If you want to see how bad things may be for President Obama, consider Bill Maher's comments on the President at the Westbury Music Fair in Long Island last night.
I was present, and there were gasps and hisses when Maher made several cutting comments about Obama to the packed crowd who, no doubt, would have preferred to have Republicans roasted rather than their favorite President.
Maher seemed a little taken aback by the audience reaction, but pointed out that criticism of Obama was warranted in the current climate. He soon won the crowd over.
Maher was not about to let the audience have their comfort zone. He sneered at Obama's giveback to the banks, doing a wicked caricature of Obama handing the billions out to A.I.G. and Goldman Sachs. He was also deeply critical --and hilariously so -- of Obama's failure to press home his agenda like Dick Cheney and George Bush were able to do despite what the electorate thought.
When Bill Maher, the most liberal stand-up comedian in America, is attacking Obama, then the President should be concerned., When he is comparing him unfavorably to Dick Cheney, then he had better be REALLY concerned.
Like any good stand-up man, Maher was edgy and ahead of the crowd. But he clearly has a sense of the Zeitgeist like no other performer right now. What he is articulating is the shattering disappointment on the left that Obama has not delivered for them, and that Wall Street and the banks have made out like bandits while the middle class continues to suffer and health care heads south.
In a strange way, Maher and the Tea Party have much in common. On Saturday night at the same venue, I will be seeing Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck. Strange to think they and Maher have much in common in believing that Obama has not measured up to the job so far. Who would have thunk it?
40 Comments
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.mensaiq156 | May 02, 2010, 11:15 AM EDT
Maher takes most of us, left or right, out of our comfort zone. While I dislike his positions, I apreciate his style.
AngelPrecious | May 02, 2010, 04:23 AM EDT
Hmmm, the middle class isn't suffering as much as indicated here. The health care plan that was implemented SHOULD "head south"!!! Clearly, I am not an Obama fan. However, I am even less enamored with Bill Maher. He is a foul-mouthed dullard and his opinion means little to many of good folks of the U.S.!
angelwoman | Jan 26, 2010, 09:53 AM EST
Watching Obama speak is like watching the crowds reaction to a tennis match - watching th ball go back and forth across the net. When is he going to look straight at the American people?! Isn't he suppose to be talking to us? than why not look like he is looking at us. I've a friend who thinks he doesn't use a teleprompter, even though you can see them when he walks into the room.
wouldbelass | Jan 24, 2010, 10:17 AM EST
Yes. That is what a 'centrist' president will get.... everyone upset about everything
nytreader | Jan 23, 2010, 04:51 PM EST
Actually Bill Maher isn't the most liberal comic in America. He may be controversial, but if you have followed him his whole career like a lot of us in the US have, he is actually very critical of the leberals as well as the conservatives. I think he might be the first to say he isn't a liberal.
Shmrck5S | Jan 23, 2010, 12:52 PM EST
Find me a President in the last 35 years who hasn't used a teleprompter, and I'll listen to that claptrap. Otherwise, find something more substantial to hang your hatred of Obama on.
bronx1920 | Jan 23, 2010, 12:34 PM EST
Obama, knows what has to be done, but he's not pushing hard enough. The last administration destroyed the country and most people stood and watched it happen. Our representative's a in gove. are weak, so people should protest outside their homes. That will embarrass them and kick them into action. People, come on, just stand up, it's not rocket science.
lonecracker | Jan 23, 2010, 10:29 AM EST
Hey, redspirit! How would you know Obama is smarter that the last guy who occupied the WH? I haven't seen the first ( elementary thru grad school) of any of his records. And if you think Obama performs and speaks smarter, look and listen again. The former resident of the WH was at the very least a straight talker and he didn't need a teleprompter to say the words good morning and how're you doing?
catmann | Jan 23, 2010, 08:20 AM EST
Of course the Teleprompter told them to gasp, this crowd can't be Americas Best or Brightest,they are afterall watching Maher and taking political insite from him.
jennyVT | Jan 23, 2010, 02:52 AM EST
Why does it matter what Maher says?This man is anti....God, Church and religion in any form or fashion. Who cares what he has to say?
JolyJoly | Jan 23, 2010, 01:02 AM EST
I think getting one's political impetus from comedians like Maher is one of the problems in politics today. It is so superficial, and the problems with the current administration are not even approached with any breadth or depth. As to the upcoming gig, O'Reilley is something of an Obama yes man, but you'll get real facts from Beck if he's given a chance to speak.
redspirit | Jan 23, 2010, 12:24 AM EST
I really can't understand the dislike of Obama. When he entered the White House there was alot of issues that weren't anticipated. One thing for certain he is a much smarter man than the last president. Give him some time!
Pat Riley | Jan 22, 2010, 10:03 PM EST
I believe it was George Wallace who said back in 1968 or so that there wasn't a nickle's worth of difference between the GOP and the dems. Other than a bigger national debt what's changed since Bush left office? It's still business as usual. As far as that cretin Maher goes, if you agree with his comments he's correct in his assessment of Obama. If you disagree with him, he a patoot.
kickstar | Jan 22, 2010, 09:29 PM EST
Maher is 100% spot on and so is 'OldBull' Obama is a Disaster.
willieboy | Jan 22, 2010, 07:32 PM EST
further evidencs that Maher is a horse's patoot.
grammy429 | Jan 22, 2010, 06:38 PM EST
Boy, isn't this great fodder for all these rethugs! Actually if you follow what's going on with this administration(Obama), you realize that what Maher is saying is correct...what makes it ironic is that all these rethugs putting Obama down, should be loving him... Obama is just a continuation of Bush...that is why most of us liberals are disgusted with Obama..Yes, he's ruining the country, because he's a typical rethug!
patrickesq | Jan 22, 2010, 04:52 PM EST
I think he has done a good job given the huge hole he was left by the Bush Administration. Blaming Obama for the poor shape of our economy is like blaming the weatherman when it rains. Nor should he be blamed for his efforts to reform are heath care industry and to take serious steps to address the pollution of our environment. I think our dysfunctional Congress, that is corrupted by special corporate money interests, is much more blameworthy for the present state of affairs.
OldBull | Jan 22, 2010, 03:54 PM EST
Speaking of gullible--it sickens me to see the white working poor complain about the very things that would improve their lives. "Socialism!" "Unions!" These have become anathema to the mass of poor whites. That a man who makes under $30K per annum rejects universal health care is truly delusional. Hitler was right--tell a big enough lie and people will swallow it whole.
dessieglynn | Jan 22, 2010, 02:28 PM EST
All politicians are crooks!
PJCARROLL | Jan 22, 2010, 01:41 PM EST
a bit of self reflection there christ?
Christisall | Jan 22, 2010, 12:45 PM EST
I love seeing the libs tear each other to shreds. Great!
Christisall | Jan 22, 2010, 12:44 PM EST
Yay! Brown! Yay!
Christisall | Jan 22, 2010, 12:41 PM EST
I believe Maher to be a true dink, a negative piece of scum, a piece of stinking garbage; by the way, the same can be said of obama, a disgusting piece of socialistic, racist, narcissistic crap.
Bridgetftmyers | Jan 22, 2010, 12:15 PM EST
Thank GOD for Scott Brown from Mass !!!! FOR ALL WHO VOTED FOR obama, Just look at the mess we're in now !!!!!! Bill Maher makes a good point
Mike Vaupel | Jan 22, 2010, 12:09 PM EST
He's only been in office 1 year. Wait!!!!!!!!
JohnJames | Jan 22, 2010, 12:05 PM EST
It's about time. I believe there are more people who have been disappointed in Obama's performance as President, they just don't want to admit it.
Respectfully | Jan 22, 2010, 11:46 AM EST
Niall; I’m surprised you would even want your readers to know you were present to hear Bill Maher speak on anything! I wasn’t aware he was capable of anything but ‘bash’ and ‘criticize’ – and probably more upset with himself for believing the Democrats were actually going to carry out all of the hundreds of worthless campaign promises. Instead, all they have thus far is total chaos! Fortunately, not all is lost. When you go to see Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck, your time won’t be a waste.
LeeBarnes | Jan 22, 2010, 11:15 AM EST
Well said Mike Houlihan!!!! i did not vote for Obama and do not like Mayer....glad to see the idealism fading a bit for the liberals. God save our health care system!!! we do need some improvements but i am not looking at our government to make any improvements....they just make things more difficult, less customer focused and more expensive!!!!
beachline | Jan 22, 2010, 11:12 AM EST
We should have Hillary Clinton in the Oval Office--then we would prosper!!!
Oonaghx | Jan 22, 2010, 10:55 AM EST
I don't like Bill Maher because he is a liberal, that said. I welcome anyone who brings out the truth about obama no matter who they may be. A dictator (obama) is not interested in what is best for the people, he is only interested in what he wants himself. That is why he continues to shove his agenda of forcing socialism forward, he will not stop until everything is Government run and the people live in misery. The sooner the American people start shoving back the better,
McNabb1966 | Jan 22, 2010, 10:44 AM EST
There's basically nothing about Bill Maher that I like or approve of...but I do so enjoy seeing the Libs rip each other apart.
JoeAnnie | Jan 22, 2010, 10:25 AM EST
It's ok with me to have our pres slamed. I didn't vote for him. He is really hurting the American people
Michael T. Burns | Jan 22, 2010, 10:01 AM EST
Everyone should have known that O'Bama was just bumper sticker slogans and slick marketing, he had no experience except for community organizing. I fear waht America will look like in 3 more years.
mikehoulihan | Jan 22, 2010, 09:54 AM EST
Why would Irish Central even give an inch of ink to Maher? Regardless of his temporary moment of clarity, this Catholic bashing jerk should be hung by his balls and sent over to Notre Dame where he can join the rest of the fakers, phonies, and Irish traitors.
KerryLKing | Jan 22, 2010, 09:42 AM EST
Should have Hilary Clinton sitting in the "oval office" and we wouldn't have been in this mess!!
catmann | Jan 22, 2010, 09:18 AM EST
Bill Maher, a Liberal Scumbag, slaming OBOZO their Marxist Leader is great.
bronxjames | Jan 22, 2010, 09:09 AM EST
HA HA HA HA HA I feel so good that Obamas slowly but surely falling.....I am so glad the American people (not counting liberals) finally came to their senses. Liberals don't do that. Poor, poor democrats...LOL LOL LOL LOL
mackazoo | Jan 22, 2010, 08:54 AM EST
BTW - OhCaroline - you make a good point on O'Bama - how's that hope and change working out for everyone?
mackazoo | Jan 22, 2010, 08:53 AM EST
Actually a good piece - good to hear Maher (who I can not stomach) actually can be at least somewhat honest with his views.
OhCaroline | Jan 22, 2010, 01:02 AM EST
Why is everyone so surprised that a first term, very inexperienced Senator from Chicago, would not be able to fulfill all the promises he made on the campaign trail?? I saw THAT while the Presidential race was just getting heated up! Of course, he said whatever he had to to win. And, now his supporters are losing faith. I can't help but that think that they should've seen past their misguided, misplaced and mistaken guilt to see he wouldn't be able to help much!