Overview

• On Monday’s episode of Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, Maher and director Rob Reiner argued over whether conversations with Republicans should proceed only after agreeing on basic facts.
• Reiner said he cannot engage unless there is consensus on “certain facts,” likening it to trying to debate someone who denies something as simple as two plus two equaling four.
• Maher rejected preconditions as a “slippery slope,” insisting, “you just have to talk to people,” and urged Democrats to engage even when they lack political power.
• He compared managing extreme or false claims to maintaining a relationship, saying the key at times is to “let it go” to keep dialogue going.
• Coverage connected the exchange to recent strains in U.S. politics, noting Maher’s recent praise for conservatives’ willingness to talk following the Sept. 10 killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.