Politics and Punditry | 03/10/2009 7:35 am
Bill Maher and Ann Coulter Agree on Something at Radio City Music Hall Debate
The far left and the far right had a lovefest last night in NYC. Well, not exactly, but it was entertaining to watch.
Photo: Marion Curtis/StarPix
No, it’s true. Ann Coulter and Bill Maher found common ground at least once during their packed-to-the-rafters Radio City Music Hall debate last night in New York City. And it’s this:
Timothy Geithner is doing a baaaaad job as Obama’s Treasury Secretary. With Maher adding, "He sounds like he’s shitting his pants."
Other than that, last night was a hilarious, gallows-humor free-for-all of Bill Maher’s funny take on politics and the economy, and Ann Coulter’s trademark designed-to-incite commentary against liberals. Held in the historic hall in the heart of liberal New York, the audience’s raucous cheers and boos on both sides made it an important, vocal part of the proceedings.
The dynamic between the two pundits is an interesting one. There is clear affection and respect for one another. Ann Coulter was Bill Maher’s most frequent guest on his late ABC talk show, "Politically Incorrect." When the NYC-based liberal crowd in the audience clearly favored Maher, he asked for a round of applause for Ann, lauding her courage for making the appearance, and said if the debate was being held in Paducah, KY, instead of NYC, it would be Bill having a difficult night. He added: "She takes her booing like a man."
Some highlights of the night:
Coulter: "Overnight, the media went from watchdog for the people to watchdog for the government … except for Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann, who are the lapdogs for the government."
Coulter on Obama win: "The Republicans were running McCain … that’s the equivalent of George Foreman beating Helen Thomas in a TKO in the 12th round."
Maher: "Osama bin Ladin said he wanted to bankrupt America. Sorry, big guy, but a Jew named Madoff beat you to it."
Maher: "Mood matters. What do you think the mood in America would be if Old Man McCain and Cruella de Vil were in power (right now)?"
Maher on Rush Limbaugh wanting Obama to fail: "We all say crazy shit when we’re high."
The next event in the "MSG 2009 Speaker Series: Live and Uncensored" will be held at Radio City on March 31 with Anderson Cooper interviewing Arianna Huffington, Mike Huckabee and D.L. Hughley on Free Speech and the Power of the Press.
On May 26, Charlie Rose will take the stage, interviewing James Carville and Karl Rove.
Tickets can be ordered at the website, 2009 Speaker Series.
Images: Marion Curtis/StarPix
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65 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment
It was great seeing Bill and Ann debate last night! Ann was clearly out of her league, yet Bill showed restraint and respect and even defended her against all the boos from this liberal audience.
As expected, Bill was hilarious, well informed and stayed on topic. He did not shy away from the faults of the democratic party.
Ann was bull headed, meandered off topic and, at times, absurd. Although, I do give her credit for being a good sport and laughing at Bill’s jokes.
Overall, a wonderful and exciting evening.
There’s a rumor somewhere that they used to date. Not sure as to the veracity.
Coulter…..doesn’t even do a good job at selling it. At the end of the day Coulter and FOX have made millions off of convincing "the right" that they were interested in/agreed with their viewpoints. Reality is they are entertainers. They have to keep the illusion up but Barbara Walters said it all on (the one episode I’ve watched in the last 3 years) of the view last week in talking about when she interviewed Rush for the 20 most fascinating people show this year.
It’s a con job. The fact that so many of the "moral and intellectual authorities" in this country have bought it hook line and sinker is actually shocking.
Beau: …more like a comedy hour.
I’m sure that’s what was intended. They played to the audience. In this case it was Maher’s audience.
Green Tears: May 26th should be interesting with Rove and Carville.
I agree. Carville will be all noise and Rove will plow through it. In the end, I think Rove will win.
Like your dog, by the way. He/she looks young and all serious. Probably trying to be a good boy/girl for the promised reward.
Green: …10th birthday next week.
Wow !! She carries her years well.
Well, when you’re 16 pounds and that low to the ground, gravity just doesn’t have a chance to mess with you!
She doesn’t jump as high as she used to, but she’s still full of ‘p & v’!!
Last night was great. It was interesting to see the dynamic between the two: clearly they’re spitting venom at each other but they are still able maintain a certain degree of respect and friendship.
I definitely will be going to the next show with Anderson Cooper. Thankfully, because those tickets are so expensive, the show is offering discounts.
To get $10 off select tickets, use code SPIN if you’re in NYC and Chicago. If you’re in Boston, use code SS09SPIN. Go to speakerseries2009.com.