Bill Maher Tells Olbermann Why He's Criticizing Obama (VIDEO)

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Bill Maher appeared on "Countdown" on Monday night to discuss his disappointment with President Obama, asserting that if Obama doesn't act boldly on health care reform and other progressive issues, the Democrats could lose the midterm elections in 2010.

He was critical of Obama's speech to the American Medical Association today, since they're a lobbying group that he claims has obstructed previous efforts at health care reform.

"When I heard the president get that round of applause at the AMA today, that's when I knew we were in trouble."

Maher said that his editorial criticizing Obama on "Real Time With Bill Maher" on Friday night was greeted with cheers, which surprised him since his "very liberal Southern California audience" usually boos when he goes after the president.

"They're getting to the point where they're saying 'Yeah, we still like Obama. He's our guy. We're glad he's our president. But where's the beef?" And it's easy to make speeches. What's hard to do is stand up to corporations. Corporations and their incredible strength are what have ruined this country so far. And this president we thought might be the one to stand up to them. I'm losing hope. I still have audacity but my hope is fading."

Maher repeated his concerns that Obama was "caving in to corporations and lobbyists. The track record so far is not good," slamming the president for "not putting it on the line and standing up to the energy companies, the health care industry, the banks."

The lack of initiative could cause political harm, warned Maher. "If he doesn't act boldly, then he's probably going to lose the midterm elections. If he can't shove some progressive legislation down their throats now, I don't know when it's going to happen."

As he did on Friday night, Maher said that Obama could use a little of Bush's decisiveness - without the misguided policies.

"When he wanted to get something done, he got it done... If Bush could go to war in Iraq when nobody was thinking about it, how come this president can't get through something like health care reform in a way that the people really want when people are actually for it."

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Comments

[michiganman2]

anybody happen to catch morning joke where they spliced bill's comments into 3 pieces making it look like the only thing maher was criticizing obama for was being popular.

SO CLASSY.

morning joke on hardball a week or two ago : "in florida i'm pro life, in new york i'm pro choice."

SO MUCH FOR BUNKLEY'S COMMENT ABOUT MORNING JOKE BEING THE NEW FACE OF THE GOP

[Mscharizmaa]

A pretty good week for Obama if he's pissing off the extreme right and the extreme left.

I'm proud of the job he's doing and if that means I'm not progressive then so be it.

[TKI]

Amen!

[grailknight]

Reluctantly, I must agree with Maher. Obama has reached across the aisle enough now to know that the GOP won't reach back. Obama simply has to say "I have the votes in Congress, and you're either with us or against us." Bush did that all the time and the Dems fell in line. Obama should try this and if the GOP doesn't fall in line, then next year he can point out their obstructions on the campaign trail.

[Mekarri]

It isn't just the republican President Obama have to deal with, don't forget the blue dog demo. But I would tell the blue dogs if they fight me on health care I will not campaign for them and I would let the public know who is working against them. I would ignore the republicans until they come up with some ideas. Bill is rght about one thing, the dems need to grow a pair.

[ThePeacemakers]

Says Mahr:
"If Bush could go to war in Iraq when nobody was thinking about it, how come this president can't get through something like health care reform in a way that the people really want when people are actually for it."

Because those in Washington believe in Don't Ask, Don't Tell in every aspect of government.
They know we know but pretend they don't know we know so they can act like they don't know either.

[rblaquinta]

Bill Maher is really becoming pathetic..ranting like alll the other pundits uninformed as ever....he must be lookiing for a spot on FOX!!!!

[laborgrunt]

I think thats a stretch, Maher on Fox, never!

[FabulousAt52]

One thing Bill is not - "uninformed".
Bill may be a comedian by trade, but he's also pretty well read and keeps up on things in politics.
He has conversed and exchanged ideas and ideologies with some very intelligent and well-respected people on both sides of most issues- both political and social.
Can you say the same?

And I wouldn't exactly call a calm, even-toned conversation "ranting"... ranting is what they do on foxnews.

[Coopforobama]

PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE, what in the H___ are you all talking about. Let's analyze this: now 43 previous WHITE Presidents couldn't, wouldn't or shall I say didn't do it, but in 147 DAYS, not months or years but days, you want the BLACK President to Fix Health Care (the VERY POWERFUL WHITE AMA aren't interested in helping him help the people, it's all about the CASH); Let GAYS get married (the VERY POWERFUL WHITE Religious Groups don't want him to give gays equal rights); Don't Bail Out the Banks (the VERY POWERFUL WHITE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, BANKERS, BROKERS, ETC. with all of their greed, created the financial crisis and they didn't give a hoot what happened to the lil man); Get rid of DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL in the Armed forces ( the VERY POWERFUL WHITE LEADERS of ALL the Armed Forces tend to be homophobic and aren't interested in Gays serving openly, shows a sign of weakness, haven't you heard), etc........ you get the picture.

I will be the first to admit I'm a lil touchy when the President is critized, but my education and common sense dictates that it didn't happen over night and it mostly definitely CAN NOT be fixed over night. So critize yes, he himself has said he welcomes it, it makes him stay on his toes, but in doing so, please be reasonable and sensible.

[pfrogger]

why isn't this a reasonable or sensible criticism?
he made a statement. he backed it up with facts/evidence, such as polls, and the need to reform a failing health care system.
what more do you want?

he had some very valid points. one of them is now is the time. there will be no better time with a) the failing healthcare system, b) control of Congress and the Executive branch, and c) favorable polls for a public option.
Those to me seem like clearly elucidated points. None of which you commented on.

[mollie100]

Wolf Blitzer just announced that Bill Maher is about to appear on his show. Bashing Pres. Obama is a sure-fire way to get attention on the cable shows and the internet web sites and Bill Maher is taking it to a "Sarah Palin" level. I thought Maher was different, but he's just another hustler. What a disappointment !

[pfrogger]

Maher had some very cogent points that he discussed.
That's not bashing. That's constructive criticism. there will be no better time with a) the failing healthcare system, b) control of Congress and the Executive branch, and c) favorable polls for a public option.

would you like to respond to those points he made, or just howl at the moon?

[mibm16450]

mollie100:

I figured it out.....Obama bashing is now the way to get your name in the news. Before he was president and shortly after the MSM rode on his coattail for ratings that went to the roof....now, ratings are sinking because everyone has gone back to their normal everyday. Lets not forget Bill Maher is an entertainer who needs ratings to stay alive and what's the best way to get it now?....hit on Obama. Another point, is Obama not fulfilling the promises he made during his two year run? Some of the promises however, he had to amend because of the intelligence briefings and information he became prevy to as President. I find it hard to swallow some of the out cry from people who know nothing about what this President has found in classified information upon taking office or what he faces everyday in private/Military briefings that would jolt some of the decisions he's made. (note to all those who criticize everything he does...have you ever been President?) Often times though, I too get frustrated by some of Obama's moves, but I pull myself together and remind myself that despite the crap he has inherited, "he gat this!

[FabulousAt52]

Bill Maher is still currently a stand-up, has his own TV show on HBO, writes, makes docu-movies and isn't hurting for work - or money. I seriously doubt re-stating his opinions (when invited to) on other shows is merely a frantic move to garner ratings and attention. [rolls eyes]

These other shows picked up on what he said on Friday night's Real Time with Bill Maher show and are inviting him to reiterate his opinion. How is that MAHER looking for attention? He is being asked to appear.

[somsoc]

Bill Maher is absolutely right, on health care, energy, education, war crimes, Bush crimes against the Constitution and Civil Rights, illegal kidnapping (rendition). Obama needs to grow a pair or resign!

[jmpurser]

I'm beginning to fear that he has indeed "grown a pair" and he's decided to emulate his predecessor instead of prosecuting him.

[mibm16450]

jmpurser: Those who have a "pair" get out there, those who have none...hide behind computers!

[nikio1975]

Bill says Obama should be like Bush and bully everyone, yeah it worked but with a price. He got the o.k. to go to Iraq but didn't have a exit plan(and nobody asked for one), he didn't get the support of other nations so that left our budget in a deficit and military people worn out, and the economy in the toilet from deregulation. Bush got away with so much cause everyone looked the other way and if you dare say anything you were called everything but the kitchen sink. Bill said he shouldn't go out so much, he is acting like a celebrity, well the definition of celebrity is a famous person and Obama is famous. Obama can't control the excitment of the crowds when they see him, who wouldn't be excited.Bush didn't go nowhere and people didn't react like that to him and he still didn't get jack done, so Bill what is your point. Bill have you contacted your congressman and senators yet?

[pfrogger]

did you watch the same clip as me? did you watch it all?

Maher specifically said that Bush made horrible decisions, but that Obama needs to act on good decisions. Maher said that Bush acted and that's what he's asking Obama to do.
It's called constructive criticism.
Real healthcare reform is not only necessary, but good for the country. Obama keeps extending his hand in bipartisanship and keeps getting it smacked away. But if Obama keeps compromising with the NO party, then nothing will get done. Compromise is fine, but if the other side refuses, at some point you move on to progress and leave the knuckle-draggers behind.

[xzalate]

Wow bill maher criticizes Obama, Just waiting for the day the same will happen on the Right... Unfortunately it will never happen... They're all lashing on Letterman, because Princess Palin got her feelings hurt.

[jmpurser]

The strength of the left is we CAN criticize our politicians.

[nikio1975]

Everyone wants Obama to fix everything but nobody is willing to get up and do their part. Obama said from day one he can't do this by himself and that he would need the support of the American people, he said change wouldn't come easy because there are some who like the way things are now .Write the congressman, senators, call their offices demanding they either get on board or start looking for other jobs. YesObama should be held accountable just as anyone should, but we can't expect him to get things pushed thru if these corporations, congressmen (republican & democrat) and lobbyist still think they can sucker the American people into buying their bs. We got to let them know not only does President Obama work for the people but so do they and that we chose him because he was the one willing to do what we wanted him to do and that is bring change.

[xzalate]

Well said !!!

[somsoc]

Obama is working too hard to appease the middle and the right and ignoring the progressives and the working class that got him elected. He has turned his back on fair trade, unions, single pay health insurance, the working poor, the elderly and even the veterans. He talks a lot, he cow-tows to the right, he has no real guts.

[somsoc]

niki, did you ingest some L S D with that grape Kool Aide?

[pfrogger]

well said. I agree we have to do our part.
but so does he. the polls show people favoring a public option. they don't want insurance companies denying/rationing care. they don't want an insurance bureaucrat to tell doctors what they can can not do.

we need a real change. not some facade of a reform that rewards insurance companies.

[kshawNCvoter]

What a fake opportunist!

[jmpurser]

It would be nice if President Obama stopped giving his critics so many opportunities to be right about him.

[RudyV]

Bingo! We have a winner!

[SonofSolomon]

There is nothing wrong with constructive crticism. I have to agree with Bill. Although, he needs to relax a bit and realize Obama hasn't been in office very long. Health Care reform is an issue which Obama can have success with but he does need to capatalize on his current favorability with the public and the senate majority.

[jmpurser]

He can't have success because he took success off the table. At best he'll get "Gee, the best we could do".

[Azjhutch]

Bill is so right. The AMA being happy about O's plan means it stinks. Come on Obama, this sis nt waht we voted for!

[williamg]

The AMA is NOT happy with his plan.

[lornejl]

The AMA is happy with the way things are now.

[pragmaticdallasite]

Can we settle this please............

Do they need 60 votes or not???

http://www.commonwealthfund.org/Content/Newsletters/Washington-Health-Policy-in-Review/2009/Mar/March-30-2009/House-Panel-Adopts-Budget-Resolution-that-Includes-Reconciliation.aspx

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/four-reasons-why-giving-c_b_216070.html

[williamg]

60 votes are needed.

Rules state a mininum of 3/5 is needed to overcome a filibuster. With 99 Senators sworn in 59 votes will only get your 59.6%.

Some have been confused, because they think you can round up 59.6% to 60. But the rules state that 3/5ths is a minimum. Must have AT LEAST 3/5ths.

If there were only 98 Senators, then only 59 Senators would be needed to invoke cloture.

Now, when it comes to reconciliation, only 51 votes is needed, BUT under the Byrd rule, any member can contest an aspect of the legislation, and automatically 60 votes will be needed for that specific item.

[pragmaticdallasite]

Hmmm, the Byrd rule huh? I'll have to check it out

[Ohsherri]

And we wonder how Americans wait patiently for all this to finally
trickle down on them.....drip...........................drip..........................................drip

[pragmaticdallasite]

Here's the original

http://budget.house.gov/crs-reports/RL30862.pdf

[edmond dantes]

Then let 40 senators support a filibuster to prevent Americans from getting the health care that poll after poll shows that they not only want but demand. Let them commit political suicide on national television.

[Lemeritus]

pragmaticdallasite, while I realize that williamg aspires to be the final word, Howard Dean -- no slouch in understanding the legislative process -- says: “If Republicans want to shill for insurance companies, then we should do it with 51 votes." It can be done. It should be done. There are certainly downsides, but I doubt that impermanance would be one -- it's one thing to oppose health care reform, quite another to take it away once in place. The question now remains -- what form of health care reform works? This is where we all came in -- with Maher's exhortation for Obama to act boldly in this (and other) regards.