Real Time with Bill Maher – Overtime Episode #683: Peggy Noonan, Dan Jones, Max Brooks
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Host: HBO Podcasts

Introduction

In Episode #683 of HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher," host Bill Maher engages in a thought-provoking "Overtime" segment with a distinguished panel: Peggy Noonan, Dan Jones, and Max Brooks. The discussion delves into contemporary political dynamics, historical leadership lessons, the rise of cryptocurrency, and the pervasive influence of Silicon Valley on modern society.

John Fetterman's Senate Attire and Professionalism

Timestamp: [01:07 – 02:52]

The conversation kicks off with Dan Jones bringing up Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman's unconventional attire, particularly his penchant for wearing shorts and hoodies, even during formal events like inaugurations.

Dan Jones asks:
"Is John Fetterman being disrespectful? I read your piece on this, so I know the answer, but you can being disrespectful. John Fetterman, who never wears pants when he wears shorts, even at the inauguration."
[01:07]

Peggy Noonan responds by highlighting Fetterman's individuality and humor:
"He showed up in the hoodie and the shorts, right?"
[01:53]
She commends Fetterman's independence and ability to capture the moment with humor, recounting an incident where Fetterman humorously responded to a press query about meeting Donald Trump by saying he'd make himself "the Pope of Panama."
[02:38]
However, Noonan does express reservations about his choice of attire on the Senate floor, suggesting a suit and tie would be more appropriate in that setting.
[02:52]

Dan Jones on Historical Leadership: "Henry 5th the Astonishing Rise of England's Greatest Warrior King"

Timestamp: [03:05 – 05:12]

Dan Jones introduces his latest work, exploring the life and leadership of Henry V, contrasting him with more infamous Henrys like Henry VIII. Bill Maher queries the relevance of studying a 15th-century monarch in today's context, to which Jones elaborates on Henry V's leadership qualities.

Dan Jones:
"Why did you write your book about Henry V? There are so many Henrys. Can today's leaders learn anything from a 15th-century monarch?"
[03:05]

Max Brooks provides insight into Henry V, emphasizing his competence and charisma:
"He manages to triangulate, takes the theatrical best of one and the dogged technocratic determination of the other, puts them together with a dose of charisma and a good deal of probity."
[04:09]
Brooks contrasts Henry V with his predecessors, noting the effective blend of direct communication and resolute leadership as exemplified by Henry's famous three-word rallying cry before the Battle of Agincourt:
"Fellas, let's go."
[06:27]

Dan Jones questions the portrayal's historical accuracy, leading to a discussion on the evolution of the English language and the authenticity of Henry V's representation. Brooks clarifies that Henry V himself wrote in plain English, contrasting with Shakespeare's more poetic renditions.
[05:12 – 05:34]

Cryptocurrency and the Rise of Dark Money

Timestamp: [07:46 – 10:03]

The panel shifts focus to the contemporary issue of cryptocurrency, with discussions highlighting its role in facilitating dark money and its potential to undermine geopolitical stability.

Dan Jones raises concerns about former President Trump's pardon of the Silk Road founder, linking it to the broader implications of cryptocurrency.
[07:58]

An unidentified guest elaborates on the dangers of crypto as a tool for illicit activities:
"Crypto is the currency of evil, of criminals. It's where you can deal in drugs, child pornography, terrorism, everything that's dark."
[08:58]

The conversation underscores the challenges in regulating cryptocurrency, with Jones and the guest discussing how crypto could enable untraceable financial transactions among the super-rich and corrupt leaders, thereby masking geopolitical maneuvers.
[09:37 – 10:03]

Peggy Noonan's Critique of Silicon Valley

Timestamp: [10:08 – 11:40]

Peggy Noonan offers a scathing critique of Silicon Valley, questioning the ethical compass and societal impact of its pioneers.

Peggy Noonan reflects on the original idealism that drove Silicon Valley innovators:
"We're inventing this fabulous new technology. The whole world's going to be able to talk to each other. Instant communication. Doctors in Africa will talk to doctors in New York and look at the X-ray together. It was all idealistic and beautiful."
[10:08]

She laments the industry's shift towards cynical self-dealing, highlighting detrimental outcomes such as the mental health crises exacerbated by social media platforms:
"Children are becoming mentally ill, depression and anxiety on Instagram. And Instagram essentially says, what should we do about that? If the problem is the algorithms, well, I guess we'll make the algorithms even worse to get more of the kids involved."
[10:42]

Noonan expresses deep concern over placing Silicon Valley leaders in charge of AI development, fearing their flawed character and self-serving motives could have catastrophic consequences.
[11:36 – 11:40]

Privatization, Government Regulation, and Societal Impacts

Timestamp: [11:40 – 12:51]

The panel delves into the broader implications of privatization and the diminishing role of government oversight.

An unidentified guest traces the roots of current privatization trends back to the Reagan era, critiquing the laissez-faire attitude towards the private sector:
"This is the Reagan revolution. This is the notion that the private sector should manage itself, that they're all good, decent people on Wall Street and they'll do what's right for the country."
[10:43]

The discussion highlights the failure of privatization when left unchecked, equating it metaphorically to handing over the fire department to "pyromaniacs."
[11:40 – 12:13]

Noonan and the guest assert that the government's role is to protect citizens and regulate industries to prevent harm, a function they've seen neglected with the rise of unregulated private enterprises.
[12:13 – 12:51]

Dan Jones concludes the segment by emphasizing the disconnect between private sector motives and public welfare:
"The government is me, the citizen, of course, the taxpayer. I'm looking out for me. So I'm there to regulate you before you hurt me."
[12:45]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Bill Maher reminding listeners to catch all new episodes of "Real Time with Bill Maher" every Friday night at 10 or watch them on HBO On Demand. The final moments include promotional content and a brief sign-off from Peggy Noonan.
[12:57 – 13:07]

Notable Quotes

• Peggy Noonan on John Fetterman's individuality:
  "He does what he says he's gonna do. He's not a dick about it, unless you're French."
  [06:27]

• Max Brooks on Henry V's leadership:
  "It's the political dream that transcends the Middle Ages. He speaks the language of ordinary people."
  [04:54]

• Peggy Noonan on Silicon Valley's moral decline:
  "I'm anxious about it, I feel angry about it."
  [11:37]

Key Takeaways

• Leadership Lessons from History: Dan Jones and Max Brooks explore how Henry V's straightforward and charismatic leadership can inform modern political and business leaders.

• Cryptocurrency as Dark Money: The panel discusses the inherent risks of unregulated crypto markets, emphasizing their potential to facilitate illicit activities and obscure financial transactions.

• Silicon Valley's Ethical Shortfalls: Peggy Noonan critiques the tech industry's shift from idealistic beginnings to self-serving practices that harm societal well-being, particularly regarding mental health and data privacy.

• The Necessity of Government Regulation: The discussion underscores the critical role of government oversight in regulating private enterprises to safeguard public interests and prevent corporate malfeasance.

This episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher" offers insightful commentary on the intersection of historical leadership, modern technology, and political accountability, encouraging listeners to reflect on the lessons from the past and the challenges of the present.