Why can't we have an intelligent, Bill Maher style debate over healthcare?

[Cora]

You may disagree with Bill Maher's politics and religious ideas, but you can't dispute one thing: the man debates exceedingly well. Maher is one of the only liberal people I've seen go on the The Factor and not get into a shouting match with O'Reilly. He rarely interrupts the opposition, and listens to what they have to say about the subject and then puts together his own intelligent response. I wish we could do something like that on health care. Do you think it's possible?
I'm a little disappointed in the responses. I don't see how some people could listen (actually listen) to Bill Maher and not at least respect his intelligence, even if you disagree with what he's actually saying. Yes, he makes fun of people, but you must take into account that he is also a comedian.
P.S. Someone claimed that he only has liberals on his show which is patently false. He has had several very conservative guests on his panel.

 

[Lazer Beam]

If one applies the same standards of objectivity and insight that some of the respondents are applying to Bill Maher to the conservative bloviators, they would be laughed off of their respective venues, Maher has an unapologetic liberal with a trenchant wit capable of deep political insight served up with withering sarcasm. Good. We need to clone the bastard, but that would be illegal in the Luddite Republican version of America. He doesn't hate America. He hates what the Conservatives have done to it, . .

 

[Lazer Beam]

If one applies the same standards of objectivity and insight that some of the respondents are applying to Bill Maher to the conservative bloviators, they would be laughed off of their respective venues, Maher has an unapologetic liberal with a trenchant wit capable of deep political insight served up with withering sarcasm. Good. We need to clone the bastard, but that would be illegal in the Luddite Republican version of America. He doesn't hate America. He hates what the Conservatives have done to it, . .

 

[constructionistlineman]

I really doubt it both sides are not interested in the others opinions

 

[regerugged]

You are deluding yourself. He is an actor, playing a role. He is not a liberal genius. I find many of his ideas, his comments to be repulsive. There is nothing clever or intelligent about him.

 

[strata]

that man is a complete and utter butthead..he clearly hates america and americans..he essentially,,,,, a moron

 

[screw you.]

We can't have this debate because one half won't listen to nonsense and the other won't stop talking.

 

[marci knows best]

Excellent suggestion. I have no idea why the republicans are so afraid of universal health care.

 

[Tommy]

bill maher is insanely intelligent just far lost from his roots california corrupts good people the weed has smacked him in the head but i respect the man and think he can see the light he is a libertarian in the truest sense but has been sheltered from real people for far too long id love to see him and that guy from reily dennis miller ther we go the beer hitting me love to see those two debate this promise u they both smarter then anyone in washington

 

[Tommy]

bill maher is insanely intelligent just far lost from his roots california corrupts good people the weed has smacked him in the head but i respect the man and think he can see the light he is a libertarian in the truest sense but has been sheltered from real people for far too long id love to see him and that guy from reily dennis miller ther we go the beer hitting me love to see those two debate this promise u they both smarter then anyone in washington

 

[Rhoda]

I would be possible if a republican would step up to the plate.

 

[Myron F]

I agree with you but you need to have a group following that is intelligent to understand. Most of Bills' followers are intelligent, most or Rush and Glen's are just angry and ranting.

So, you have intelligence VS ranting. No way that would work.

 

[Orion]

Are you serious? He cuts people off and talks trash. I quit watching after Joe the Plumber owned him. I hope that you are kidding.

 

[Nathan]

Bill Maher does not listen, he merely lets them complete their sentences. Maher and intelligence are an oxymoron.

 

[locutus]

Because Bill Maher is not intelligent and seldom knows any facts.

 

[Dina W]

Bill Maher is a smug elitist who feels that anyone who disagrees with him is stupid.. He is very quick the insults..

I would love to see Dennis Miller hand him his butt....

 

[halloweenie]

are you kidding me? the average american (on either side of the political fence) is not willing to debate, or research, or listen. they want to watch what their chosen talking head says and then regurgitate someone else's words angrily whenever someone disagrees with them. most americans are happy to believe whatever their political party says. and not even the intelligent ones in the party, just the ones who are the loudest and angriest.

 

[Dina W]

Bill Maher is a smug elitist who feels that anyone who disagrees with him is stupid.. He is very quick the insults..

I would love to see Dennis Miller hand him his butt....

 

[eelfins]

So far the liberals aren't listening to the other side. Instead they're called thugs and mobsters for attempting to debate at all.

 

[Beatle Band Aid]

Sure, I like Bill Maher as well, and enjoy his program because it's interesting to hear the discussion, and he can be hilariously funny, despite the fact that I don't agree with him politically. He can be on the Factor and have an intelligent conversation to O'Reilly's face, but then he mocks the crap out of him on his own show, and that's just being 2-faced. This health care issue is a hot potato, it's tough to have a civil conversation about it. I don't know if it's possible. The people that are pushing this bill don't want to listen to the opposition...and that is why the shouting happens.

TORT REFORM and IMMIGRATION CONTROL first! Then health care reform!