Real Time with Bill Maher - Overtime Episode #648: Rep. Byron Donalds & Tara Palmeri

Release Date: February 11, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #648 of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, host Bill Maher engages in an insightful and lively discussion with Republican Congressman Byron Donalds from Florida and Tara Palmeri, a senior political correspondent at Puck News and host of the Somebody's Gonna Win podcast. The conversation delves into a range of topics, from political maneuvers within Florida to the evolving landscape of media and the ongoing influence of former President Donald Trump.

1. Pop Culture and Political Commentary

Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Diss Track

The episode kicks off with a brief mention of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance, specifically his diss track aimed at Drake. While the discussion is lighthearted, it sets the tone for the intersection of pop culture and politics.

• Bill Maher [01:06]: "Will Kendrick Lamar perform? Not like us. His diss track aimed at Drake at the Super Bowl. Important questions. All these people."

• Tara Palmeri [01:32]: "You got to. You got to. It's a great song."

• Bill Maher [01:45]: "You just like the song?"

• Tara Palmeri [01:46]: "I just like the song."

Insight: The conversation underscores how pop culture events like the Super Bowl can serve as platforms for artistic expression that sometimes intersects with political undertones.

2. Florida's Political Landscape

Casey DeSantis' Potential Gubernatorial Run

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the speculation that his wife, Casey DeSantis, might run for governor herself. This topic brings forth comparisons to historical political figures and the dynamics of political succession within families.

• Bill Maher [01:46]: "What do you think of Ron DeSantis wife, Casey potentially running for Florida's governorship herself? Wouldn't be the first time. George Wallace. Remember George Wallace, the racist governor of Alabama and his. I think his wife took over when he."

• Byron Donalds [02:08]: "Yeah, very Claire Underwood. What do you think he may be running for governor yourself?"

• Tara Palmeri [02:15]: "I mean, nobody's in a race right now, so we'll see what happens."

• Byron Donalds [02:26]: "Tell me that Tyron Donald is a favorite. Casey is doing well too, in the polls. And Matt Gaetz, surprisingly. Yeah, he does well in the polls in Florida as well."

Insight: The conversation highlights the potential shifting dynamics within Florida's Republican landscape, suggesting a strategic positioning for future elections.

3. Evolution of the Press Corps Under Trump

Inclusion of Influencers and Podcasters

Bill Maher and his guests delve into the Trump administration's decision to incorporate more influencers and podcasters into the White House press corps. This move reflects broader changes in how news is consumed and disseminated in America.

• Bill Maher [03:00]: "What do you think of the Trump White House admitting more influencers and podcast. Oh, into the press corps."

• Byron Donalds [03:10]: "I think it's great."

• Bill Maher [03:12]: "Yeah, you do."

• Byron Donalds [03:12]: "But it's mostly right wing influencers and podcasters, obviously. But I think it's a good step. I mean, this is how people are getting their news."

• Tara Palmeri [03:19]: "I was actually over there the other day and it's packed in there. [...] So there's always like somebody new that comes in to this."

Insight: The inclusion of non-traditional media figures signifies an acknowledgment of the shifting media consumption habits, aiming to reach broader and more diverse audiences.

4. Media Classification: New Media vs. Old Media

Debating the Definitions

A lively debate ensues over the definitions of "new media" and "old media," with Byron Donalds and Tara Palmeri exchanging perspectives on what constitutes each category in the modern media landscape.

• Byron Donalds [03:37]: "But it was Axios that they gave the new media seat to, and that is to Mike Allen, who is like an established reporter in Washington. Axios has been around for like five years. Sold for $500 million. I don't really consider it new media."

• Tara Palmeri [03:53]: "It is new media because old media sells for a dollar."

• Byron Donalds [03:56]: "That is true."

• Tara Palmeri [03:59]: "Well, that's what Bezos bought the Washington Post for. He bought it for like a dollar, didn't he? So, you know, the new stuff."

Insight: The conversation reflects the complexities in categorizing media outlets in an era where digital platforms rapidly evolve and traditional media companies adapt to new business models.

5. Trump's Appearance at the White House Correspondents Dinner

Speculations and Expectations

The guests discuss the likelihood of former President Donald Trump attending the upcoming White House Correspondents Dinner, analyzing his motivations and potential impact on the event's dynamics.

• Bill Maher [06:19]: "Do you think Trump will attend White House Correspondents dinner in April?"

• Byron Donalds [06:42]: "I think he will probably do it this time and I think he'll go there and just like spank the press. Absolutely. Absolutely ruthless."

• Tara Palmeri [06:57]: "No, I think he was really just pissed with the press and was like, why am I showing up? But I think now he's, he's in this, I think for him, he's in this mode of I'm president again, you were all against me, but I won. So I'm gonna do the victory lap. So I could see him definitely going, hitting the press a little bit, but then also being a little magnanimous and enjoying the event and taking off."

Insight: The discussion anticipates a confrontational yet celebratory tone from Trump, reflecting his complicated relationship with the media and his persistent influence in political discourse.

6. Hypothetical Annexation of Canada

A Playful Political 'What If'

In a more lighthearted segment, the conversation veers into a hypothetical scenario where the United States considers annexing Canada, sparking a humorous exchange about the practicality and implications of such an action.

• Bill Maher [07:31]: "Well, you can't. There's no parody that rises above what the reality is. So you're going to have to tell me if you're kidding or not."

• Tara Palmeri [08:38]: "I think everything is on the table until it's not."

• Bill Maher [08:42]: "Including taking over Canada."

• Tara Palmeri [08:43]: "No, no, no, no."

• Byron Donalds [08:53]: "I like the Puerto Ricans too. Right?"

Insight: This segment serves as a comedic break, showcasing the hosts' ability to navigate from serious political discourse to entertaining hypotheticals, reflecting the show's blend of humor and politics.

7. Brief Mention of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's Status

The conversation briefly touches upon Puerto Rico, with affirmations of its relationship with the United States, reinforcing the complexities of territorial statuses within American politics.

• Bill Maher [08:55]: "Puerto Rico's great."

• Bill Maher [08:57]: "Well, Puerto Rico is. They're already American citizens."

• Tara Palmeri [09:00]: "Yeah, of course they are."

Insight: This quick exchange underscores the ongoing discussions about Puerto Rico's political status and its implications for its residents.

Conclusion

Episode #648 of Real Time with Bill Maher offers a dynamic exploration of current political scenarios, media evolution, and cultural phenomena. Through engaging dialogue and sharp insights, Bill Maher, alongside Congressman Byron Donalds and Tara Palmeri, navigates the intricate interplay between politics, media, and society. The episode not only informs but also entertains, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the pressing issues shaping the contemporary political landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Bill Maher [06:42]: "I think he will probably do it this time and I think he'll go there and just like spank the press. Absolutely. Absolutely ruthless."

• Byron Donalds [05:17]: "It's very Kim Bill. And actually in Palm beach, they're calling it like the Mar a Lago look and they're asking plastic surgeons for it."

• Tara Palmeri [03:53]: "It is new media because old media sells for a dollar."

• Bill Maher [08:38]: "I think everything is on the table until it's not."

For more insights and discussions, tune in to new episodes of Real Time with Bill Maher every Friday night at 10 PM or watch anytime on HBO on Demand. Visit hbo.com for more information.