Real Time with Bill Maher – Episode #687: David Sedaris, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sen. Jon Tester Release Date: March 11, 2025

Overview: In Episode #687 of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, host Bill Maher engages in a dynamic "Overtime" segment with a distinguished panel comprising bestselling author and humorist David Sedaris, former Democratic Senator from Montana Jon Tester, and CNN political contributor and The View co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin. The episode delves into pressing societal issues ranging from public health concerns and animal welfare to political strategies and judicial practices.

1. Public Health: Bird Flu and Epidemic Preparedness

Timestamp: [00:52] - [02:20]

Bill Maher kicks off the discussion by addressing concerns about avian influenza and the Trump administration's capability to manage potential epidemics. Senator Jon Tester emphasizes the gravity of the issue:

“We should learn something from COVID and we should treat these things seriously in the world we live in today with people moving around...”
– Jon Tester [01:36]

Tester highlights the link between human health and animal welfare, pointing out the risks associated with concentrated livestock farming:

“...the concentration of livestock in small areas. In this case, chickens.”
– Jon Tester [01:55]

Maher, a self-proclaimed PETA board member, pivots the conversation towards animal treatment:

“I'm totally into not torturing animals. And, and you know what? When you do torture animals, it winds up coming. That's how we get.”
– Bill Maher [02:11]

Senator Tester acknowledges the complexities in legislative action, noting the challenges in passing effective farm bills:

“We have a hard enough time getting a farm bill passed in Congress... But we absolutely should deal with it in common sense ways.”
– Jon Tester [02:20]

2. Animal Welfare and Ethical Treatment

Timestamp: [02:41] - [03:36]

David Sedaris shares a thought-provoking anecdote about animal rights activism:

“I saw a video... Spanish women protesting the rape of chickens. They were saying, if you have chickens outside and a rooster tries to rape the chicken, she can run away. But if they're confined, there's nowhere to go.”
– David Sedaris [02:44]

The conversation takes a humorous turn when Maher brings up controversial claims related to animal abuse:

“People have had sex with chickens. Larry Flynn claimed that he lost his virginity to a chicken.”
– Bill Maher [03:25]

Sedaris responds with his trademark wit:

“Seriously? Any cock will do.”
– David Sedaris [03:34]

3. Political Strategies: Avoiding Town Halls

Timestamp: [03:51] - [04:37]

Bill Maher questions Republican leaders about advising their members to steer clear of town hall meetings. Alyssa Farah Griffin counters:

“You can't hide from your own voters... If you're not getting your VA benefits, if you're waiting at the Social Security office, you're going to want to go and yell at your congressman or you're going to vote him out of office.”
– Alyssa Farah Griffin [03:51]

Senator Tester adds that abstaining from town halls disconnects politicians from real-world issues:

“Those town hall meetings are the only way you can hear what's really going on in the real world. It really goes against their democracy, quite frankly.”
– Jon Tester [04:20]

4. Arts and Politics: The Kennedy Center Controversy

Timestamp: [04:37] - [08:12]**

Maher brings up the topic of artists like Lin-Manuel Miranda canceling tours at the Kennedy Center amidst political tensions:

“I did not see one person in the audience or one person on the stage who you would think voted for Donald Trump.”
– Bill Maher [06:21]

David Sedaris expresses frustration over the politicization of artistic venues:

“I'm angry that the building was politicized. I'm angry about that.”
– David Sedaris [05:55]

Alyssa Farah Griffin provides insight into the perceived left-leaning nature of the arts community:

“The arts obviously skew left of center... going overboard on it isn't the answer either.”
– Alyssa Farah Griffin [07:02]

Senator Tester offers a different perspective, recalling Republican presence at past events:

“Both times that I went there... there were a lot of Republicans in the audience during the Biden administration.”
– Jon Tester [07:29]

5. Judicial Practices: Death by Firing Squad

Timestamp: [09:41] - [11:16]**

Maher raises a controversial topic about an inmate in South Carolina opting for execution by firing squad. The panel debates the ethics and efficiency of this method:

“How are you gonna blindfold? That helps.”
– Alyssa Farah Griffin [10:18]

Ben Shapiro (hypothetically, as only the actual transcript is provided) might have been intended, but based on the transcript:

“They could screw that up too, you know, they might miss.”
– Jon Tester [10:03]

David Sedaris adds a lighter note referencing social media:

“He was asked what his last meal would be, and he said, the all you can eat breadsticks.”
– David Sedaris [10:54]

6. Political Accountability: Trump’s Funding Cuts

Timestamp: [11:16] - [12:45]**

The panel discusses former President Trump's decision to withdraw $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University due to issues surrounding the protection of Jewish students:

Alyssa Farah Griffin strongly supports the decision:

“You do not have a right to harass, intimidate Jewish students on campus...”
– Alyssa Farah Griffin [11:34]

She shares her personal journey from working under Pence to distancing herself from Trump:

“Covid in January 6th. Really did it for me... I saw it going that direction and the lies about the election.”
– Alyssa Farah Griffin [12:04]

Bill Maher echoes similar sentiments regarding his disillusionment:

“Same thing happened.”
– Bill Maher [12:39]

Conclusion

The episode of Real Time with Bill Maher presents a robust discussion on a variety of contemporary issues, blending humor with serious discourse. From public health and animal rights to political strategies and judicial ethics, Maher and his guests provide insightful perspectives that challenge listeners to reflect on the state of current affairs.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Tester on Epidemic Preparedness:
  “We should learn something from COVID and we should treat these things seriously in the world we live in today...” [01:36]

• Bill Maher on Animal Welfare:
  “I'm totally into not torturing animals. And, and you know what? When you do torture animals, it winds up coming. That's how we get.” [02:11]

• Alyssa Farah Griffin on Political Accountability:
  “You do not have a right to harass, intimidate Jewish students on campus...” [11:34]

• David Sedaris on Animal Rights Activism:
  “I saw a video... Spanish women protesting the rape of chickens. They were saying, if you have chickens outside and a rooster tries to rape the chicken, she can run away.” [02:44]

For More Information: Catch all 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 details.