Bill Maher Expresses Desire to Talk with George W. Bush as Trump Alters His Perspective
Bill Maher recently expressed his interest in interviewing former President George W. Bush. During a discussion on his Club Random podcast with Billy Bush, Maher acknowledged that while he remains critical of many of Bush’s presidential decisions, he has gained a new perspective on his time in office, especially in light of Donald Trump’s presidency.
Maher’s Changing Perspective on George W. Bush
Maher noted that he was quite critical of Bush in the past, particularly regarding the Iraq War and various Republican policies. However, he admitted, “I also have things more in perspective. He should know that, yes, I probably, looking back, could have been more reasonable.”
One specific policy Maher highlighted was Bush’s idea of privatizing Social Security, which he described as “not the worst idea.” He also commended Bush for his supportive remarks to Barack Obama after the 2008 election, stating, “we want you to succeed.” Maher remarked that such sentiments are “something you can’t imagine Donald Trump saying.”
A Shift in Political Climate
The conversation revealed Maher’s belief that the political atmosphere during Bush’s presidency, although marked by disagreement, lacked the toxicity seen in politics today. He characterized the current climate as much more divisive, stating it is “just a different era.”
Reflections on the Past
Maher’s comments reflect a broader contemplation on the state of the nation. In 2013, he remarked that despite his initial fears about the aftermath of the Iraq War, he felt the United States was “doing better” than expected a decade later. He stated, “It’s actually doing better than I thought it would be.”
Humorous Moments on the Podcast
During the podcast, Billy Bush shared a personal anecdote about taking psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms. He described an experience that allowed him to connect with family members, which led Maher to humorously suggest that Bush could relay a message to avoid going to Iraq. Bush responded with a chuckle, indicating that Bush wouldn’t participate in Maher’s show.
Fans can catch the full discussion on the Club Random podcast, available for listening, with the segment on George W. Bush starting around the 12-minute mark.
