Real Time with Bill Maher: Overtime – Episode #694 Featuring Kara Swisher and Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy

Release Date: May 6, 2025

In Episode #694 of HBO's “Real Time with Bill Maher,” host Bill Maher engages in a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation with esteemed panelists Kara Swisher, renowned tech journalist and podcast host, and former Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy. This episode delves into a range of contemporary socio-political issues, blending humor with serious discourse to provide listeners with insightful perspectives.

1. Age Gap Relationships and Public Perception

The episode kicks off with a discussion on public reactions to prominent figures engaging in significant age gap relationships. The spotlight is on the rumored relationship between NFL coach Bill Belichick and a woman nearly 50 years his junior, raising questions about societal norms and taboos.

Bill Maher (01:04):
"Panel, what does the panel make of the public reaction to former Patriots' coach Bill Belichick's relationship with a woman nearly 50 years his junior? Does the controversy suggest that significant age gap relationships remain one of society's last taboos?"

Kevin McCarthy (01:44):
"My wife is 15 years younger than me, so I don't know what to say."

The conversation swiftly transitions to personal anecdotes, with both Bill Maher and Kevin McCarthy mentioning their own age differences with their spouses, underscoring the subjective nature of societal judgments on such relationships.

Panelist 1 (01:56):
"It seemed like elder abuse, right? And they were going to do 'Hard Knocks' and they were there three days and then they kicked out. So it's people that know him well. It seems like he's not able to be who he was, but that's his choice. Yeah. If he's happy, why do we care?"

Bill Maher (02:19):
"We live in America. Let him be."

The panelists emphasize personal happiness and autonomy over societal expectations, challenging the stigma often associated with age-disparate relationships.

2. The Future of TikTok in America

Shifting gears, the discussion moves to the precarious position of TikTok within the United States amidst national security concerns.

Bill Maher (03:40):
"Kara, what is the future of TikTok in America?"

Kevin McCarthy (03:59):
"I don't know."

The panel deliberates on the potential outcomes, including possible acquisitions by American companies like Oracle or venture capital firms, to retain data sovereignty and mitigate Chinese control over user data.

Panelist 1 (04:14):
"They'll keep the data in America and there's too many people using it."

Kevin McCarthy (04:25):
"Because China controlled the data. Because they can. Like that's the issue. And we don't have reciprocal rights there."

The conversation highlights the complexities of regulating global social media platforms and the balance between national security and digital freedom.

3. Trump's Lighthearted Suggestion to Become Pope

In a lighter yet politically charged moment, the panel discusses former President Donald Trump's humorous suggestion about becoming the next Pope.

Bill Maher (06:17):
"What did the panel think of Trump suggesting? Jokingly, it says, and I'm sure it was that he'd like to be the next Pope."

Kevin McCarthy (06:24):
"He should do that. He should do that. That would be great."

This segment underscores the unpredictable nature of political figures making offhand remarks and the varying receptions such statements receive from different segments of the public.

4. Tim Walz’s Role in the Harris Campaign

The episode examines former Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz's role in Vice Presidential candidate Harris's campaign, questioning the effectiveness and strategic approach taken.

Bill Maher (06:36):
"Former vice presidential candidate Tim Walz explained that his role in the Harris campaign was to code talk to white guys watching football and fixing their truck. Was he successful in doing so?"

Panelist 1 (06:57):
"I served with Tim in the House for a long time. That is not what I would put him in charge of and he didn't do a good job of that. But I will say I think Harris, he was a different person before she picked him for VP and that she didn't let him go out there and answer any questions because vice."

The panel critiques the campaign strategy, suggesting a disconnect between the intended messaging and its execution, which may have impacted voter engagement.

5. Prospects for the 2028 Democratic Primary

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to forecasting the landscape of the 2028 Democratic primary, with panelists debating potential frontrunners and the evolving dynamics within the party.

Bill Maher (07:41):
"And who do you see on the horizon for 2028 in the Democratic primary right now? Yeah, Bernie and AOC."

Panelist 1 (07:47):
"No, they got the biggest crowds."

Bill Maher (07:49):
"That doesn't matter."

The dialogue touches on the influence of popular figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), discussing their appeal through large gatherings and grassroots support, yet questioning whether this translates to primary success.

Kevin McCarthy (08:11):
"I think it's Moore versus Youngkin. That's where I see it."

The conversation extends to the Republican perspective, with mentions of candidates like Mike Moore and Glenn Youngkin, highlighting the bipartisan considerations leading up to the next election cycle.

6. Oklahoma's Curriculum on the 2020 Election

Bill Maher addresses Oklahoma's recent decision to mandate that students learn about alleged fraud in the 2020 election, prompting a critical examination of democratic integrity and educational policies.

Bill Maher (09:22):
"So Oklahoma has now required their students in schools to learn that the 2020 election was tainted by fraud. What are your thoughts on that?"

Kevin McCarthy (09:32):
"Yeah, you could do that one."

Panelist 1 (09:36):
"From my belief, the election was very clear. Biden won that election."

The panelists express concerns over the politicization of education, emphasizing the importance of factual accuracy and the dangers of undermining electoral legitimacy through mandated curricula.

7. America's Decline in Press Freedom

In the concluding segment, the panelists discuss America's drop to 57th place out of 180 countries regarding press freedom, a decline that poses threats to the First Amendment and democratic principles.

Bill Maher (10:26):
"Last question. According to the people who study this, out of 180 countries, America has slipped down to 57. So we're middle of the pack as far as freedom of the press goes. What do you think about that?"

Kevin McCarthy (10:40):
"Well, not good. Because it's our First Amendment and, you know, it's first. And so it should be important in this country."

Panelist 1 (11:39):
"I don't think the press has been fair in so many other places. [...] You just have to have your news so fast and so rapidly so you don't have the editors, you don't have the ability to check."

The discussion underscores the challenges faced by the American press, including legal threats and the pressures of the digital age, which contribute to the erosion of press freedom and trust in media institutions.

Conclusion

Episode #694 of “Real Time with Bill Maher” offers a comprehensive exploration of pressing issues, from personal anecdotes on age gap relationships to the broader implications of media freedom and electoral integrity. Through candid dialogue and incisive commentary, Bill Maher and his panelists provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current socio-political landscape, encouraging critical thought and informed discourse.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Maher (03:40):
  "Kara, what is the future of TikTok in America?"

• Kevin McCarthy (04:25):
  "Because China controlled the data. Because they can. Like that's the issue."

• Panelist 1 (09:36):
  "From my belief, the election was very clear. Biden won that election."

• Kevin McCarthy (10:40):
  "Well, not good. Because it's our First Amendment and, you know, it's first."

This episode serves as a critical reflection on both personal and national narratives, encapsulating the complexities of modern American discourse.