Real Time with Bill Maher – Episode #682: Jesse Eisenberg, Stephen A. Smith, Rep. Ro Khanna
Release Date: January 25, 2025
Host: Bill Maher
Guests:

• Jesse Eisenberg – Award-winning actor and filmmaker
• Stephen A. Smith – ESPN Host
• Rep. Ro Khanna – Democratic Congressman from California, member of the House Oversight and House Armed Services Committees

Introduction

Bill Maher opens the episode with his characteristic blend of humor and political commentary, addressing recent events impacting Los Angeles, including devastating fires and the controversial reinstatement of Donald Trump as President. He satirizes Trump’s return by mocking his handling of environmental policies and his immediate executive actions upon inauguration. [00:00–07:22]

Interview with Jesse Eisenberg

Discussing "A Real Pain"

Maher welcomes Jesse Eisenberg, praising his latest film, "A Real Pain," which has garnered an Oscar nomination. He jests, “If you haven't seen this movie, I hate you,” setting a lighthearted tone. [07:22–09:00]

• Plot and Inspiration:
  Eisenberg explains that the movie is a comedy centered around two cousins embarking on a Holocaust tour in Poland. He emphasizes the personal connection, stating, “I wanted to reconnect to a country that my family lived in far longer than we lived here.” [09:08–13:08]

• Dual Citizenship and Cultural Connection:
  Discussing his dual citizenship, Eisenberg shares his gratitude towards Poland for preserving Jewish history. He remarks, “I just had this overwhelming feeling of complete gratitude and indebtedness to the people who are preserving Jewish history.” [13:08–15:02]

Collaboration with Woody Allen

Maher inquires about Eisenberg’s past collaborations with Woody Allen. Eisenberg responds thoughtfully, preferring to focus on activism over casting judgments, stating, “Please donate money to the Middle Way House...don’t ask an actor to have an opinion about something that they don’t really know about.” [15:02–17:42]

• Critique of Tech Bro Personas: Eisenberg reflects on his roles portraying Mark Zuckerberg and Lex Luthor, critiquing tech elites for not utilizing their wealth for societal good. He asserts, “Why are you not spending your days doing good things for the world?” [16:37–17:42]

Panel Discussion: Stephen A. Smith and Rep. Ro Khanna

First Week of Trump’s Second Term

The panel delves into the initial actions of Trump’s second term, critiquing his reliance on executive orders and controversial policies.

• Executive Orders and Constitutional Issues:
  Maher criticizes Trump’s numerous executive orders, including attempts to alter birthright citizenship. [19:41–20:13]
  Notable Quote:

  Ro Khanna [19:41]: "If you're born in America, you're an American, period."

• Immigration Policies and ICE Detentions:
  The discussion shifts to the Lake and Riley Act, debating the balance between deporting convicted criminals and ensuring due process for others. Khanna advocates for deporting only those convicted of serious crimes while protecting long-term residents like nannies and students. [37:35–40:29]

• Democratic Party’s Disconnect with Voters:
  Stephen A. Smith laments the Democratic Party’s focus on niche social issues over economic concerns, arguing that Trump’s populist messaging resonated more effectively with the electorate. [22:28–32:21]
  Notable Quote:

  Stephen A. Smith [22:28]: "You could have politicians saying, I disagree with this person, I disagree with that person... Trump will call them every name under the sun."

Trump’s Popularity Among Tech Leaders:

The panel explores why prominent Silicon Valley figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos seemingly shifted support to Trump, attributing it to past interactions and subsequent disillusionment with his administration. [42:24–43:46]
Notable Quotes:

Stephen A. Smith [43:09]: "They were bullied. They remembered."

Ro Khanna [43:46]: "When they deserted him was Charlottesville. That's when a lot of these tech leaders said, I'm done."

• Discussion on Celebrity Politicians:
  Khanna contrasts Obama’s effective use of celebrity connections with Trump’s superficial celebrity appeal, emphasizing that Obama had substance and policy-driven initiatives. [30:17–31:00]

Respecting Diverse Viewpoints within the Democratic Party:

Khanna and Smith discuss the need for the Democratic Party to embrace diverse social and cultural viewpoints without compromising core principles. Khanna stresses civil discourse and respecting differing opinions as essential for party unity and voter connection. [44:33–45:25]

• Notable Quote:

  Ro Khanna [44:47]: "We have to ensure we respect people who have different social and cultural viewpoints than our own."

Satirical Monologue by Bill Maher

Transitioning from panel discussion, Bill Maher delivers a satirical monologue critiquing the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system and societal frustrations under Trump’s administration. He mocks the convoluted processes of insurance claims and hospital billing, intertwining humor with sharp criticism. [32:39–45:25]

• Healthcare System Critique:
  Maher highlights the absurdity of healthcare billing, comparing it to navigating a “maze like Mosaic of analysts” and sarcastically suggesting that shooting insurance executives would simplify the system. [37:35–40:29]

• Generational Attitudes Toward Violence:
  Using dark humor, Maher comments on the shifting societal norms where older generations condemn violence, while younger ones show disturbing acceptance. [40:16–44:43]

• Cancel Culture and Liberal Values:
  He addresses the phenomenon of cancel culture within the liberal community, criticizing the intolerance for differing opinions and the resultant exclusionary behaviors. [44:33–45:25]

Conclusion

Bill Maher closes the episode with his signature blend of humor and critique, summarizing the discussions and reiterating his frustrations with the current political and social climate. He thanks his guests and promotes upcoming content, maintaining his role as a provocateur and commentator on contemporary issues. [45:25–End]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bill Maher [09:00]: "If you haven't seen this movie, I hate you."
• Jesse Eisenberg [13:08]: "...I wanted to reconnect to a country that my family lived in far longer than we lived here."
• Ro Khanna [19:41]: "If you're born in America, you're an American, period."
• Stephen A. Smith [22:28]: "You could have politicians saying, I disagree with this person, I disagree with that person... Trump will call them every name under the sun."
• Ro Khanna [37:35]: "I'm sensitive to the plight... I'm going to try to repair Polish and Jewish diaspora relations."
• Stephen A. Smith [43:09]: "They were bullied. They remembered."

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Populist Appeal: Trump’s direct and confrontational style continues to resonate with a significant portion of the electorate, overshadowing traditional Democratic messaging.

• Party Disconnect: The Democratic Party faces challenges in aligning its priorities with the broader voter base, particularly regarding economic issues versus social policies.

• Cultural Shifts: There is growing frustration with cancel culture and a perceived intolerance for diverse viewpoints within progressive circles, as highlighted by both Khanna and Smith.

• Healthcare Frustrations: The U.S. healthcare system remains a source of widespread frustration, with systemic complexities exacerbating public dissatisfaction under Trump’s administration.

• Generational Divide: A notable generational divide exists in attitudes toward violence and societal norms, contributing to broader cultural tensions.

This detailed summary captures the essence of Episode #682, highlighting key discussions, insights, and the dynamic interactions between Bill Maher and his esteemed guests. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the show, this overview provides a comprehensive understanding of the episode's central themes and takeaways.