Real Time with Bill Maher: Overtime – Episode #693 Summary

Release Date: April 29, 2025
Guests:

• Sen. Adam Schiff – Democratic Senator from California
• Bret Stephens – New York Times Opinion Columnist

1. President Biden’s Preemptive Pardons (01:02 - 02:46)

The episode opens with a critical discussion on President Joe Biden’s unprecedented use of preemptive pardons. Senator Adam Schiff brings up the topic, highlighting that Biden pardoned him and others he anticipated Trump might target.

Sen. Adam Schiff (01:02):
"Right before he left office, Joe Biden pardoned you and a number of people who he thought Trump would go after."

Bret Stephens (01:40):
"No, I take the opposite view. I don't think he should have given the pardons at all."

Stephens elaborates, expressing concern that such pardons set a dangerous precedent, granting the president excessive leeway to pardon associates and potentially enabling lawless actions.

Bret Stephens (02:46):
"The abuse of the pardon power essentially gives him an opportunity to tell everyone around him, then when I'm on the way out the door, I've got your back."

This segment underscores fears about the erosion of legal accountability and the implications of expanding presidential pardoning powers.

2. Arrest of a Judge in Milwaukee (04:16 - 05:26)

Senator Schiff introduces a troubling report about a judge in Milwaukee allegedly orchestrating the escape of an illegal immigrant from an ICE hearing, leading to the judge’s arrest by the FBI. The credibility and implications of this incident become a point of contention.

Sen. Adam Schiff (04:16):
"There was a judge in Milwaukee... ICE people came in to arrest this person and apparently the judge spirited the person out the back door."

Bret Stephens (05:03):
"I think I'm not going to comment on something I don't know more about than what you've just told me."

The discussion highlights concerns over judicial misconduct and the broader implications for the integrity of the legal system.

3. Film and TV Industry Migration from California (05:26 - 09:34)

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the exodus of the film and television industry from California to other states and countries offering lucrative tax incentives. The panelists debate the causes and potential consequences of this trend.

Bret Stephens (05:52):
"They're leaving because they're getting richer incentives in other states and other countries, and we haven't kept pace with that."

Stephens emphasizes the need for federal incentives to retain the industry, arguing that without competitive benefits, California risks losing one of its most vital economic and cultural drivers.

Ezra Klein (Though not listed as a guest, contributes significantly to this segment):
"California... has become exhibit A in progressive misgovernance... you’re going to create an example of what Americans don't want from the left."
Timestamp: [05:30]

He attributes the migration to high taxes, stringent regulations, and the unaffordability of living in the state, suggesting that these factors are pushing both businesses and residents away.

Bret Stephens (08:54):
"The cost of living is too high. Most particularly the cost of housing is too high. People can't afford to live here."

The panelists agree that addressing the high cost of housing and creating a more business-friendly environment are crucial steps to reversing the trend of industry migration.

4. UK’s Social Media Curfew for Kids (09:30 - 12:39)

The discussion shifts to the UK’s proposal to impose a social media curfew for children, exploring its feasibility and potential impact.

Ezra Klein (10:25):
"Being the father of three kids, getting them off social media is the single most important thing you can do as a parent."

He criticizes social media as a divisive tool that harms the mental health of young people, advocating for stricter controls to mitigate its negative effects.

Bret Stephens (10:36):
"I like the fact that schools are increasingly taking phones out of the classroom. I think that makes a lot of sense."

Stephens supports measures to limit children's access to social media, citing the importance of maintaining focus and fostering healthier interpersonal relationships.

Sen. Adam Schiff (11:12):
"Every movie and TV show that has a teenager in it cannot be mischaracterizing this... It starts with the phone."

Schiff echoes the sentiment, linking the overuse of smartphones to broader issues of parental authority and youth behavior, and humorously suggests opening his own "Catholic School" to enforce discipline and traditional values.

Conclusion

Episode #693 of Real Time with Bill Maher offers a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation between Sen. Adam Schiff and Bret Stephens. Key topics include the controversial use of presidential pardons, judicial misconduct, the migration of the entertainment industry from California, and the proposed social media regulations for children in the UK. The panelists provide incisive critiques and diverse perspectives on these pressing issues, encouraging viewers to reflect on governance, accountability, economic competitiveness, and the influence of technology on youth.

Notable Quote:

Sen. Adam Schiff (12:17):
"We just gotta make it friendlier... That's a Beach Boys song."

This lighthearted remark encapsulates the blend of serious discourse and relatable commentary that characterizes the episode.

For those interested in the full discussion, catch all new episodes of Real Time with Bill Maher every Friday night at 10 PM or watch them anytime on HBO on Demand. More information is available at hbo.com.