Real Time with Bill Maher – Episode #687: David Sedaris, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sen. Jon Tester

Release Date: March 8, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #687 of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, host Bill Maher engages in a multifaceted discussion with renowned humorist David Sedaris and panelists Alyssa Farah Griffin, former communications director for President Trump and current co-host of ABC's The View, and Senator Jon Tester, a Democratic senator from Montana and co-host of the podcast Grounded. The episode delves into the tumultuous political landscape, the impact of Trump’s recent actions, the state of the Democratic Party, and lighter segments showcasing Maher’s trademark humor.

David Sedaris: Touring, Body Dysmorphia, and Cancel Culture

The episode opens with David Sedaris discussing his extensive tour schedule. Maher remarks on Sedaris’s dynamic lifestyle compared to his own preference for staying at home.

• Touring and New Essay Collection

  • [08:27] Maher: “He is the best selling... his latest essay collection, Happy Go Lucky, is now in paperback.”
  • Sedaris humorously critiques his tour logistics and fashion choices, reflecting on personal insecurities and body dysmorphia.

• Meeting the Pope

  • [13:33] Sedaris recounts his unexpected meeting with Pope Francis, juxtaposing the solemnity of the occasion with the presence of comedians like Chris Rock and Whoopi Goldberg.
  • [15:11] Sedaris: “I met the Pope and I shook his hand, but I didn't feel it. It didn't mean anything to me.”

• Cancel Culture

  • [17:03] Maher: “Are we going to get canceled for this?”
  • Sedaris discusses the unpredictable nature of cancel culture, sharing anecdotes about his New Yorker essay being criticized for being ableist.
  • [19:12] Sedaris: “It's nothing like... I don't.”

Sedaris expresses a nonchalant attitude toward being canceled, emphasizing his freedom to voice opinions without the constraints others face.

Panel Discussion: Alyssa Farah Griffin and Sen. Jon Tester on Trump’s Influence and Democratic Strategy

Maher transitions to a panel featuring Alyssa Farah Griffin and Senator Jon Tester, focusing on President Trump’s recent speech and its implications for American politics.

• Trump’s Speech and Fact-Checking

  • [21:03] Tester highlights the futility of obsessing over Trump’s falsehoods, likening it to “dog years.”
  • [22:12] Griffin concurs, stating, “I don't know that it matters... he gave them a lot of what they.”

• Democratic Response and Government Shutdown

  • [24:16] Tester criticizes Democrats for failing to effectively counter Trump's theatrical approach.
  • [27:38] Maher questions the Democrats’ strategy, to which Tester clarifies, “I do not endorse a government shutdown. I think everybody loses with the government shutdown.”
  • Griffin suggests Democrats need to adopt a more assertive stance, possibly leveraging a government shutdown as a strategic move, though acknowledging its detrimental effects on the public.

• Agriculture Tariffs and Economic Impact

  • [43:51] Tester, a farmer himself, discusses the negative repercussions of Trump’s fluctuating tariffs on agriculture, stressing that consumers ultimately bear the cost.
  • [44:13] Maher and Tester engage in a humorous exchange about agricultural tariffs’ absurdity, with Tester underscoring their damaging effects on farming communities.

• Crypto Reserve and Economic Policies

  • [45:07] The discussion shifts to Trump’s crypto reserve initiative, with Maher critiquing its viability and labeling it a “Ponzi scheme.”
  • [46:18] Tester emphasizes the lack of transparency and the potential for increased market uncertainty, highlighting the broader economic instability caused by Trump’s policies.

• Supreme Court and Amy Coney Barrett

  • [35:26] The panel touches on Justice Amy Coney Barrett, with Griffin defending her legal acumen despite political fallout.
  • [41:52] Tester underscores the importance of understanding civics, advocating for robust checks and balances among the three branches of government to ensure national stability.

David Sedaris Returns: Further Insights and Humor

Later in the episode, David Sedaris returns to the conversation, offering more personal anecdotes and satirical takes on contemporary issues.

• Cancel Culture and Personal Experiences

  • [19:39] Sedaris discusses a personal incident where his essay was misinterpreted, leading to accusations of ableism. He maintains a detached stance, highlighting the unpredictability of public offense.

• Body Dysmorphia and Aging

  • [10:04] Sedaris humorously reflects on body image, acknowledging societal pressures and personal insecurities.

New Rules Segment: Satirical Takes on Current Events

Maher concludes the episode with his New Rules segment, delivering a series of rapid-fire jokes targeting various societal and political topics.

• Elon Musk and Product Recalls

  • [54:05] Maher jokes about Tesla’s extensive vehicle recalls, poking fun at Elon Musk’s management.

• Environmental and Cultural Commentary

  • [57:00] He lampoons the trend of giving land acknowledgments on ancestral territories, mocking the disconnect between symbolic gestures and practical realities.

• Corporate Personhood vs. Natural Entities

  • [59:00] Maher satirizes the concept of corporate personhood by comparing it to granting legal rights to mountains, highlighting perceived absurdities in modern legal constructs.

Conclusion

Bill Maher wraps up the episode by thanking his guests—Jon Tester, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and David Sedaris—and encourages listeners to watch the Overtime segment on YouTube. The episode offers a blend of sharp political analysis, humorous insights, and candid discussions, encapsulating the essence of Real Time with Bill Maher.

Catch all new episodes of Real Time with Bill Maher every Friday night at 10 or watch anytime on HBO on Demand. For more information, visit hbo.com.

Notable Quotes

• Sen. Jon Tester on Trump’s Instability:

  • [01:43] “Even the Republicans now are alarmed what Trump is doing.”

• David Sedaris on Cancel Culture:

  • [17:17] “I don't have a job. But most people have a real job and they can't say anything on their job.”

• Alyssa Farah Griffin on Democratic Strategy:

  • [22:42] “I'm actually not convinced Donald Trump is trying to pick up any new voters.”

• Bill Maher on Trump's Appeal:

  • [22:42] “If you’re a conservative and you see him say many, many things that are not even close to true, you just don’t care anymore.”

• Sen. Jon Tester on Civics Education:

  • [42:59] “We've got three equal branches of government. Congress is AWOL.”

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode #687, highlighting key discussions on Trump’s political maneuvers, the Democratic Party’s strategic challenges, David Sedaris’s personal anecdotes, and Bill Maher’s incisive humor. The inclusion of notable quotes with timestamps offers readers a glimpse into the depth and nuance of the conversations that unfolded.