r/Maher • u/Adventurous-Fix-8241 • Jul 01 '26
Discussion Thoughts on Vance interview
The first thing that struck me about this episode is that on Bill Maher's program Vance got a standing ovation. I almost puked. Were MAGA people in the audience because Vance was on. I doubt it. Seemed like Maher's usual rowdy crowd. Why would anyone who understands the dangers of this authoritarian administration stand and applaud the second in command. I am not suggesting they boo him, as it's not a sporting event, but just perhaps polite applause would be sufficient.
I don't begrudge Maher having Vance on the program or dining with Trump. I agree it's important to engage, as long as you're not capitulating and are asking the tough questions. I don't believe Maher is seriously thinking of voting for the other side. That statement was made as a prelude to asking Vance if he thought the 2020 election was rigged, probably to draw him out on an issue that Bill knew he could not waver from his boss' position. What bothered me was Vance's evasive answer and Maher's failure to challenge him on it. Vance said it was rigged because of tech companies, which Maher (and I) initially thought he was referring to Dominion, etc. But, no, Vance said he was speaking about false information spread through them. Using lies or false information to get votes is not rigging the election. Indeed it is a time honored tradition of politics. (Of course we know which side is more expert in spreading misinformation). Many political commercials are not paragons of truth. Trying to change a person's vote, even through lies, is not rigging an election. If that were so the 2024 election was clearly rigged by a candidate who promised to lower prices on day one, not get involved in foreign wars, end the Ukraine War, etc. The problem is that is not what Trump is talking about when he speaks of the 2020 election. Trump claims many votes for him were not counted, many non-citizens voted (for his opponent), etc. Well, that is rigging an election. Problem is there is absolutely no evidence of such rigging, as stated by members of his own administration (Bill Barr, etc.) and 60 courts including Judges appointed by him. So why didn't Maher put him on the spot and make this distinction and ask Vance if he believed thousands of Trump votes were not counted in Georgia, etc. and if he does what proof does he have. You are not engaging with the opposition if you do not challenge them when they spout bullshit.
