Politically Incorrect

ABC is committing crime against democracy by shutting down this show. Politically Incorrect being on was proof of democracy, it being killed is proof that democracy is in great danger. This was a great show, one of the best political talk shows in the history of TV.

If for nothing else, people should want to see this because Bill Maher was fired for exercising freedom of speech.

Each evening for 30 minutes (well, less actually because of commercials) Maher and a panel of 4 guests would discuss a topic or two, sometimes calm and quietly, sometimes erupting in full-out arguments.

I guess my opinion about the show is biased, though, since I seem to agree with Maher on most topics and enjoy seeing him argue with "head-in-the-sand" conservatives. But I genuinely like the free-for-all discussions which aren't scripted or guided by ratings.

I wished this show was an hour instead of just 30 minutes. And now that it's gone, I really miss it. Fortunately, Maher has a new show with pretty much the same format on HBO, where we don't have to hear a silly "*beep*" every time someone says a word that someone's grandmother in Vermont would be offended by.

It seems necessary for a show like "Politically Incorrect" to exist; there can never be too many honest attempts at intelligent discussions between well-known entertainers (or non); it makes even people who shudder at the word "politics" get kinda' riled up.

'Riled up'- in a good way and a bad way. GOOD because, like I said- the topics are always interesting, and the guests, based on their expertise, give arguments leverage and thought,- but BAD because every time that no-talent a@#hole Bill Maher opens his damn mouth, he has to be racist, arrogant, stupid, or all 3 at the same time. The fact that he has his own views and wishes to back them up with argument is *fine*. What is not fine, however, is when someone unintentionally snaps that tiny twig called Bill's temper. Then it all goes downhill. Leave a message, because Bill's on another one of his power trips, and his a@% will not shut up until the show is over.

Basically, the premise of "Politically Incorrect" is great. The one strike against them is the host. He isn't funny, he acts and talks like he's God (which makes him being open to anyone else's ideas impossible). You'd think he was only like this on *his* show, but I found (in interviews) that he is just as rude and conceited everywhere he goes. Bill Maher is a loser and should retire. Other than his sorry presence the show is almost worth watching. Almost.

Bill Mohr is a funny host, but better than that, he's really smart (for the most part.) I agree with a lot of his views, and I like the way he works, so I guess it's easy for me to like the show the way I do. Even if you disagree with what he thinks, I'm sure it's still a great show to you...anyhow, 4 guests come on and discuss current events and topics that are popular at the time. Then, Bill gives his opinions, and is constantly making fun of people...it's a great show, very nice premise, and always funny.

The show is called "Politically Incorrect" for a reason-- a simple reason, really that the opinions expressed on this show are not necessary over all "acceptable" ones. Nevertheless, Bill Maher and his guests should be allowed to express them.

Do you have to always agree with Bill to like this show? Well, no. I think if you always disagree, then you probably won't. If you sometimes agree, then you can enjoy it.

In fact, I find myself sometimes acting as the fifth panel member. Yes, I know the panel can't hear me, but it's much like a reaction to sporting events. You realize the players and the refs can't hear you, but you yell out your opinion anyway. And that's what I sometimes do. The show can get me thinking too and afterwards, I like to talk to people about what they think about the issues brought up on the show.

The show has taken a more discussion oriented format since returning to the airwaves after the September 11th attacks. Before, the guests used to comes on stage one at a time to be greeted by Bill before taking their seats. (The pretty ladies would be received with a kiss on the cheek while everyone else just shook Bill's hand.) Now, everyone is already seated and is introduced by Bill and the audience applauds for the panel after all the guests have been introduced.

During the breaks, there used to be a quick joke by Bill that would sometimes lead into the next segment's discussion. So far, those quick jokes have been taken out. Also, Bill used to announce at the end of each show who tomorrow/Monday's guests will be. (Also, they were announced during a break by announcer John Cramer). But now, the final segment is more a parting thought time.

And, the PI poll has disappeared. I noticed it returned to the website once again, but the results have not been shown during the show.

Whether any of these things once done by the show will return, I have no idea. Do I want them too? Well...I kinda miss those quick jokes...and besides, I'd like to see this show back to the way it was.

Now, as for my opinion of Bill himself...

I do like Bill enough to enjoy this show. No, I do not always agree with him. I do find his views at times to be out there. But, I also find some of the things he says to be very much on target. "Why are teachers with their crappy, crummy salaries out-of-pocket buying supplies for the students?!" Good question, Bill.

I have noticed he is rather stubborn though and it does seem like he doesn't consider other opinions. But, he does at times too...though rarely. :)

Overall, I do like this show for getting people to think and allowing them to express their viewpoints. ABC took a chance keeping this show on after major sponsors pulled out, which surprised me! But I'm glad they did. There needs to be a forum for open discussion. Why not this one?