Real Time with Bill Maher – Episode #699: Sen. John Fetterman, Ian Bremmer & Rutger Bregman

Release Date: June 14, 2025
Host: Bill Maher
Guests: Sen. John Fetterman, Ian Bremmer, Rutger Bregman

I. Introduction: Unrest in Los Angeles and Political Climate (00:00 – 08:33)

Bill Maher opens the episode by addressing the current unrest in Los Angeles, attributing much of the tension to the aftermath of Donald Trump's election. He highlights the polarized media portrayal of the city as either being under siege by illegal immigrants or caught in violent chaos, depending on the news outlet.

Key Points:

• Impact of Trump's Policies: Maher discusses how Trump's promise to "round up all the illegals" has led to increased ICE raids, drawing a line between American-made products and those produced overseas.
• Media Polarization: The host criticizes both Fox News and MSNBC for their extreme portrayals of the city's situation, emphasizing the everyday concerns of residents over sensational headlines.
• Local Response: Maher notes that despite the unrest, cultural activities like performances at the LA Opera continue, albeit with heightened security and tension.

Notable Quote:

"The authorities told the people who live there in that area, just to be on the safe side, remain in your tents. [00:35]" – Bill Maher

II. Israel-Iran Conflict: Strategic Implications (08:33 – 23:09)

The conversation shifts to the major international event of Israel's recent military actions against Iran, where Israel conducted a significant raid targeting Iran's nuclear facilities.

Key Points:

• Rutger Bregman's Stance: Bregman supports Israel's actions, stating, “We can't ever allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon... they have a really once in a generation opportunity to take the nuclear facilities out.” [08:58]
• War Crimes Debate: Maher raises concerns about potential war crimes, especially in light of a statement from former Israeli Prime Minister Olmert accusing Israel of such acts. Bregman vehemently denies these accusations, emphasizing the existential threat posed by Hamas and Iran.
• Historical Context: The discussion delves into the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict, highlighting the complexity and historical grievances that fuel current tensions.

Notable Quotes:

"I really do think absolutely, absolutely. I don't believe Israel has incurred any kind of war crimes." – Rutger Bregman [10:28]

“Hamas could just simply ... send those people home, disarm and there would be peace.” – Rutger Bregman [11:57]

III. Rutger Bregman’s Challenges within the Democratic Party (13:17 – 18:32)

Bill Maher addresses Rutger Bregman's recent struggles within the Democratic Party, including the resignation of his chief of staff and public criticisms aimed at his behavior.

Key Points:

• Internal Party Conflict: Bregman explains that certain factions within the Democratic Party are attempting to undermine him by portraying him as unstable, citing his honest stances on various issues.
• Missed Senate Votes: Maher brings up criticisms regarding Bregman’s attendance in the Senate. Bregman clarifies that the votes he missed were largely procedural and not pivotal, emphasizing his high attendance rate otherwise.
• Bridging Political Divides: The discussion touches on Bregman’s efforts to engage with opposing political figures, such as having dinner with Trump, which has led to backlash within his own party.

Notable Quotes:

“Parts of my party just wants to turn me into a Colonel Kurtz...” – Rutger Bregman [14:15]

“Senators have missed more votes than I did. But they weren't breaking the kind of rules that I've been.” – Rutger Bregman [15:01]

IV. Immigration and Border Control: Diverging Policies (18:32 – 31:15)

The conversation moves to immigration policies, highlighting the contrasting approaches between the Trump and Biden administrations.

Key Points:

• Trump’s Immigration Policies: Bregman criticizes Trump’s methods, labeling border closures as performative and ineffective in the long term. He notes that while the border is technically closed, the practical effects are minimal.
• Public Opinion on Immigration: Ian Bremmer adds that there's widespread agreement on the necessity for controlled immigration, yet policy solutions remain fragmented.
• Effectiveness of Policies: The panel discusses the paradox where stricter border policies under Trump have deceptively lowered deportation numbers compared to Biden’s administration, yet the overall issue remains unresolved.

Notable Quotes:

“The border's a win.” – John Fetterman [27:09]

“If we just do it, for example.” – Ian Bremmer on American immigration policies [28:30]

V. Local Unrest in LA and Political Reactions (31:15 – 48:54)

Bill Maher discusses the local unrest in Los Angeles, critiquing the fragmented nature of protests and the dilution of specific causes into broader, often unrelated, agendas.

Key Points:

• Fragmented Protests: Maher illustrates how protests in LA have devolved into a mix of diverse and sometimes contradictory messages, weakening their overall impact.
• Gavin Newsom’s Response: The panel examines Governor Newsom’s approach to the unrest, portraying him as attempting to align with Trump's more authoritarian tactics but questioning its effectiveness and reception.
• Democratic Party’s Strategy: Ian Bremmer emphasizes the importance of a unified pro-democracy front and a positive agenda to combat rising authoritarian tendencies.

Notable Quotes:

“They just don't know how to stick to a single cause.” – Bill Maher on protest fragmentation [34:53]

“The new populism that's coming politically in this country... it's actually progressive, it's urban, it's educated...” – John Fetterman [43:22]

VI. The Rise of AI and the Future of Work (41:04 – 47:24)

The discussion transitions to the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market and societal structures, forecasting significant disruptions.

Key Points:

• AI’s Disruptive Potential: Ian Bremmer warns about the rapid advancements in AI potentially rendering many jobs obsolete, both blue and white-collar.
• Universal Basic Income (UBI): The panel explores UBI as a possible solution to the displacement caused by AI, debating its feasibility and economic implications.
• Changing Nature of Work: Rutger Bregman and John Fetterman discuss the necessity of redefining work and societal value in an AI-dominated future, emphasizing the urgent need for policy adaptation.

Notable Quotes:

“We need a completely new social contract.” – Rutger Bregman [44:57]

“Basic income, that's what we need.” – Ian Bremmer [41:46]

VII. Trump’s Parade and Its Implications (47:24 – 49:25)

The final major discussion focuses on Trump’s planned parade, examining its symbolism and potential impact on American democracy.

Key Points:

• Symbolism of the Parade: Maher expresses concern over the militaristic display with tanks in the streets, viewing it as a destabilizing and unprecedented move in American politics.
• Implications for Democracy: Ian Bremmer draws parallels to European authoritarian tactics, warning that such displays could erode democratic norms in the U.S.
• Political Division: The panelists debate whether the parade will further divide the American populace or serve as a catalyst for political unity against authoritarianism.

Notable Quotes:

“It's a really bad precedent that you don't want to see in, you know, one of the oldest democracies in the world.” – Ian Bremmer [48:54]

“We need leaders, not winners.” – John Fetterman [49:08]

VIII. Conclusion and New Rules Segment (49:25 – End)

Bill Maher wraps up the episode with his signature "New Rules" segment, humorously addressing current events and societal quirks.

Highlights:

• Critical Take on Current Events: Maher satirizes various issues, from immigration enforcement to celebrity behavior, maintaining his irreverent comedic tone.
• Final Remarks on Leadership: The episode concludes with a reinforcement of the need for genuine leadership over divisive politics.

Notable Quotes:

“Everyone has to stop being mad at Elon Musk long enough to consider his latest idea.” – Bill Maher [32:24]

“Do you think Trump liked having his face in a mug shot? ... That's not you.” – Bill Maher [31:53]

Key Takeaways:

• International Security: Israel's aggressive stance against Iran is seen as a strategic move to prevent nuclear proliferation, though it raises ethical questions.
• Political Fragmentation: The Democratic Party faces internal conflicts, particularly with members like Rutger Bregman who challenge party norms.
• Immigration Policies: There's a clear need for balanced immigration reforms that protect borders while recognizing the economic and social contributions of immigrants.
• AI and Future of Work: The rapid advancement of AI necessitates urgent policy responses, including discussions around UBI and reimagining the workforce.
• Democratic Resilience: The planned Trump parade is viewed as a potential threat to democratic norms, underscoring the importance of unified pro-democracy efforts.

Conclusion:

Episode #699 of "Real Time with Bill Maher" offers a comprehensive exploration of pressing political and social issues, featuring insightful discussions with Sen. John Fetterman, Ian Bremmer, and Rutger Bregman. From international conflicts and party politics to the looming challenges posed by artificial intelligence, the episode underscores the complexities facing contemporary democracy and the imperative for thoughtful leadership and unified action.