Real Time with Bill Maher - Overtime Episode #690: Rikki Schlott, John McWhorter
Release Date: April 1, 2025

1. Introduction and Panel Overview

Bill Maher welcomes listeners to the HBO podcast of Real Time with Bill Maher. He introduces the episode's panelists: John McWhorter, an opinion writer for The New York Times and author of "Pronoun Trouble," and Ricky Schaffer, a columnist for the New York Post and author of "The Canceling of the American Mind."

2. Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett’s Remarks

The conversation kicks off with a discussion about Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett referring to Texas Governor Greg Abbott as "Governor Hot Wheels," a nickname playing on his use of a wheelchair.

• Bill Maher ([01:20]): Highlights a trend among Democratic figures toward increased informality, likening it to introducing "ghetto cat fight" dynamics into formal spaces like Congress. He criticizes Crockett for making light of Governor Abbott's disability, noting, "If she thinks that being black and fabulous gives her a pass on that, then she's got a really unfortunate sense of what black is."

• John McWhorter ([02:08]): Expresses understanding of the intent behind the remark but questions its appropriateness.

• Ricky Schaffer ([02:11]): Argues that such tactics mirror the "MAGA world" strategies and warns that the Democratic Party may lose credibility if it engages in "cheap shots." He emphasizes the need for Democrats to maintain normalcy and integrity rather than stooping to lower tactics.

• John McWhorter ([02:34]): References "Family Guy" humorously, suggesting that while making jokes about disabilities in cartoons is acceptable, doing so in real life lacks the same shield, leading to dismissive hostility.

3. Public Broadcasting and Allegations of Bias

The panel shifts focus to recent testimonies by leaders of NPR and PBS before Congress amid accusations of liberal bias, questioning the continuation of taxpayer funding for public broadcasters.

• John McWhorter ([03:37]): Provides background on Republican efforts to defund PBS, labeling NPR as "crazy far left." He criticizes the polarization that has rendered public broadcasting untenable, suggesting it should become privatized.

• Bill Maher ([04:50]): Shares his long-term appreciation for NPR but acknowledges a perceived shift away from general audience content since 2020. Recounts an anecdote where his daughter criticized NPR for its repetitive negative narratives, indicating a decline from its former balance.

4. Declining Interest in Marriage Among Young Women

The discussion moves to societal trends, specifically the increasing number of women giving up on marriage.

• John McWhorter ([05:58]): Introduces the topic and humorously reflects on personal perspectives regarding marriage.

• Ricky Schaffer ([06:15]): Analyzes the issue by pointing out the "massive disconnect between the genders" in his generation. He attributes the decline in marriage interest to political polarization, the rise of dating apps, internet culture, and phenomena like "incels" and "trad wives," making it challenging for young people to find compatible partners.

• John McWhorter ([06:54]): Adds that the inability to maintain eye contact contributes to relationship difficulties.

• Bill Maher ([07:19]): Shares a personal preference for his current age over youth, despite its challenges.

• John McWhorter ([07:34]): Agrees, mentioning the advantages of maturity, such as better interpersonal skills, while acknowledging the complexities of the current era.

5. The Future of AI in Professions

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on various professions, spurred by a news story where Bill Gates predicts that AI will take over roles like doctors and teachers within a decade.

• John McWhorter ([07:50]): References the news headline about Bill Gates' prediction that AI will replace humans in most jobs, questioning the prioritization of such stories.

• Ricky Schaffer ([08:35]): Expresses concern over Silicon Valley's influence, criticizing tech leaders for being "antisocial" and "not particularly pro-human." He fears their control over AI technology could negatively shape the future, leading to increased nihilism among young people uncertain about job prospects.

• John McWhorter ([09:14]): Notes Mark Zuckerberg's shifting stance on AI's capabilities, highlighting the uncertainty and fear surrounding widespread job displacement.

• Bill Maher ([09:25]): Offers a nuanced perspective by acknowledging the challenges of the teaching profession and pondering whether AI could effectively address teacher shortages. He contemplates the potential benefits of AI in education, despite ongoing debates about teaching methodologies and teacher quality.

• John McWhorter ([10:19]): Brings up the ethical concerns related to AI in education, such as inappropriate relationships between students and teachers, hinting at broader societal implications.

• Bill Maher ([10:32]): Concludes the discussion, emphasizing the complexity and urgency of addressing AI's role in shaping the future workforce.

6. Closing Remarks

Bill Maher wraps up the episode by promoting future episodes of Real Time with Bill Maher, available every Friday night at 10 PM on HBO and on HBO On Demand.

Notable Quotes

• Bill Maher on Jasmine Crockett's remarks ([01:54]): "If she thinks that being black and fabulous gives her a pass on that, then she's got a really unfortunate sense of what black is."

• Ricky Schaffer on Democratic tactics ([02:11]): "I think this is just an example of when they go low, we go lower."

• John McWhorter on AI news prioritization ([07:50]): "Your thoughts?"

• Bill Maher on AI in teaching ([09:25]): "I don't pump her full of things like this. She said from the back seat in a very different car, she said, daddy, why is it that NPR is always playing the same thing?"

Conclusion

In this episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, the panelists engage in a robust discussion covering political decorum, the state of public broadcasting, societal shifts in marriage trends, and the impending impact of AI on various professions. Through incisive commentary and a blend of humor and seriousness, Bill Maher, John McWhorter, and Ricky Schaffer provide listeners with thoughtful insights into contemporary issues shaping American society.