Bill Maher expressed his desire to interview former President George W. Bush on his podcast, noting that while he remains critical of many of Bush’s decisions, particularly regarding the Iraq War, he has gained a new perspective on Bush’s presidency in light of the current political climate under Donald Trump.
During a conversation with Billy Bush on his Club Random podcast, Maher reflected on his past critiques of Bush, acknowledging, “I wasn’t for the invasion of Iraq, or just the basic Republican policies that he championed were not exactly my cup of tea.” However, he indicated that with time, his views have evolved, stating he could have approached his critiques with more reason.
Maher highlighted a few of Bush’s policies he found worthwhile, including the idea of privatizing Social Security, calling it “not like the worst idea.” He also praised Bush for his gracious remark to Barack Obama after the 2008 election, expressing a wish for Obama’s success—something Maher believes would be unimaginable from Trump.
Reflecting on the political differences of Bush’s era, Maher remarked that although there was a lack of agreement between Republicans and Democrats, the atmosphere was markedly less toxic compared to today’s political landscape. This optimistic perspective on bipartisan respect and civility is a welcome reminder of the potential for constructive political discourse.
Maher’s kindness towards Bush might be surprising, but it aligns with previous comments he made in 2013, when he suggested that the U.S. was performing better than he expected a decade after the Iraq War began.
The podcast also took a lighthearted turn when Billy Bush shared an experience involving psilocybin mushrooms, which inspired Maher to joke about Bush’s decision-making regarding Iraq. Bush humorously quipped that Bush would not be making an appearance on Maher’s show.
This willingness to engage in thoughtful dialogue, even with political figures with whom he disagrees, showcases Maher’s evolving viewpoint amidst a divisive political landscape. It underscores a hopeful sentiment that recognizing common ground may be a step towards healing political divisions.