Podcast Summary: Real Time with Bill Maher - Ep. #688: Gov. Josh Shapiro, Batya Ungar-Sargon, Sam Stein

Release Date: March 15, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #688 of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, host Bill Maher engages in a lively discussion with Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, journalist and author Sam Stein, and Batya Ungar-Sargon, managing editor of The Bulwark and contributor for MSNBC. The episode delves into pressing political and economic issues, intra-party dynamics within the Democratic Party, the state of free speech, and reflections on the five-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic Turmoil and Trump's Impact

Bill Maher opens the discussion by lamenting the stock market's steep decline, humorously attributing the downturn to former President Donald Trump's economic policies:

"Stock market has lost $5 trillion in three weeks. Yes. Trump, he's the Ozempic of the economy." [02:15]

Governor Josh Shapiro counters by highlighting the adverse effects of Trump's trade policies on Pennsylvania's economy:

"I think it's frustrating the American people. That is not common sense." [13:20]

Shapiro emphasizes the negative impact of tariffs on farmers and manufacturers in Pennsylvania, noting:

"Their products cost 25% more when they're trying to sell in Mexico, they're losing market share." [13:35]

The conversation underscores the tension between protectionist policies and their real-world economic repercussions, with Shapiro advocating for meeting farmers' needs and opening up markets rather than resorting to tariffs that escalate costs and market instability.

Intra-Party Dynamics and Democratic Strategy

Maher addresses the divide within the Democratic Party, referencing recent government shutdown threats and internal conflicts:

"The Republicans proposed a budget, and Chuck Schumer said he would vote for it and then did and got 10 Democratic senators to vote with him. The other side of the party is furious at this." [08:28]

Shapiro responds by rejecting the binary choice of resistance versus compromise, advocating for a balanced approach:

"I think it's a false choice to suggest you need either or. Either you need that resistance, that fight, that opposition, or you need to find ways to compromise and come together." [09:06]

He further elaborates on his pragmatic approach to governance in Pennsylvania, focusing on tangible results such as tax cuts, public safety, and economic investments.

Democratic Primary and Presidential Ambitions

Maher probes Shapiro about his presidential aspirations, highlighting concerns over the Democratic primary favoring centrist candidates:

"I think what I fear is the Democratic primary voter who doesn't want that kind of person. Yeah, they want the firebrand. What do you do in the Democratic primary?" [11:11]

Shapiro dismisses immediate presidential ambitions but underscores his consistent dedication to democratic values and effective governance:

"I've always been true to my values. I've always tried to lead with moral clarity, and I've always tried to be a Democrat that knows how to work with both sides to actually get stuff done." [11:37]

He reflects on his successful gubernatorial campaigns, emphasizing his connection with everyday voters and his commitment to addressing their concerns.

Free Speech and Political Correctness

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the debate over free speech, particularly in the context of political correctness and recent controversies.

Bill Maher raises concerns about the erosion of free speech, citing examples like Elon Musk's comments on media and the prosecution of political figures:

"If you defend him if you believe in free speech, because that's what free speech means...they need to show it now, because otherwise the harm to First Amendment freedoms will be serious." [37:26]

Sam Stein and Batya Ungar-Sargon discuss the implications of restricting speech, the rise of misinformation, and the politicization of scientific institutions. Shapiro adds to the discourse by highlighting the challenges posed by misinformation and the importance of maintaining open dialogue.

Five-Year Anniversary of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Reflecting on the pandemic's long-term effects, the panelists analyze the government's response and its impact on public trust in science and institutions.

Shapiro praises the swift development of vaccines through Operation Warp Speed but criticizes the subsequent erosion of trust in public health initiatives:

"The one thing that I really applaud Trump for was Operation Warp Speed. Getting that vaccine up and online. It saved 3 million lives." [44:02]

Batya Ungar-Sargon expresses concern over reduced funding for scientific research and the rise of vaccine skepticism under the current administration:

"Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a vaccine skeptic who is now running our health institutions. It's going to have a very dangerous impact down the road." [45:53]

Sam Stein discusses the societal repercussions of the pandemic, such as increased loneliness, disrupted education, and the politicization of public health measures:

"Everywhere that Democrats were in charge, old people died of loneliness and despair because they were not allowed to see their family members." [48:21]

Closing Remarks and "New Rules" Segment

In the final segment, Maher humorously critiques the evolving landscape of political correctness, referencing recent "new rules" around language and societal norms. The panelists briefly touch upon issues like the legalization of sex work, media biases, and the challenges of maintaining respectful discourse in a rapidly changing cultural environment.

Bill Maher concludes with a satirical take on language policing:

"New rule. You gotta give me more than a week to get used to a new word or phrase or name for what we call something." [53:52]

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments and invitations to watch additional segments online.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bill Maher [02:15]: "Stock market has lost $5 trillion in three weeks. Yes. Trump, he's the Ozempic of the economy."

• Josh Shapiro [09:06]: "I think it's a false choice to suggest you need either or. Either you need that resistance, that fight, that opposition, or you need to find ways to compromise and come together."

• Bill Maher [11:11]: "What do you do in the Democratic primary?"

• Josh Shapiro [11:37]: "I've always been true to my values. I've always tried to lead with moral clarity, and I've always tried to be a Democrat that knows how to work with both sides to actually get stuff done."

• Sam Stein [19:35]: "When I look at what President Trump ran on and the agenda that he's enacting right now, he took a Republican Party that was built on social conservatism, foreign interventions and wars and free trade and free market. And he basically took an ax to all of those during the campaign."

• Batya Ungar-Sargon [24:37]: "The AI revolution is going to completely upend all of this, and it's going to make manufacturing jobs seem quaint and obsolete."

• Bill Maher [37:26]: "I could go on and on about the left... But it's not like this administration really has a leg to stand on. They don't care about it either."

• Sam Stein [48:21]: "There was no reckoning, there's not. Nobody has."

Conclusion

Episode #688 of Real Time with Bill Maher offers a robust discussion on the current state of American politics, economic policies, and societal issues. Governor Josh Shapiro presents a case for pragmatic governance within the Democratic Party, while Sam Stein and Batya Ungar-Sargon contribute critical perspectives on cultural and scientific challenges. Bill Maher orchestrates a dynamic conversation that underscores the complexities of contemporary governance and the ever-evolving landscape of free speech and political correctness.

For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of today's political climate through the lens of prominent leaders and thinkers, this episode provides valuable insights and thought-provoking dialogue.