Real Time with Bill Maher - Episode #700: Dave Barry, Rep. Wesley Hunt, Paul Begala
Release Date: June 24, 2025

In the milestone 700th episode of HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher," host Bill Maher engages in a spirited and insightful discussion with his distinguished panelists: humorist Dave Barry, Democratic strategist and CNN political contributor Paul Begala, and Republican Congressman Wesley Hunt representing Texas's 38th district. The episode delves into pressing societal and political issues, blending humor with deep analysis.

1. Reaction to Arnold Schwarzenegger's Comments on Immigration

[01:01 - 02:25]

Bill Maher opens the discussion by addressing Arnold Schwarzenegger's controversial remark suggesting that immigrants should "behave like guests." Maher humorously references Schwarzenegger's immigrant journey, highlighting his rise from humble beginnings to global fame.

Bill Maher [01:01]:
"He is, of course, an immigrant himself. He came here with nothing but a loincloth and a jar of protein powder and look how far he goes."

Paul Begala concurs with Maher's perspective, emphasizing the opportunities provided to immigrants like Elon Musk.

Paul Begala [01:46]:
"We gave him freedom. We gave him an opportunity. We gave him $465 million under Barack Obama. By the way, he paid back early. I give him credit for that."

Contrastingly, Dave Barry offers a blunt critique of Schwarzenegger, suggesting language barriers as an impediment.

Dave Barry [02:11]:
"I think Schwarzenegger should learn to speak English."

Wesley Hunt [02:17]:
"Going down. Get down."
(Phrase indicating disagreement.)

2. Migration from California to Florida and Texas

[02:24 - 03:12]

The conversation shifts to the significant migration trend of Californians relocating to states like Florida and Texas. Maher seeks the panel's take on this demographic shift.

Bill Maher [02:24]:
"What do you make of the Californians who are moving to Florida? There is a..."

Dave Barry counters stereotypes about Florida's reputation, pointing out its substantial population and the diversity within the state.

Dave Barry [02:38]:
"Is it fair to judge 23 million people because of the behavior of 21 million people?"

Wesley Hunt adds that the allure of no state income tax is a significant draw for Californians.

Wesley Hunt [02:34]:
"They come for the culture by which I mean, we have no state income tax. And they like that. They like that a lot."

3. Rightward Shift of Black Men Toward Trump

[03:12 - 04:17]

Bill Maher pivots to a critical political analysis, questioning the factors behind the increasing support for Donald Trump among black men in the last election cycle.

Bill Maher [03:12]:
"For Wesley, what was behind the rightward shift of black men toward Trump in the last election?"

Wesley Hunt attributes this shift to perceived misalignment within the Democratic Party, particularly criticizing the selection of Kamala Harris as a candidate.

Wesley Hunt [03:29]:
"When you have a candidate like Kamala Harris that clearly was not the choice of the Democrat Party when she got shoehorned into that space... it just really didn't work."

He further elaborates on the demographic specifics, noting a significant portion of black men in Texas supporting Trump.

Wesley Hunt [03:48]:
"One in three black men in the state of Texas voted for President Trump."

Maher underscores the broader trend of Trump's appeal across minority groups.

Bill Maher [04:03]:
"Trump did better with minorities across the board each time he ran, including the time he lost."

4. Discussion on Juneteenth and Black History Month

[04:28 - 10:35]

The panel transitions to a heartfelt discussion on racial progress and the significance of Juneteenth. Wesley Hunt shares his personal connection to American progress, highlighting his heritage and the achievements of his family.

Wesley Hunt [04:17]:
"I am a direct descendant of a slave. My great, great grandfather was born on Rose Down Plantation... my strategy."

He passionately defends the preservation of historical monuments, arguing that they serve as reminders of America's complex history.

Wesley Hunt [05:29]:
"I cannot wait to show them and take them to places that that wasn't always the case... that wasn't always the case."

The conversation touches upon Whoopi Goldberg's statement comparing the experiences of black individuals in America to women in Iran, with Maher and Hunt defending the progress made in the United States.

Wesley Hunt [08:24]:
"I don't even ever want to hear Whoopi Goldberg's conversation about how it's worse to be black in America right now."

Paul Begala highlights the origins and importance of Juneteenth, lamenting President Trump's lack of support for the holiday.

Paul Begala [09:12]:
"Juneteenth... 600,000 people died so that we wouldn't enslave people anymore."

Wesley Hunt emphasizes unity and the significance of shared American values over segmented identity celebrations.

Wesley Hunt [09:46]:
"We don't see color... We're all Americans."

The panelists agree on the importance of honoring historical milestones while promoting inclusivity and unity.

5. Sale of the Lakers for $10 Billion

[10:35 - 12:55]

In a lighter yet significant economic discussion, Maher broaches the unprecedented sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $10 billion. He shares his personal investment experience with the New York Mets, drawing parallels to the valuation of sports franchises.

Bill Maher [10:35]:
"What do you make of the Lakers selling for a record 10 billion, the highest price ever paid for a pro sports team?"

Dave Barry expresses astonishment, prompting Maher to recount his own foray into sports investments with the Mets.

Dave Barry [10:46]:
$10 billion?
Bill Maher [10:47]:
"Yes. I mean, it's amazing."

Wesley Hunt connects the valuation to the historical and cultural integration of black athletes in sports, asserting their indispensable role in elevating the sport's prominence and, consequently, its financial worth.

Wesley Hunt [12:12]:
"The day after Juneteenth. I just really want to thank God that black people were allowed to play in sports, because otherwise it would be valued nearly that much."

Maher reflects on the broader implications of such high valuations in the sports industry, tying it back to societal progress and economic dynamics.

Conclusion and Sign-Off

[12:55 - End]

As the episode wraps up, Bill Maher announces a brief hiatus, signaling a temporary pause in the show's programming.

Bill Maher [12:32]:
"We're off for a summer month. Just one month. We'll be back August 1st. Thank you very much."

The panelists bid farewell, leaving listeners with a blend of humor, reflection, and anticipation for future discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Maher [01:01]:
  "He came here with nothing but a loincloth and a jar of protein powder and look how far he goes."

• Paul Begala [01:46]:
  "We gave him freedom. We gave him an opportunity. We gave him $465 million under Barack Obama."

• Dave Barry [02:11]:
  "I think Schwarzenegger should learn to speak English."

• Wesley Hunt [04:34]:
  "Only in America can someone like me walk into a building named after a Confederate general and then be a successful West Point graduate."

• Wesley Hunt [09:46]:
  "We don't see color... We're all Americans."

This episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher" adeptly balances humor with critical discourse, offering listeners a comprehensive exploration of contemporary social and political landscapes through the lenses of diverse panelists.