Patton Oswalt Critiques Bill Maher’s Approach to Trump

Comedian Patton Oswalt recently took aim at Bill Maher, the host of “Real Time,” suggesting that Maher is trying to win over President Donald Trump. He believes this approach is misguided, arguing that making an effort to find common ground with Trump can backfire and turn one into a target.

“I think Bill had good intentions, but appeasing Trump is futile,” Oswalt expressed during an interview with SiriusXM’s Dean Obeidallah. He contrasted Maher’s tactics with those of other well-known anti-Trump figures, like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert.

Oswalt remarked, “Colbert and Kimmel… Trump has animosity towards them, and it’s because they don’t seek his approval. The moment they show any affection, he dismisses them entirely.” He further added, “It’s crucial to stand firm and think, ‘This guy is just no good.’ Ultimately, sticking to one’s principles pays off. Anyone who engages with Trump will feel the urge to rebel against him, driven by self-interest, because he tends to ruin people.”

Maher’s Response

Bill Maher has faced criticism after a dinner with Trump, during which he made remarks that later got him into hot water. Maher acknowledged an incident from February, when Trump criticized him via social media following some quips made on his show. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction over Maher’s suggestion that China was going to influence Canadian hockey due to their growing economic relationship.

Maher described the dinner as a “waste of time” according to Trump. He recounted how Trump seemed frustrated that Maher didn’t grasp his humor about hockey, saying at the time, “He was really upset with me.” 

Defending his own stance, Maher remarked, “The dinner was not a waste for me,” adding that he, despite the critiques, maintains his right to criticize the president. He humbly admitted, “I know I’m not perfect, and yeah, I have low ratings sometimes.” Maher’s representatives have yet to provide a comment on the matter.