seemed like a poke in the waking eye, but it ended with a progressive third act.
Now he’s joining Jimmy Kimmel to rescue California Democrats from a deadlock of their own making.
Kimmel directed his anger at President-elect Donald Trump Which has nothing to do with raging fires. In fact, he was warning district officials to better prepare for such a nightmare scenario.
Burr took up Kimmel’s baton, attacking those who say Democrats mismanaged the crisis.
“Poor management? As if some idiot on the internet knows how to manage the worst fire in Los Angeles? “Is he sitting there in his underwear?”
These “idiots” researched and read about empty tanks and other distressing behaviors that made the disaster exponentially worse.
Burr doubled down on ignorance.
“I love all the talk about the ban on illegal immigrants and homeless people who start fires.”
Homeless people start fires that get out of control. This is not disordered speech.
In 2023, City Journal reported how the Los Angeles Fire Department spent nearly $427 million out of a total of $854 million on homeless-related fires; Two years earlier, an analysis by the Los Angeles Times found that more than half of the fires the LAPD responded to were related to homelessness.
An illegal immigrant is a The suspect in an arson case linked to the current fires.
The best satirical comedies are based on truth. Maher’s comments are rooted in ideology and facts. Bor hustle?
Not much.
We may get a little more “real time” action this weekend. Maher will welcome former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso, who lost to Bass last year, to discuss the raging fires.
Let’s hope Burr sticks around in “Real Time” soon. This could make for a great discussion.
“Real Time with Bill Maher” returns at 11 a.m. ET on January 17 on HBO.