Real Time with Bill Maher: Overtime – Episode #699 with Ian Bremmer & Rutger Bregman

Release Date: June 17, 2025

In Episode #699 of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, host Bill Maher engages in a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation with two distinguished guests: Ian Bremmer, President and Founder of the Eurasia Group and Gzero Media, and Rutger Bregman, renowned author of Moral Ambition. This episode delves into various pressing topics, including journalistic integrity, the definition of ambition, New York's mayoral race, the role of former presidents, and the implications of controversial political statements.

1. The Role of Journalism and Public Commentary

The episode opens with Maher addressing a recent controversy involving journalist Terry Moran's dismissal from ABC following his critical tweets about political figures. Maher expresses strong disapproval of Moran's approach, emphasizing the importance of impartiality in journalism.

• Bill Maher [01:31]:

  "He's a world class hater. You can see this just by looking at him because you can see that his hatreds are a spiritual nourishment. He eats his hate. This guy's a reporter. What the fuck?"

Rutger Bregman concurs, highlighting that while there are many professions where one might express strong opinions, journalism requires a higher standard of objectivity.

• Rutger Bregman [02:02]:

  "Journalism is not one of them."

Maher underscores the significance of unbiased reporting, distinguishing his show as a platform for new perspectives rather than breaking news.

2. Defining Moral Ambition for Youth

Transitioning to a more positive discourse, Maher poses a question to Bregman and Bremmer about fostering ambition among young people to pursue careers that can effect meaningful global change.

• Rutger Bregman [02:05]:

  "Journalism, not one of them."

• Ian Bremmer [02:42]:

  "Moral ambition is just a desire to really use your career to make a massive difference. Right. To really take on the greatest challenges that we face as a species."

Bremmer elaborates on the concept of moral ambition, urging young individuals to consider the long-term historical impact of their careers. He emphasizes addressing significant issues such as animal treatment and transforming the global food system.

• Ian Bremmer [03:12]:

  "I would love to see if more talented people take that on and try and transform our food system."

3. New York Mayoral Race and Political Energy

The conversation shifts to the political landscape, specifically the mayoral race in New York. Maher and Bregman discuss the surge of a Democratic socialist candidate and its implications for the Democratic Party's direction.

• Bill Maher [03:25]:

  "The Democratic socialist candidate for mayor of New York is surging in the polls. What does this suggest about where the energy in the party is?"

Bregman initially suggests that Andrew Cuomo is leading, but Maher corrects this, referencing the Quinnipiac poll.

• Rutger Bregman [04:03]:

  "I just pulled that out of my butt."

The dialogue touches on the possibility of electing a Muslim mayor, drawing parallels to London’s mayor and discussing the importance of representation that aligns with Western values.

• Bill Maher [04:32]:

  "I would like to see that example for Muslims all over the world, a Muslim politician standing up for Western values."

Bremmer adds a pragmatic viewpoint, expressing indifference to the candidate's political or religious affiliations as long as they focus on rebuilding New York.

• Ian Bremmer [04:57]:

  "If he's the mayor, that's gonna make sure that you know we're gonna build again."

4. The Silence of Former Presidents

Maher raises a critical issue regarding the perceived silence of former presidents, particularly Barack Obama, in actively opposing former President Trump's behavior.

• Bill Maher [06:06]:

  "An Atlantic article this week asked where is Barack Obama? Should ex presidents be taking a more public stance against Trump's increasingly brazen behavior?"

Rutger Bregman responds by lamenting the lack of engagement from former leaders, advocating for their active participation in upholding democratic values and civic engagement.

• Rutger Bregman [06:19]:

  "It's unacceptable. I mean, you take that on its service and we need that service right now."

Maher reflects on the missed opportunities for unity and support between former Republican and Democratic presidents, contrasting it with the contentious nature of the current political climate.

5. Trump's Proposal on Flag Burning and Freedom of Expression

A heated segment ensues when Maher seeks the panel’s opinions on former President Trump's assertion that individuals who burn the American flag should face a one-year jail sentence.

• Bill Maher [07:54]:

  "What does the panel think of Trump saying that people that burn the American flag should go to jail for one year?"

Maher expresses his stance, advocating for the symbolic interpretation of the flag rather than punitive measures against expression.

• Bill Maher [08:19]:

  "The flag is a symbol. It's actually, when I see a flag burning, it says to me, I live in a country with freedom."

Ian Bremmer highlights the negative spotlight such actions place on the majority of decent individuals, attributing such acts to fringe anarchist elements.

• Ian Bremmer [08:32]:

  "There are always going to be anarcho leftist douchebags, you know, summoning Waymo, setting them on fire."

Rutger Bregman draws historical parallels to the anti-globalization protests in Seattle, labeling the flag burning as a diffuse and ineffective form of protest.

• Rutger Bregman [08:58]:

  "But is it no longer. It's no longer terrorism to put Teslas on fire, or is it again now that he's. I don't even know."

Maher concludes by criticizing the Democratic response to such provocations, emphasizing missed opportunities to address underlying issues.

Conclusion

Episode #699 of Real Time with Bill Maher offers a rich and multifaceted discussion on contemporary issues ranging from journalistic ethics and the cultivation of moral ambition to the dynamics of political leadership and freedom of expression. Through insightful dialogue and candid exchanges, Bill Maher, Ian Bremmer, and Rutger Bregman provide audiences with a nuanced exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing society today.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Maher [01:31]:

  "This guy's a reporter. What the fuck?"

• Ian Bremmer [02:42]:

  "Moral ambition is just a desire to really use your career to make a massive difference."

• Rutger Bregman [06:19]:

  "We need that service right now."

• Bill Maher [08:19]:

  "The flag is a symbol. It's actually, when I see a flag burning, it says to me, I live in a country with freedom."

This episode stands as a testament to Real Time with Bill Maher's commitment to addressing significant societal issues with depth and clarity, providing listeners with valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives.