Real Time with Bill Maher – Episode #689: Dana Carvey, Ezra Klein, Andrew Sullivan
Release Date: March 22, 2025
Host: Bill Maher
Guests: Dana Carvey, Ezra Klein, Andrew Sullivan

1. Opening Banter and Current Events

The episode kicks off with light-hearted exchanges between Bill Maher and Dana Carvey, setting a humorous tone. Dana jokes about McDonald's breakfast items, leading into a brief, albeit interrupted, advertisement read by Ezra Klein for McAfee.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Maher [00:03]: "You don't wake up dreaming of McDonald's fries."
• Dana Carvey [00:06]: "You wake up dreaming of McDonald's hash browns."

2. Political Commentary: Trump’s Immigration Policies and Authoritarian Tendencies

Dana Carvey delves into the controversial immigration policies implemented by former President Donald Trump, particularly focusing on the use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. He critiques Trump's approach to self-deportation of immigrants through initiatives like the "Boxcar" app and the alleged targeting of Venezuelan gang members.

Notable Quotes:

• Dana Carvey [00:46]: "Donald Trump loves baseball. His favorite position is the third base coach. That's who's in charge of sending Latinos home."
• Bill Maher [28:10]: "We do not let people violate people's security without due process, without law. This is fundamental to this country's survival."

3. Comedy and Entertainment Insights: Dana Carvey and Andrew Sullivan on SNL

The conversation shifts to the world of comedy, with Dana Carvey and Andrew Sullivan sharing anecdotes from their time on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). They discuss impressions of political figures like Johnny Carson and George Bush Sr., highlighting the challenges and nuances of satirical comedy.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Sullivan [08:13]: "I feel funny like when I used to climb the rope in gym class. You can do it at any age."
• Dana Carvey [14:24]: "But for that kind of show. And you kind of like, showed the emperor's clothes were a little tatty a little bit. And he didn't like that."

4. Democratic Party's Struggles and Political Strategies

Ezra Klein and Andrew Sullivan engage in a deep analysis of the Democratic Party's declining approval ratings, now at an all-time low of 27%. They explore the party's internal conflicts, inability to effectively communicate policies, and the exodus of working-class voters due to high costs of living and excessive regulations in traditionally blue states.

Notable Quotes:

• Dana Carvey [33:02]: "I haven't seen one this bad."
• Ezra Klein [26:52]: "This week it went down to this week at least. Or last week it had gone down to negative. It took Joe Biden 221 days to go negative."

5. Immigration Laws and Public Perception

Bill Maher and the guests discuss the complexities of immigration laws, emphasizing the importance of due process and the dangers of extralegal actions. They debate how to convey the significance of legal frameworks to the general public, who may not follow political intricacies.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Maher [28:10]: "We do not let people violate people's security without due process, without law."
• Ezra Klein [29:05]: "They flood the zone with bullshit... they overwhelm the media, you overwhelm people."

6. Regulatory Challenges and Infrastructure Issues

The panel critiques the Democratic Party's regulatory approach, particularly in states like California. They highlight the inefficiencies in infrastructure projects such as high-speed rail and the detrimental effects of over-regulation on housing and energy sectors.

Notable Quotes:

• Ezra Klein [41:04]: "The problem is the right. We've just been talking about this. The personality type of the right is autocratic now. And the personality type of the left is bureaucratic."
• Bill Maher [43:08]: "I think from Bakersfield to Merced. Who the hell wants to go from Bakersfield to Merced? And they couldn't do that."

7. Defense Budget and Government Spending

Bill Maher launches into a scathing critique of the U.S. defense budget, pointing out massive expenditures and inefficiencies. He highlights the disproportionate funding allocated to the Pentagon compared to other sectors and criticizes the lack of meaningful cuts in bloated government departments.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Maher [46:30]: "Permit loopholes have created this situation at the Department of Homeland Security."
• Dana Carvey [51:07]: "How about the part that makes me take mine off at the airport? It's been over 20 years of this bullshit."

8. New Rules Segment: Satirical Takes on Current Issues

In the "New Rules" segment, Dana Carvey humorously addresses various political and social issues, mocking the lenient behaviors of certain public figures and critiquing ongoing political controversies.

Notable Quotes:

• Dana Carvey [50:00]: "Someone has to tell Muchia the way. Seen here next to his Best in Show trophy after winning the Crufts Dog show in England."
• Dana Carvey [51:07]: "Running a country without due process... people are violating people's security without law."

9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Bill Maher wraps up the discussion by reiterating the need for effective governance and the dangers of political extremism. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between the three branches of government to prevent tyranny.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Maher [35:19]: "This could happen to you. It could happen to one of your friends."
• Dana Carvey [58:16]: "Real Time with Bill Maher every Friday night at 10. Or watch him anytime on HBO on Demand."

This episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher" provides a blend of humor and incisive political analysis, with guests Dana Carvey, Ezra Klein, and Andrew Sullivan offering their unique perspectives on current American politics, the challenges facing the Democratic Party, and the intricacies of governance and regulation. Through witty exchanges and thoughtful debates, the panel sheds light on pressing issues while entertaining the audience with their comedic flair.