Ep 29. September 17, 2021

Real Time with Bill Maher is a political talk show hosted by comedian Bill Maher. In the show, Maher presents current events and political news from around the world, and interviews various guests from politicians to celebrities about their views on the state of the world. The show is known for its provocative discussions and often controversial opinions that challenge societal norms and expectations.

In season 19 episode 29, which aired on September 17, 2021, Maher began by commenting on the recent California recall election, which saw Governor Gavin Newsom remain in office. He then delved into topics such as mandatory vaccination and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the upcoming 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and the Biden administration's handling of foreign policy issues.

Maher's first guest was Dr. Francis Collins, the director of the National Institutes of Health. Collins discussed the current state of the pandemic and the effectiveness of vaccines, as well as the controversial issue of vaccine mandates. He also spoke about the importance of public trust in science, and how to combat vaccine misinformation.

Next up was journalist and commentator Nicholas Kristof, who discussed his latest book, "Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope," which delves into the struggles of working-class Americans. Kristof spoke about the issues of income inequality, the lack of social mobility, and the opioid epidemic that plagues many rural communities.

The third guest was former Democratic senator and presidential candidate Al Franken. Franken discussed the recent infrastructure bill that passed in the Senate, as well as his thoughts on the political landscape of the country. He also touched on the topic of cancel culture and the need for more open discussions of controversial issues.

The final guest of the night was Rep. Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Schiff discussed the Biden administration's foreign policy decisions, including the recent withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing conflict with Russia. He also touched on the issue of domestic terrorism and the need for stronger measures to combat it.

Throughout the episode, Maher provided his own commentary and opinions on the various topics discussed. He also engaged in a humorous monologue and presented a satirical "New Rules" segment, in which he commented on current events in his own irreverent style.

Overall, season 19 episode 29 of Real Time with Bill Maher was a thought-provoking and entertaining episode that covered a wide range of topical issues. Maher's guests brought unique perspectives and insights to the discussion, and Maher himself provided his signature comedic flair while keeping the discourse engaging and informative.