New Rule: Straw Man Arguments | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)

If all you can muster to say about the attack on Salman Rushdie is, “Stabbing is bad and I’m against it” without looking at the reasons behind it – you’re useless.

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[michaelturnblom]

"We can't have exceptions for violence based on religion." Spot. On.

[cindyspicer]

I would have to say Bill is a dying breed. He’s the only one on TV right now who seems to literally speak his mind with no thought about who he offends with his honesty. It’s so refreshing that he hasn’t changed in all these years and I’m saying this as someone who didn’t used to care for him but realizing how much I appreciate his perspective. Thank you, Bill, really.

[Meitti]

Arguably Straw Man is the biggest celebrity on the internet, everyone uses his arguments all the time!

[windwoman]

I can imagine the look on the intern’s face: “Bill needs you to build a straw man. No, not a bad argument. He literally needs a straw man. Go buy a bale of straw. I hope your sculpting talent is better than your coffee-making skills.”

[skroodup]

The Strawman has got to be a permanent guest. Slap a speaker in the head underneath and have it yell out random arguments. Be funny every time.

[lazyakers]

It’s nice to see he invited Ben Affleck back on the show.

[MrShanester]

Without straw man arguments, our politicians wouldn’t know what to say

[cpiper]

Bill: "I don't know if you get to the theater a lot..."

Strawman: "Not since Wicker Man."

[kennethperales]

Bill Mahur defense of his friend was spot on. Speaking out about the attackers of Salmon Rushdie was not just the right thing to do it was also well say. Wishing Salmon Rushdie a safe and speedy recovery ❤️

[geoffreygroom]

I have been watching Bill(from Sweden) for many many years.Never - and I mean never - in all these years have I found him boring or irrelevant.And I just love him when he does his 'warrior' thing of defending the values of freedom and democracy.This is yet another brilliant expose.

[wtf_usa]

This is 100% on point. And Bill's dialogue with "Strawman" was hilarious! WAIT, LET ME FINISH !! 😂😂😂😂

[clairev.]

Silvano Fardos is not only brave, but totally heartbroken. My heart goes out to her. Her son may never understand what he has done, unless his handlers let him go.

[stanleyphillips]

Powerful analogy Bill Maher. Defense of free speech should be beyond partisan politics. It should be a stand all Americans should rally to. Without it, first and foremost, all other rights would be non existent.

[terrydoyle]

Love the idea of calling out strawman arguments in this hilarious way. Fabulous.

[c.w.]

When the play "The Book of Mormon" was on Broadway, technically the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints could have sued since "The Book of Mormon" is copyrighted. Instead, they chose to take out advertisements on the playbill and on cabs all over New York that said things like "You've seen the play, now read the book" or "The book was better." Hilarious response.

[peterdarker]

There should be a permanent place SOMEWHERE on Bill's set for "Strawman" because that was brilliant...he could be a spiritual symbol on the show of what all guests/debaters should aspire NOT to use when making arguments

[mikemondano]

_"Bill, it's 2 AM. Where do you expect us to find straw before tomorrow morning? Bill? Bill? I swear, if you don't stop giggling, I'll quit."_

[chenzen]

What I love about Bill is his direct and often devastating verbalism, without drifting into vulgarity.
"..., you're useless" - ouch, but true.

[EazyDozer]

Bill just reliving his time with Ben Affleck via a straw character.

[libbyholt]

Hands down one of Bill's best bits. How about a separate bit like this for every logical fallacy that manipulators use.