Last Friday, I appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher alongside historian Daniel Bessner in a kind of reprise of our conversation from last Monday. If you’re an HBO subscriber, you can watch the episode here. And below you can see see me, Daniel, and psychotherapist Esther Perel on Bill’s “Overtime” segment, where the four of us discuss the recent birth control ruling, soul mates, the SpaceX shuttle launch, AI, fascism, and the Dalai Lama. It’s always a pleasure being invited onto
And even though I haven't seen it yet, Dr. G., please ignore anyone telling you to turn up or turn down your energy. You just keep doin' you and let the chips fall. We have more than enough "performers" out here bobbing for viral moments.
If you’re including me w those you advise Glenn to ignore, there’s no desire or urging on my part for him to “turn up” his energy, to be a “performer… bobbing for viral moments” Good god! How awful. No, what I think is that the mainstream conversation is a desert in dire need of what we hear from Glenn on TGS, where he often has said it so well. But somehow, it gets muted there. Is it just too hard or fraught with the possibility of unwanted consequences to be otherwise? Maybe…
I appreciate that, CHARLES. And yes, go see it when u can. I was unfamiliar with Maher’s one on one guest, psychotherapist, Esther Perel, who I found to be delightfully engaging & very smart abt intimacy/relationships. Sparkling hydration.
Something's up with my Max subscription! Apparently my years-long discount trial finally ran out or something. I don't know what's up. Been a while since I used it. I'll figure it out.
In the meantime, about an hour ago, I saw a very low blow thrown at Maher & Loury as a result of that same show. Specifically from MSNBC's Mehdi Hasan, a man of the left who normally has my respect, but damned if he didn't show his royal azz on this one. Really pissed me off.
Mehdi apparently has a simmering ax to grind with Maher from the 9-11 days because of his criticisms of Islam. So Mehdi used the moment to beat up on Maher, and throw Loury under the bus like Glenn was some Black conservative lickspittle. It was some distasteful bs.
I will eventually see this damned episode one way or another =)
P.S. - Took a look at OT Maher to get a sense. I definitely see what you mean about Perel.
I saw it and… perhaps you can shed light on this if you catch my drift - you seemed very low key, keeping most of your stuff in the bag. Is it bc Maher, despite his politically incorrect tone & bits, is very pro Democrat, ditto his audience? Do you defer to that? It’s like you kept yourself back so as not to be known too much… as you. (Or who I’ve seen you show as you most often over the years)
Much respect to both you & John. You have given much of worth to my listening ears. But I’ve seen this holding back with John too, him in his own way, when on w mainstream figures - Chris Hayes’ (ugh) podcast & The View (ugh!), for example. Almost like an effort not to be clear (View). And kid gloves, holding back (Hayes)
Is it something about the mainstream spotlight that makes you think it’s better not to be too clear or provocative in revealing your thoughts (as you do more freely in your online niche conversations). I can understand if it just feels too impossible to speak outside the sanctified narrative. The taboo is so well fertilized & obeyed by the usual suspects - the 3rd rail is almost tangible. It stifles virtually all of us in one way or another.
Funny… I’m wondering if your experience w that (now-cancelled) asshole Tucker (he can be one, big time, but then, he has had some worthy stuff - like you!)) was the one where a big time TV host afforded you the rare opportunity to roll out your thoughts and speak your mind.
Cute opening on “soulmates” and Daniel lost me on his response to SpaceX - typical government first response as if NASA has demonstrated any capacity to speed things along over the past 40 years - let’s face it - we r launching successfully only because of SpaceX as much as Elon haters hate to admit
Yes you did! And you nailed it! My God the other guest was, and I have to say it: A goddamned idiot. He sounded like a 25-year-old fresh out of grad school. His repeatedly blaming everything on ‘capitalism’ and ‘the system’ was just dumb on so many levels. This is where theoretical woke ideology clashes with Real Life. This past weekend 11 people died from gunshot wounds in Chicago; 26 were injured by gunfire. This is an emergency. Can’t anyone see how saying that young black men can’t be held to account because of their ‘environment’ is racist and profoundly reductive? How does the left not see this? Are black youth in urban ghettos just puppets? But the left thinks black people are stupid, otherwise they wouldn’t dismantle the SATs and lower achievement standards, etc. the Chicago bullshit reminds of another white asshole, Chesa Boudine in SF. Man: liberals really lost their minds when Trump came to power.
That whole schtick about the "environment" being racist makes no sense. Most of these cities have either Black or Liberal White Democrat administrations and have for years, so if there's any "racism" going on, it's because of their own supposed saviors. Sorry, I don't see the inner cities infested with MAGA redneck Republicans.
Glenn, your comments are as always thoughtful and beautifully articulated, but I have to respond to the bit about the Texas injunction. Every law student learns that the most powerful person in this country is a federal district court judge, precisely because he has the ability to issue nationwide injunctions. It’s how the system works, not some sort of arbitrary Lone Ranger move. Remember the applause for the judge who enjoined Trump’s temporary visa restrictions (the so-called Muslim ban).
I believe Justice Thomas is interested in examining that injunctive power with a view to placing some reasonable limits thereon. The current ping-ponging of national policy due to pissing matches between Hawaiian judges, ones in red state America, and arbitrated by D.C. ones is absurd. Blatant venue shopping by parties on either side of whatever issue bares the system's corruption and devolution into a political power play.
Weird that Bessner asserted that historically the federal government was needed to organize and fund projects like space exploration, when the federal government assisted US railroad construction only with land grants, or, in some cases, not at all.
Something I've noticed with your Real Time appearances, you seem a lot more reserved and cautious... perhaps a little nervous. I can certainly understand that, and I get that the format of a talk show can be a bit restrictive in terms of the time you have to make a point. But man, I would really love to see some of the passion and full articulation of your points that you have on your podcast. I want to see a true Glenn Rant! :)
I think it's the format of the show more than a conscious choice. There's only time to talk in snippets before getting cut off. On the podcast, there's time to collect thoughts and build up to your point.
Exactly my thoughts. I’ve come to expect it, as he & John get more known. If I was unfamiliar with Glenn, his online discussions, when I saw him on Real Time I’d not get that this guy has got zing - someone special who stands out, cuts to the heart of what is otherwise kept under wraps, mired in the stagnant BS of what ppl think they are “supposed to say.”
I will say that I think I saw the best of both John & Glenn back in their less “high production valued” YouTube Only days. That stuff grabbed me! I don’t know if they could pull off their marvelous 2 part deconstruction of the grotesque Trayvon Martin media made myth at this point. (I saw the trial gavel to gavel & they GOT it) Their talks felt more intimate, less self conscious… more intense & meaningful back then, even if the tone was casual. Less about them, the “superior production” (it was FINE) … more about crossing lines to find & expose what’s real.
Totally agree. I know Glenn is the smartest one on that panel and can wipe the floor with any of them in an intellectual debate. However, he seems very reserved and cautious on these timed guest appearances. The audience members who are unfamiliar with him have no idea what a powerhouse he really is.
Glenn, you gave them same kind of thoughtfully reasoned consideration that you deliver to us. What a great gift to share with the world! John's last appearance was really impressive, too. Intellectualism is alive and well!
Dr. Loury, I watched you and you were extraordinary courteous and patient with Dr. Bessner as he went on and aimlessly on about "structures".
You actually saved hime when Bill Maher asked him to walk him, detail by detail, how increasing funding ties in with crime reduction, etc. You saved him by stepping in and commenting on Maher's question. But it would have been fascinating to see how someone such as he, evasive again and again, would have dealt with a question of specifics.
Oh, and I guess it's totally knee-jerk automatic to say that capitalism, exploitation, and slavery are all joined at their various hips. Never dealing with why it is that it was under capitalism that slavery waned, and also, under capitalism that both feminism and gay rights have flourished.
You were great Glenn, I just wish they'd paired you up with someone else. Bessner simply parroted, for the most part; the liberal academic line on every position you talked about.
I was disappointed that nobody brought up, what I consider to be, the most significant contributor to nearly all of the issues facing Black Americans; Nearly 75% of urban youths are raised in single parent households. They start school behind children raised in two parent households, spend more unsupervised time on the streets, and aren't mentored by a strong male (in most cases) role model.
A cultural change is required, and no amount of government spending (Bessner's solution) or white liberal guilt can change it. All of those Black athletes and entertainers that consider themselves 'community activists' (because they employ someone to tweet woke doctrine on their account) need to start spending their time in these cities helping to change the culture.
Glenn, you were great! I loved how calmly you made your points. Instead of saying that it is crazy for Bessner to say you can't do anything about youth violence without changing the entire capitalist system, you said that you can't expect voters to agree to the reforms Bessner says are necessary if they don't feel physically safe. I loved, loved, loved how you handled that interview!
I hope someday that yourself, John, and Coleman are his three guests. America needs this!
I need to check it out asap.
And even though I haven't seen it yet, Dr. G., please ignore anyone telling you to turn up or turn down your energy. You just keep doin' you and let the chips fall. We have more than enough "performers" out here bobbing for viral moments.
Frankly, that's a large part of the problem.
If you’re including me w those you advise Glenn to ignore, there’s no desire or urging on my part for him to “turn up” his energy, to be a “performer… bobbing for viral moments” Good god! How awful. No, what I think is that the mainstream conversation is a desert in dire need of what we hear from Glenn on TGS, where he often has said it so well. But somehow, it gets muted there. Is it just too hard or fraught with the possibility of unwanted consequences to be otherwise? Maybe…
I can certainly respect that, Adele. And your final question is a good one.
Like I said, I haven't seen it yet. Who knows? I may reverse myself after watching.
I appreciate that, CHARLES. And yes, go see it when u can. I was unfamiliar with Maher’s one on one guest, psychotherapist, Esther Perel, who I found to be delightfully engaging & very smart abt intimacy/relationships. Sparkling hydration.
Something's up with my Max subscription! Apparently my years-long discount trial finally ran out or something. I don't know what's up. Been a while since I used it. I'll figure it out.
In the meantime, about an hour ago, I saw a very low blow thrown at Maher & Loury as a result of that same show. Specifically from MSNBC's Mehdi Hasan, a man of the left who normally has my respect, but damned if he didn't show his royal azz on this one. Really pissed me off.
Mehdi apparently has a simmering ax to grind with Maher from the 9-11 days because of his criticisms of Islam. So Mehdi used the moment to beat up on Maher, and throw Loury under the bus like Glenn was some Black conservative lickspittle. It was some distasteful bs.
I will eventually see this damned episode one way or another =)
P.S. - Took a look at OT Maher to get a sense. I definitely see what you mean about Perel.
I saw it and… perhaps you can shed light on this if you catch my drift - you seemed very low key, keeping most of your stuff in the bag. Is it bc Maher, despite his politically incorrect tone & bits, is very pro Democrat, ditto his audience? Do you defer to that? It’s like you kept yourself back so as not to be known too much… as you. (Or who I’ve seen you show as you most often over the years)
Much respect to both you & John. You have given much of worth to my listening ears. But I’ve seen this holding back with John too, him in his own way, when on w mainstream figures - Chris Hayes’ (ugh) podcast & The View (ugh!), for example. Almost like an effort not to be clear (View). And kid gloves, holding back (Hayes)
Is it something about the mainstream spotlight that makes you think it’s better not to be too clear or provocative in revealing your thoughts (as you do more freely in your online niche conversations). I can understand if it just feels too impossible to speak outside the sanctified narrative. The taboo is so well fertilized & obeyed by the usual suspects - the 3rd rail is almost tangible. It stifles virtually all of us in one way or another.
Funny… I’m wondering if your experience w that (now-cancelled) asshole Tucker (he can be one, big time, but then, he has had some worthy stuff - like you!)) was the one where a big time TV host afforded you the rare opportunity to roll out your thoughts and speak your mind.
Cute opening on “soulmates” and Daniel lost me on his response to SpaceX - typical government first response as if NASA has demonstrated any capacity to speed things along over the past 40 years - let’s face it - we r launching successfully only because of SpaceX as much as Elon haters hate to admit
Glenn, you did a great job on Bill’s show.
It must have been difficult to sit next to Bessner and listen to him stumble over his worldview.
Yes you did! And you nailed it! My God the other guest was, and I have to say it: A goddamned idiot. He sounded like a 25-year-old fresh out of grad school. His repeatedly blaming everything on ‘capitalism’ and ‘the system’ was just dumb on so many levels. This is where theoretical woke ideology clashes with Real Life. This past weekend 11 people died from gunshot wounds in Chicago; 26 were injured by gunfire. This is an emergency. Can’t anyone see how saying that young black men can’t be held to account because of their ‘environment’ is racist and profoundly reductive? How does the left not see this? Are black youth in urban ghettos just puppets? But the left thinks black people are stupid, otherwise they wouldn’t dismantle the SATs and lower achievement standards, etc. the Chicago bullshit reminds of another white asshole, Chesa Boudine in SF. Man: liberals really lost their minds when Trump came to power.
Michael Mohr
‘Sincere American Writing’
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
He’s the perfect example of what Thomas Sowell describes as one holding “the vision of the anointed”. Totally detached from reality
That whole schtick about the "environment" being racist makes no sense. Most of these cities have either Black or Liberal White Democrat administrations and have for years, so if there's any "racism" going on, it's because of their own supposed saviors. Sorry, I don't see the inner cities infested with MAGA redneck Republicans.
Glenn, your comments are as always thoughtful and beautifully articulated, but I have to respond to the bit about the Texas injunction. Every law student learns that the most powerful person in this country is a federal district court judge, precisely because he has the ability to issue nationwide injunctions. It’s how the system works, not some sort of arbitrary Lone Ranger move. Remember the applause for the judge who enjoined Trump’s temporary visa restrictions (the so-called Muslim ban).
I believe Justice Thomas is interested in examining that injunctive power with a view to placing some reasonable limits thereon. The current ping-ponging of national policy due to pissing matches between Hawaiian judges, ones in red state America, and arbitrated by D.C. ones is absurd. Blatant venue shopping by parties on either side of whatever issue bares the system's corruption and devolution into a political power play.
Weird that Bessner asserted that historically the federal government was needed to organize and fund projects like space exploration, when the federal government assisted US railroad construction only with land grants, or, in some cases, not at all.
Something I've noticed with your Real Time appearances, you seem a lot more reserved and cautious... perhaps a little nervous. I can certainly understand that, and I get that the format of a talk show can be a bit restrictive in terms of the time you have to make a point. But man, I would really love to see some of the passion and full articulation of your points that you have on your podcast. I want to see a true Glenn Rant! :)
At any rate, loved seeing you on the show.
My “dream match” would be a Real Time panel with GL and another show regular, Malcolm Nance.
I think it's the format of the show more than a conscious choice. There's only time to talk in snippets before getting cut off. On the podcast, there's time to collect thoughts and build up to your point.
Exactly my thoughts. I’ve come to expect it, as he & John get more known. If I was unfamiliar with Glenn, his online discussions, when I saw him on Real Time I’d not get that this guy has got zing - someone special who stands out, cuts to the heart of what is otherwise kept under wraps, mired in the stagnant BS of what ppl think they are “supposed to say.”
I will say that I think I saw the best of both John & Glenn back in their less “high production valued” YouTube Only days. That stuff grabbed me! I don’t know if they could pull off their marvelous 2 part deconstruction of the grotesque Trayvon Martin media made myth at this point. (I saw the trial gavel to gavel & they GOT it) Their talks felt more intimate, less self conscious… more intense & meaningful back then, even if the tone was casual. Less about them, the “superior production” (it was FINE) … more about crossing lines to find & expose what’s real.
Yes I agree wholeheartedly. Take the gloves off just a bit, Glenn!
Totally agree. I know Glenn is the smartest one on that panel and can wipe the floor with any of them in an intellectual debate. However, he seems very reserved and cautious on these timed guest appearances. The audience members who are unfamiliar with him have no idea what a powerhouse he really is.
Glenn, you gave them same kind of thoughtfully reasoned consideration that you deliver to us. What a great gift to share with the world! John's last appearance was really impressive, too. Intellectualism is alive and well!
Thank you!
Dr. Loury, I watched you and you were extraordinary courteous and patient with Dr. Bessner as he went on and aimlessly on about "structures".
You actually saved hime when Bill Maher asked him to walk him, detail by detail, how increasing funding ties in with crime reduction, etc. You saved him by stepping in and commenting on Maher's question. But it would have been fascinating to see how someone such as he, evasive again and again, would have dealt with a question of specifics.
Oh, and I guess it's totally knee-jerk automatic to say that capitalism, exploitation, and slavery are all joined at their various hips. Never dealing with why it is that it was under capitalism that slavery waned, and also, under capitalism that both feminism and gay rights have flourished.
More evidence of Bill Maher's wisdom in guests. Congratulations Glenn!
You were great Glenn, I just wish they'd paired you up with someone else. Bessner simply parroted, for the most part; the liberal academic line on every position you talked about.
I was disappointed that nobody brought up, what I consider to be, the most significant contributor to nearly all of the issues facing Black Americans; Nearly 75% of urban youths are raised in single parent households. They start school behind children raised in two parent households, spend more unsupervised time on the streets, and aren't mentored by a strong male (in most cases) role model.
A cultural change is required, and no amount of government spending (Bessner's solution) or white liberal guilt can change it. All of those Black athletes and entertainers that consider themselves 'community activists' (because they employ someone to tweet woke doctrine on their account) need to start spending their time in these cities helping to change the culture.
Simply a matter of women keeping their pants zipped up and their hands in their pockets...
(motherly advice my wife received when she was an adolescent girl)
You're dorky! 😅
Glenn, you were great! I loved how calmly you made your points. Instead of saying that it is crazy for Bessner to say you can't do anything about youth violence without changing the entire capitalist system, you said that you can't expect voters to agree to the reforms Bessner says are necessary if they don't feel physically safe. I loved, loved, loved how you handled that interview!