Ep 23. Ross Douthat, Rikki Schlott, Piers Morgan

In Real Time with Bill Maher season 20 episode 23, host Bill Maher invites a diverse panel of guests to share their opinions on current events. The episode features conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, novelist and essayist Rikki Schlott, and British television personality Piers Morgan.

Maher begins the show by diving into the ongoing debate around critical race theory and its place in education. He argues that the GOP's objections to it are part of a larger effort to silence any discussions about race in America. Douthat offers a conservative perspective, arguing that educators should focus on teaching the basics rather than "teaching children to hate their own country." Schlott, who has written extensively about her experiences growing up black in America, pushes back against this argument, noting that critical race theory is an important tool for understanding how systemic racism operates.

The discussion turns to the rising tensions between Israel and Palestine, with Maher expressing his frustration at the way the conflict is often portrayed in the media. Morgan, a vocal supporter of Israel, defends the country's actions in the region, while Douthat suggests that the U.S. should take a more neutral stance. Schlott argues that both Israel and Palestine have a right to exist, and that the U.S. should work towards finding a peaceful solution.

Later in the show, the panel takes on the topic of cancel culture, with Maher arguing that the left has become too obsessed with purity tests and has lost sight of the importance of free speech. Douthat agrees, suggesting that cancel culture poses a threat to both free expression and open debate. Schlott, however, argues that cancel culture is a response to longstanding issues of racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression, and that it is important to hold people accountable for their actions.

Throughout the episode, the panelists engage in lively debates and offer insights into some of the most pressing issues of our time. Maher, as always, serves as a provocative host, challenging his guests and pushing the conversation in unexpected directions. Fans of the show will find much to enjoy in this thought-provoking episode.