During a recent podcast episode with Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins, television host Bill Maher discussed his impressions of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Maher, who had previously hosted Kirk on his show, reflected on the differences he sees between political groups regarding openness to dialogue.
Maher addressed the death of Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, stating: “Look, I might drink a little more than usual today,” Maher told guest Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins. “Because I don’t know when this is airing, but this is a s— day. A guy who sat there – Charlie Kirk – got shot today, and I can’t stop thinking about it.”
He contrasted conservatives’ willingness to engage in conversation with what he described as resistance from some on the far left. “They’re the people who don’t want to talk,” Maher said. “Charlie Kirk was always willing to engage – I talked to him here. Say what you want about right-wingers, but they’ll talk to you. The left has more of a, ‘I won’t talk to you. You’re deplorable. I can’t break bread with you.’ Right-wingers don’t have that attitude.”
Maher also commented on the importance of recognizing humanity despite political differences: “Now again, I didn’t vote for them. Charlie Kirk and I certainly don’t agree on much politically. But he sat here. He’s a human being. He’s not a monster.”
A video clip featuring these remarks was shared by journalist Jason Cohen on social media.
