Maher's New Rules

On Real Time With Bill Maher on Friday night, Maher had some pretty strong words for those who are getting pretty impatient and antsy that there isn't a presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president.

And finally, new rule: If voting can destroy the Democratic Party, then the party isn't very democratic. Democrats need to stop freaking out about how this long primary battle between two popular candidates needs to be "settled yesterday! Because the candidates are bloodying each other! They're causing irreparable harm! Mommy and daddy are fighting!" Hey, you people need to reach into your teenager's knapsack and pull out a Paxil or Prozac and chill out.

Democrats, your task is not just to choose between this pair, it's to grow a pair. Now, I know the idea of a very close race brings up some pretty bad memories for Democrats, but these are Democratic primaries. There are no Republicans in this race, so there is nobody organized enough to actually steal the election. What is so terrible about a long, drawn out contest? A season of American Idol is, what, 87 weeks? That's a lot of time just to pick out a cruise ship entertainer. This is the presidency we're talking about. I understand that a lot of Democrats feel passionately about their candidate, and that's great. But then their passion gets the best of them and they go on Websites like DailyKos, and post stuff like the Obama supporter who wrote, "I will vote for Hillary, but then I will leave the country." Yes, because who could live in a nation that elects the person that you just voted for?

And that is what is so great about the Internet. It enables pompous blowhards to connect with other pompous blowhards in a vast circle jerk of pomposity. But that doesn't mean I'm throwing my hat in for Hillary. For one thing, she would say I was shooting at her. And I know she's going to have a tough time catching Obama, because he's black and she's not that fast. But this is America, we don't call the election before we know who the real winner is. That, after all, is the job of the Supreme Court.

Another good set by Maher, especially the crack about Coulter's, ahem, balls.

I have to respectfully disagree with Maher about "pompus blowhards" on the Internet. Hey pal, how are so-called "blowhards" on the Internet different from blowhards on TV? I'll remember that word the next time you take off on on of your "legalize marijuana" or "down with religion" rants. Just a thought, Bill, even though I love your work most of your work.

And yes, I guess I'm getting a little defensive, but sometimes, can't we just agree to disagree? I don't call Maher a blowhard when I disagree with him on something. His show is one of the few on TV anywhere where opposing views are generally debated in a reasoned and spirited yet respectful manner. He should know better.