Ep 6. February 26, 2021

On February 26, 2021, Real Time with Bill Maher aired its sixth episode for its 19th season. The show, which is known for its lively political discussions, featured a diverse panel of guests with different political backgrounds.

The first guest was former HUD Secretary Julián Castro, who was there to discuss his new podcast and his recent op-ed about immigration in The New York Times. Maher and Castro had an interesting exchange about the Biden administration's approach to immigration and what needs to be done to fix the broken system.

The second guest was journalist and author Anne Applebaum, who talked about her new book Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism. Applebaum discussed the rise of authoritarianism and the factors that can lead to the erosion of democracy. The conversation was particularly relevant considering the recent events in Myanmar and the ongoing threat to democracy in the United States.

Next up was former CIA operative and author Valerie Plame, who discussed the recent airstrike in Syria ordered by the Biden administration. Plame, who has extensive experience in the intelligence community, offered her perspective on the strike and the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

The final guest was comedian and actor Colin Quinn, who shared his thoughts on cancel culture and the current state of comedy. He also talked about his new HBO Max special, Colin Quinn & Friends: A Parking Lot Comedy Show, which was filmed during the early days of the pandemic.

Throughout the show, Maher tackled a range of topics, including the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the ongoing debate over minimum wage, and the recent controversy surrounding Dr. Seuss. Maher also delivered his signature "New Rules" segment, in which he offers his humorous take on current events and cultural trends.

Overall, this episode of Real Time with Bill Maher was a thought-provoking and entertaining look at some of the most pressing issues facing our society today. The diverse range of guests and topics made for a well-rounded and engaging conversation that tackled everything from politics and policy to culture and comedy.