“Obama Is as Racist as They Come”: Bill Maher Compares “Woke” People to the Ku Klux Klan

Gabriel RomanNov 22, 2023

Minute Read

Bill Maher is known for his sharp and often polarizing commentary. In a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience” on Spotify, he drew a controversial parallel between the “woke” movement and the Ku Klux Klan. This bold statement came as part of a wider discussion that covered a range of topics, from COVID-19 to former President Donald Trump, with Maher and Rogan finding common ground on most.

Maher’s Critique of Woke Ideology

Editorial credit: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.

Maher expressed his view that the “woke mob” incorrectly equates their movement with traditional liberalism. He argues that the fundamental principle of liberalism has been to strive for a colorblind society, where individuals are seen for their character rather than skin color. Maher sees this as a long-standing liberal belief shared by prominent civil rights leaders, from Martin Luther King, Jr. to Barack Obama.

The Liberal Vision of Equality

Stressing his belief in true equality, Maher pointed out that the vision of liberalism has always been to recognize people for their inherent qualities. He claims that ‘real’ liberals do not care about people’s race. This perspective, he notes, has been a consistent theme among liberal leaders throughout history.

Racial Focus of Woke Advocacy

In contrast, Maher criticized the woke movement for prioritizing race in every discussion. He argued that this approach excessively emphasizes skin color as the primary standard for judging a person. This is a viewpoint he finds regressive and counterproductive to achieving genuine equality.

Historical Comparisons and Rogan’s Counterpoint

Image Credit: Steven Crowder, CC BY 3.0. via Wikimedia Commons.

Maher made a striking historical comparison, likening the woke movement’s racial focus to groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Joe Rogan, attempting to moderate the conversation, suggested that the goal of the woke movement might be more about fostering an equal society. However, Maher remained firm in his criticism.

Addressing Societal Issues

Discussing societal problems like extreme poverty and crime, Maher argued that the woke movement fails to address these issues effectively. Instead, he argued that a ‘true’ liberal approach might be more beneficial. He believes current liberalism falls short of addressing these goals.

Liberalism and Crime

Then, Maher expressed his views on liberalism’s stance towards crime. According to Mayer, the movement has never been about condoning actions like shoplifting under the guise of progressivism. He referred to this as “justice shopping,” criticizing such attitudes and their apparent prevalence in certain social rights movements today.

Debating Police Defunding

Maher addressed the controversial topic of defunding the police, sparked by the killing of George Floyd in 2020. He claimed that any perceived success in maintaining neighborhood safety without a police presence was more likely due to private security rather than the absence of law enforcement. In his view, law enforcement is necessary for cities to run effectively.

Controversial Statement on Race and Crime

In a bold statement, Maher remarked, “It’s amazing that black lives don’t seem to matter when they’re taken by black lives.” This comment echoes a narrative often used in far-right circles and involves misleading statistics. This is referred to as “black-on-black” crime, which involves African Americans hurting other African Americans.

Body Positivity Movement Critiques

Shifting focus, Maher then criticized the body positivity movement. He denounced the movement as being unproductive and unhelpful for society. He and Rogan agreed on the dangers and societal impact of obesity despite acknowledging the potential unpopularity of their views. They both argued that the body positivity movement does more harm than good.

Public Backlash and Self-Awareness

However, Maher recognized the backlash he often faces for his critical views on sensitive topics, including his comments on obesity. He seemed aware his remarks on the woke movement might draw more attention and criticism. He also acknowledged that many people would criticize him for his views.

Reflecting on the Impact of Political Discourse on Society

The varied reactions to Bill Maher’s statements on “The Joe Rogan Experience” show a societal debate about the role and impact of political commentary in today’s world. Some criticized Maher’s approach, while others appreciated his independent thinking. These responses highlight the complexity of navigating and interpreting political discourse.

Divisive Opinions on Obama and Racism

Editorial credit: Evan El-Amin/Shutterstock.

A particularly polarizing response to Maher’s comments involved a critique of former President Obama. One user declared, “Maher is correct…except that Obama is as racist as they come…and was the base for the issues we have today.” This perspective contrasts with Maher’s positive reference to Obama.

Appreciation for Maher’s Independence

In contrast, another individual appreciated Maher’s independent stance, stating, “Good for Maher. He’s an independent mind, not beholden to Bandwagon Right or Bandwagon Left.” This comment shows respect for Maher’s refusal to conform to traditional political lines, highlighting his ability to critique both sides of the political spectrum.

Criticism of Maher’s Humor and Attitude

One critic expressed disappointment in Maher’s transition from a comedian to a more aggressive figure. They commented, “Maher used to be humorous, but now he’s just a jerk.” This reflects a sense of loss for Maher’s earlier, more light-hearted commentary style, suggesting that his current approach may alienate some of his former audience.

Viewing Maher as Attention-Seeking

Another reaction was more dismissive, labeling Maher as “a desperate, irrelevant attention seeker.” This comment suggests that some see Maher’s controversial statements as a bid for relevance and attention in a rapidly changing media landscape. They disagree that his comments are genuine commentary.

Blaming Woke Culture on Obama

The impact of the Obama administration on current political discourse was highlighted in another comment. This user stated, “Woke is an Obama curse, his plan to undo America!” Additionally, this viewpoint extended to criticism of the Biden administration, claiming, “Go woke, go broke, and Biden destroyed America in world record time.”

Mixed Reception of Maher’s Style

Opinions on Maher’s current approach are mixed. One comment noted, “He is a funny guy, and I don’t always agree with him. I do like he will go after his own liberal partners.” However, another warned, “Maher is also responsible for all this Liberal woke insanity. For years, he praised it daily. Now, he’s riding the fence. If you’re a Republican, do NOT be deceived.”

Emphasizing Non-Racial Judgement

Supporting Maher’s stance on race, a respondent emphasized, “Judge people on who they are and their skills, not the color of their skin. ‘black-on-black crime’ is a real thing. Ask any cop working in urban areas.” This perspective aligns with Maher’s view on liberalism’s colorblind approach. It acknowledges the complexities and realities of crime in urban settings.