Bill Maher Describes Donald Trump as “Gracious” and “Open to Dialogue” During White House Meeting

Bill Maher Shares Insights from Unexpected Meeting with Trump

In a surprising turn of events, comedian Bill Maher expressed his views on President Donald Trump after their recent meeting at the White House, acknowledging that while some may disagree with his opinions, he is “not a liar.” During the latest episode of HBO’s Real Time, Maher openly reflected on his encounter with Trump and musical artist Kid Rock, revealing a more nuanced perspective on the President.

Meeting Expectations vs. Reality

Maher humorously addressed the public’s perception of his visit, stating, “Let me first say that to all the people who treated this like it was some kind of summit meeting, you’re ridiculous.”He emphasized his status as a comedian without political power, remarking, “I’m a fucking comedian and he’s the most powerful leader in the world.” Maher expressed a desire for a more constructive dialogue among Americans, beyond political divisions.

A Light-hearted Exchange with Trump

The comedian shared a comical moment when he instructed his staff to compile a list of nearly 60 derogatory terms Trump had used against him, which the President signed with “good humor.” Maher claimed he would relay his honest experience from this visit, suggesting that viewers could interpret it as they wished. Despite Trump’s typically aggressive public persona, Maher noted a different side during their meeting.

Unexpected Moments of Humor

Maher described his astonishment at witnessing Trump laugh genuinely, stating, “I’ve never seen him laugh in public, but he does, including at himself, and it’s not fake.” This revelation suggests that Trump’s public image might not fully encompass his private demeanor.

Engaging Conversation

During the tour of the White House, Maher recalled discussing the 2020 election, noting Trump’s unexpected acknowledgment of his loss. “Wow, I never thought I’d hear you say that,” Maher exclaimed, pleasantly surprised at Trump’s self-awareness. He highlighted the absence of defensiveness in Trump’s attitude during their discussions, contrasting it with his experiences of conversing with other high-profile individuals.

A Different Dynamic

Maher noted feeling comfortable enough to challenge Trump on various topics, including a misconception regarding Maher’s critical stance on Trump-related policies. He listed several issues where he found common ground with the President, such as immigration and defense spending, further illustrating the unique rapport they established.

Contrasting Public and Private Personas

Reflecting on his surreal experience, Maher remarked on the stark contrast between Trump’s private demeanor during their meeting and his public statements. After returning home, Maher stumbled upon a segment on 60 Minutes featuring Trump delivering hostile rhetoric. “Who’s that guy?” Maher questioned, noting the disparity between the person he met and the one portrayed in the news.

Reflections on the Experience

Maher concluded his account by reiterating that he “just reported exactly what I saw over 2.5 hours.” He clarified that Trump’s behavior during their meeting contrasted with the “crazy person” narrative often associated with him in the media. While Maher’s perspective on Trump shifted, he confirmed he would continue to critique the administration’s actions. “You can hate me for it, but I’m not a liar,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to honesty.

Moving Forward

In a final note to his audience, Maher shared that Trump did not offer him anything substantial other than hats and a willingness to engage. “MAGA fans, don’t worry, your boy gave me nothing,” he quipped, underlining the visit’s significance in promoting dialogue despite their political differences.

“So MAGA fans, don’t worry, your boy gave me nothing, just hats and a very generous amount of time and a willingness to listen, accept me as a possible friend…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxlopbcfXpQSource & Images

© 2021 The Filibuster Blog