Overtime – Episode #681: Larry Wilmore, Erin Perrine

Summary

Real Time with Bill Maher - Overtime Episode #681: Larry Wilmore & Aaron Perini

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Hosts and Guests:

• Larry Wilmore: Host of Overtime, Republican Strategist, and former Trump 2020 Deputy Communications Director.
• Aaron Perini: Former Trump 2020 Deputy Communications Director.
• Dennis Prager: Guest commentator.

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1. Middle East Ceasefire Agreement and Trump's Role

Timestamp: 00:36 – 05:07

Larry Wilmore opens the discussion by addressing the recent ceasefire agreement in the Middle East, questioning whether former President Donald Trump deserves credit for its implementation.

Aaron Perini asserts, "They both deserve credit. Him saying he was going to unleash all hell, that certainly sped things up here" (01:06). He emphasizes that while the agreement expedited the process of bringing hostages home, it remains a temporary ceasefire without a permanent resolution. Perini expresses concerns about the presence of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, likening it to an "ISIS caliphate in Santa Monica bombing LA" (01:46).

Dennis Prager critiques Trump's approach, noting, "it seemed like the part that Trump was responsible for was not scaring Hamas" (02:10). He draws parallels to historical events, referencing President Reagan's use of a new administration to swiftly handle hostage situations, likening Trump's "madman theory of statesmanship" to previous strategies designed to intimidate adversaries (02:14 - 02:57).

The conversation highlights the precarious balance between achieving immediate humanitarian goals and ensuring long-term stability in conflict zones. Wilmore underscores a perceived double standard in international responses, noting how Israel faces disproportionate condemnation compared to other global crises (03:07 - 04:24).

2. Inauguration Scheduling Amidst Severe Weather

Timestamp: 04:23 – 05:32

The panel shifts focus to the logistical decision to move the presidential inauguration indoors due to extreme cold weather, with temperatures dropping to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Aaron Perini explains the necessity, "The Capitol is always ready when they build out for inauguration to have a backup in the rotunda at all times. So this is an easy transition" (04:30). He references historical precedents, including President Ronald Reagan's use of backup plans (04:55).

Dennis Prager humorously adds, "For the record, it's the only time Republicans support Plan B" (04:55), highlighting the bipartisan nature of such logistical decisions. The discussion includes anecdotes about past inaugurations and the importance of preparedness, despite the discomfort it may cause some, as emphasized by Perini's commitment to staying warm indoors (04:55).

3. Trump's Appointment of Hollywood Ambassadors

Timestamp: 06:35 – 08:17

Larry Wilmore addresses President Trump's unconventional appointment of Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as ambassadors to Hollywood, prompting both amusement and criticism.

Larry Wilmore jokes, "Trump selecting Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson and Jon Voight to be ambassadors to Hollywood... I'm trying to get the first two on this show, so I'm for it" (06:35). This sparks a lighthearted debate on the appropriateness and effectiveness of such appointments.

Dennis Prager points out the symbolic nature of these appointments, stating, "They’re going to be taking credit for the ceasefire deal" (07:02). The conversation delves into the intersection of entertainment and politics, questioning whether one can appreciate an artist's work independently of their political views. Perini supports this notion, mentioning his preference for enjoying content despite political disagreements: "I'm a Republican, so me enjoying most of entertainment means that I'm enjoying people who I like their content but don't like their political beliefs" (08:09).

4. Sports, National Events, and Community Resilience

Timestamp: 08:38 – 10:21

The panel discusses the role of sports and national events in fostering community spirit, especially in times of crisis. Wilmore expresses a desire for normalcy amidst ongoing challenges, stating, "I just wanna see them oiled and I wanna have the colonic sized and golden, all that shit that they do... and just come out here and be stupid for me for three hours" (08:57).

Dennis Prager differentiates sports from other media by highlighting their communal aspect: "Sports is in a slightly different category because it's always had the community aspect to it" (09:32). He further praises Trump's support for keeping the Olympics in Los Angeles, viewing it as an opportunity for bipartisan cooperation and city rebuilding (09:46).

5. Capitol Hill Work Hours and Political Commitment

Timestamp: 10:21 – 13:41

Transitioning to domestic politics, Wilmore interrogates progressive staff on Capitol Hill advocating for a 32-hour workweek.

Aaron Perini critiques this proposal, emphasizing the demanding nature of public service: "Working on Capitol Hill is a public service and they try to make it available to those who don't make a lot of money" (10:28). He advocates for a strong work ethic, reflecting on his six and a half years on the Hill and the rewarding experiences it provided despite long hours (10:28 - 11:26).

The conversation shifts to Pete Hegseth, with Prager humorously predicting his aggressive agenda: "What he wants to do with the Department of Defense is first thing, he wants to root out DEI" (11:45). They mockingly discuss political maneuvering and the performative aspects of confirmation hearings, such as Hegseth's exaggerated push-up claims: "He said, I can do five sets of 47" (12:22).

Larry Wilmore underscores the entertainment value of political antics, stating, "This stuff is comedy gold... I make fun of liberals more than they used to... They do more stupid shit. That's what my special's about" (12:48 - 13:03). The segment concludes with humorous takes on political priorities versus societal issues, reflecting a blend of frustration and satire.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Larry Wilmore, Aaron Perini, and Dennis Prager engage in a dynamic and multifaceted discussion, touching upon international diplomacy, political strategies, the intersection of entertainment and politics, community resilience through sports, and the ethos of public service on Capitol Hill. Their dialogue is punctuated with humor, historical references, and pointed critiques, providing listeners with insightful commentary on current events and political dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Perini: "They both deserve credit... but having Hamas in the Gaza Strip... it can't happen." (01:06 - 01:46)
• Dennis Prager: "It seemed like the part that Trump was responsible for was not scaring Hamas." (02:10)
• Larry Wilmore: "Should they postpone the Oscars or turn it into a fundraising telethon? How about neither?" (08:17)
• Aaron Perini: "If you can't appreciate the opportunity you are given to serve your fellow countrymen... you shouldn't be here." (10:28)
• Larry Wilmore: "This stuff is comedy gold... I make fun of liberals more than they used to." (12:48)

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Overtime Episode #681, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the full episode.

Transcript

[Bill Maher]

REI co op presents a mini mindfulness break. Take a deep breath in. Picture yourself on a mountain. As you hold your breath, look down at your skis, freshly waxed thanks to your REI membership, carving through powder like a knife to warm butter. Breathe out slowly. Let the air leave your lungs like you'd leave your local co op with all the gear, clothing, classes and advice you could hope for. Make time to opt outside rei.com welcome to an HBO podcast from the HBO late night series Real Time with Bill Maher.

[Larry Wilmore]

Okay, Overtime with the host Larry Millmore. Black on the air. Larry Wilmore. And she's a Republican strategist, Axiom. And former Trump 2020 deputy communications director Aaron Perini. Okay, we didn't get to the Middle east, so let's do that right here on Overtime. Does Trump deserv credit for the ceasefire agreement in the Middle East? Well, credit's a strong word, but I'll let you take the first crack at it.

[Aaron Perini]

They both deserve credit. Him saying he was going to unleash all hell, that certainly sped things up here. But I have a major concern. This was the agreement that Biden reached over the summer. Trump has stepped in that expedited it. The difference now is this is not a permanent cease fire. This is the opportunity for it to be temporary. Because right now, the way this cease fire and bringing home the hostages. Amazing. Absolutely. This needed to be done to get people home, and I'm thankful we're doing that. But having Hamas in the Gaza Strip, these organized terrorist organizations right at Israel's southern border, it would be like ISIS caliphate in Santa Monica bombing la. It can't happen. That's what concerns me. If this stays permanent, that's a big concern for Israeli, South Africa.

[Larry Wilmore]

Yeah. That's what surprised me about it was like I thought for sure they were not going to allow Hamas to remain as the governing.

[Aaron Perini]

So that's the temporary portion of it.

[Dennis Prager]

Well, it seemed like the part that Trump was responsible for was not scaring Hamas, which, you know, it seems like that was the case. But as much as convincing Netanyahu to do that. So maybe that's why that issue is there. That seems a little. Not sure.

[Larry Wilmore]

It reminded me a little of 1980. You might remember Dennis.

[Aaron Perini]

Yeah.

[Larry Wilmore]

Oh, yeah.

[Dennis Prager]

Dennis Vaes.

[Larry Wilmore]

Well, what?

[Dennis Prager]

Well, there's a book called Den of Spies right now about what you're about to say.

[Larry Wilmore]

Yeah, I mean, as soon as Reagan came into office, this is when they had kept hostages for, I think 444 days in Iran. As soon as the new guy came in the Iranian regime, let him go. Now, some people said, oh, Reagan, he's magic. Or it's just, okay, let's turn the page. We have a new sheriff in town.

[Dennis Prager]

Yeah.

[Larry Wilmore]

Now, Trump is also a practitioner of the madman theory of statesmanship, which, you know, only works if you. If they really think you're nuts.

[Dennis Prager]

Yes.

[Larry Wilmore]

So it really works for him. Yeah.

[Aaron Perini]

I mean, they certainly do not want to be the country that's gonna call Donald Trump's blood. You don't wanna be the country that's gonna have to find out the hard way he wasn't joking around about whatever red line he drew.

[Dennis Prager]

But I think you're right, though. The threat is kind of scary too. Like, I always compare. When Muhammad Ali winning his ca, he fought Sonny Liston. Sonny Liston. He wasn't intimidated by Ali's. By Clay's ability. He thought he was crazy. He showed up to his house at six in the morning and said, you're a big bear coming out. Bring that bear out of the house. He thought Ali was crazy. Right. And so that's what intimidated him into. That's Trump.

[Larry Wilmore]

I think it should also be noted that they've already killed more than half the hostages.

[Aaron Perini]

Yeah, we're bringing bodies home to a lot of families.

[Larry Wilmore]

To me, the double standard is always so amazing with Israel, what they have to do compared to what other people are allowed to do. I mean, in 2024, I think Israel was condemned 17 times and the rest of the world six, including Kim Jong Un, who starves his people. Sudan just used poison gas on their own people. Really? Nothing? The war in Ukraine, nothing. Okay, I'll cover that next week. Could it be perceived, someone wants to know, as a sign of weakness, that Trump has moved the inauguration inside? Oh, yeah, I read this today. I said the cold due to freezing weather. It's 25 degrees. 25. I've been in Canada when people are in shirt sleeves.

[Dennis Prager]

Right.

[Larry Wilmore]

I'm not kidding. In Canada, they go to the store in shirt sleeves. When it's 25.

[Aaron Perini]

I will say this one. The Capitol is always ready when they build out for inauguration to have a backup in the rotunda at all times. So this is an easy transition. They always have a plan B. This is it. Ronald Reagan used this plan B back in his second inaugural as well. Listen, I will stand outside in the very, very cold, but only for professional football games played by the Buffalo Bills. Other than that, I will keep myself in my toasty warm house.

[Dennis Prager]

And for the record, it's the only time Republicans support Plan B, just for the record.

[Larry Wilmore]

Thank you very much.

[Dennis Prager]

That's why I'm here, Bill.

[Larry Wilmore]

Also, I think we all remember President William Henry Harrison.

[Aaron Perini]

Pneumonia, months later.

[Larry Wilmore]

Am I wrong?

[Dennis Prager]

No.

[Larry Wilmore]

President William Henry Harrison. Hello, Larry, you want to explain W. Hh Right.

[Dennis Prager]

He got sick.

[Larry Wilmore]

He gave the inaugural address without a top coat in 1840 and died a month later. Of the motion, he was known as Tippecanoe. That was where the Tippecanoe was. Tippecanoe.

[Dennis Prager]

And Tyler too.

[Larry Wilmore]

Yeah. Tyler was his vice president.

[Dennis Prager]

Yeah.

[Larry Wilmore]

Cause he won the battle of Tippecanoe against the Indian Pontiac in 1806. Yeah, see. Yeah, I know, I know.

[Dennis Prager]

It's shit. You gotta know. You have to know these things if.

[Larry Wilmore]

You'Re driving a Pontiac. How dare you?

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[Larry Wilmore]

Thoughts on Trump? I love this guy. Just thoughts.

[Aaron Perini]

Sure.

[Larry Wilmore]

Come on, get to it, people. I'm busy. Thoughts on Trump? Trump selecting Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson and Jon Voight to be ambassadors to Hollywood. Well, I'm trying to get the first two on this show, so I'm for it.

[Dennis Prager]

I love that they're ambassadors now. They're going to be taking credit for the ceasefire deal.

[Larry Wilmore]

I think it just had to do with the fire or maybe our getting our entertainment around the world, you know, I don't know what they want to do. But look, Sylvester, this is a better question I think, is can you like someone for their art and not have the same politics? Well, yeah, I agree. I'll play R. Kelly tonight if I want to.

[Dennis Prager]

Yes. But here's the thing.

[Larry Wilmore]

And no one can say boo to me.

[Dennis Prager]

Mel Gibson is going to have the toughest job. You know, it's like you're going to have to talk to a lot of Jews, but it's gonna be okay. It's gonna be okay.

[Larry Wilmore]

I think he's talked to a lot of Jews in his life. And who is this? Who does he love more than anybody else? Jesus. A Jew.

[Dennis Prager]

That's true, that's true.

[Larry Wilmore]

And he's a great filmmaker.

[Dennis Prager]

Jesus. Oh, no.

[Aaron Perini]

Haven't seen that one.

[Dennis Prager]

That's true.

[Larry Wilmore]

Passion of the Christ is a great movie. I mean, I didn't agree with it. You know, I'm not a Christian.

[Dennis Prager]

Well, Braveheart.

[Larry Wilmore]

Braveheart's a great. A lot of movies.

[Aaron Perini]

I'm a Republican, so me enjoying most of entertainment means that I'm enjoying people who I like their content but don't like their political beliefs.

[Larry Wilmore]

Great point. Exactly.

[Aaron Perini]

Welcome to being a Republican.

[Larry Wilmore]

Speaking of which, should they postpone the Oscars or turn it into a fundraising telethon? How about neither? How about just go on with life, you know, don't make. I mean, talking about the football games. I watch football games. It's like, look, I'm all, look, this is my home.

[Dennis Prager]

Yeah.

[Larry Wilmore]

I'm. I'm dug in here. I ain't leaving. I told Rick, I'm going to defend this shit. Okay? I'm going to thug it out here, but I don't need to hear it all the time. I wanted to watch those games and get away from it. We heard it 24, 7.

[Dennis Prager]

Yeah.

[Larry Wilmore]

I mean, I haven't been out of my house for a bad reason.

[Dennis Prager]

Yeah.

[Larry Wilmore]

At least for a very long time. I don't need to hear it. 24. I got it. It's bad and it's gonna stay bad. And rebuilding is gonna be rough, but we need a break sometimes. We just need a break sometimes. I just wanna see, you know, these people, the beautiful people who are, you know, the people who are 10 and then somehow on Oscar night, they crank it up to 11. I wanna see them oiled and I wanna have the colonic sized and golden, all that shit that they do, and just come out here and be stupid for me for three hours.

[Dennis Prager]

Yeah, I agree with that. I do think, though, the sports is in a slightly different category because it's always had the community aspect to it. You know, Blue Angels, you gotta mix.

[Larry Wilmore]

The patriotism with it. I don't like that either.

[Dennis Prager]

Do the national anthem. You do all these things, you know, And I actually think it's a time this is an opportunity because the Olympics are coming to Los Angeles. And I applaud Trump for defending, not moving the Olympics from Los Angeles. He's a big supporter of it staying here. And I think this is a time when both parties can come together or just drop all the party shit and people can really be focused to not only rebuild Los Angeles for the people that live here, but for the people that are coming too. And for this event that's coming up, which is in a few short years, it's not that far from now. You know, there's a lot of work to be done for so many things.

[Larry Wilmore]

As a former Hill staffer, Aaron, what were your thoughts about progressive staff on the Hill asking for a 32 hour work week? I missed that story.

[Aaron Perini]

Oh yes. They sent out a letter asking for a 32 hour work week. I have two thoughts about this. One, sure, progressives, if you want to work less on Capitol Hill, make it easier for Republicans to do their jobs. We're all for this. And two, working on Capitol Hill is a public service and they try to make it available to those who don't make a lot of money. You can get your federal student loans repaid by working on Capitol Hill. That was something that started under Nancy Pelosi speakership to try and stop the brain drain off the Hill because it's much easier to make money not working on the Hill. But if you have the privilege to work on Capitol Hill, yes, the hours suck. Yes, you will be working all of the time. But you know what? It's worth it. It was the best career I had. I was on the Hill for six and a half years. I met incredible Democrats, Republicans. I love the rotunda. I'm a dork for the Senate floor. If you can't appreciate the opportunity you are given to serve your fellow countrymen in the Capitol in whatever fashion you can because you think you work too much, you shouldn't be here. You don't do that.

[Larry Wilmore]

I agree.

[Dennis Prager]

I agree. And especially and that age.

[Larry Wilmore]

Pete Hegseth. No funny stuff.

[Aaron Perini]

No, I've met Pete Hegseth a couple of times. He's always been great to work with.

[Larry Wilmore]

Okay, sorry.

[Dennis Prager]

Well, my take on Pete Hegseth, I love that his. What he wants to do with the Department of Defense is first thing, he wants to root out dei. Even if he has to get a DUI to do it. Bill, he's gonna root it out. I just had to get that joke.

[Larry Wilmore]

Oh, that's a good one. Yeah. Well, I mean, I see that they are fetishizing the number 47. They asked Pete Tegseth, as you always do in a confirmation hearing, how many push ups can you do? I mean, that's just de rigueur. This goes back to the beginning of the Republic. When you confronted someone, you ask them how many push ups they could do.

[Dennis Prager]

Yeah, it tripped up rgb.

[Larry Wilmore]

I think instead of just saying the number, he said, I can do five sets of 47.

[Aaron Perini]

Yes.

[Larry Wilmore]

And he's kissing Trump's ass at the end of every one. That's what really makes these pushups so impressive?

[Dennis Prager]

You're not wrong.

[Larry Wilmore]

Here's my thing about that. I said this at the end of last year. This stuff is comedy gold.

[Aaron Perini]

Oh, yeah.

[Larry Wilmore]

And I go where the gold is. I tell this to the progressives too.

[Dennis Prager]

Looters gotta loot.

[Larry Wilmore]

You make fun of liberals more than they used to. Yeah, fuck I do. Cause they're funnier than they used to be. They do more stupid shit. That's what my special's about.

[Dennis Prager]

That's what is.

[Larry Wilmore]

But I'm not gonna chase every stupid thing like it matters. This doesn't matter. It really doesn't matter. Yeah, petex doing 47 pushups five times. Or, you know, we're going to buy Greenland or we're going to invade Greenland. You know, when the Marines are up there raising the flag like the Okinawa pose on Greenland, I'll get worried about it, Right. Until then, are you on that page? I'm not losing money.

[Dennis Prager]

I mean, Trump has so many.

[Larry Wilmore]

You can't. You just can't.

[Dennis Prager]

What are you going to chase? Chase the car you might get hit.

[Larry Wilmore]

By, you know, when bad shit happens. And that'll be in three weeks. All right, thank you very much.

[Bill Maher]

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

[Aaron Perini]

I'm Evan Ross Katz, the host of the White Lotus Official podcast from hbo. Over eight episodes, you'll hear from season one and two cast members and we'll together unpack some of our favorite stories, storylines. I started writing in August and we were shooting in October. I didn't even know who was going to die. I was literally just writing by the.

[Larry Wilmore]

Seat of my pants.

[Aaron Perini]

Listen on Max or wherever you get your podcasts.