I never particularly liked Bill Maher as a person but — and these rarely go together for me — I've always liked him as a stand-up comedian. And I've really liked him as the host of Politically Incorrect, which has just aired its last original show, at least on ABC. The show has included a lot of wrestling (in the Vince McMahon "put on a show" tradition) and has given air time to a lot of pundits who never convinced me they weren't just saying what brought them air time. Still, I generally enjoyed his issue-based chat show and usually heard enough honest, perceptive commentary — mainly from Maher — to make it a must-see for nine years.
I especially marveled at his ability to kick-start tepid conversation and to, more often than most "hard news" guys, nail an interviewee for evasion or outright fibbing. If I were a weasel politician, I think I'd rather face an army of Tim Russerts than one Bill Maher.
I don't know if this still works but, about two years ago, I did a newsgroup search on the guy and was amazed at the range of hatred he engendered. Some called him a fascist; others, a communist, a misogynist, a ladies' man, etc. Often, someone would agree with him on most issues, then dismiss him as Satanic-possessed scum the second he took one "wrong" position. A self-described Libertarian who voted for Ralph Nader is a tough guy to pigeon-hole, but many tried. None, I think, really succeeded…and I admire that about the guy, as well.
I always thought "politically incorrect" was a silly, meaningless term. But if it applies to anyone, it applies to him. The conventional wisdom seems to be that Maher was cancelled for some awkwardly-phrased remarks he uttered, a bit too soon after 9/11. In interviews, he seems to be saying that, as well. My friends over at ABC claim those comments — widely and deliberately misinterpreted, I believe — were merely the excuse. One, in fact, told me months ago that Maher had ridden out the controversy and was no longer in jeopardy. When I asked him recently what happened, he said, "It wasn't that. It's that no one on the 10th floor ever liked Maher. They never thought he was an ABC star or that Politically Incorrect was an ABC show." I find it hard to believe that Jimmy Kimmel and his forthcoming program will pass those tests but there you are.
I will miss Bill Maher's show, and I look forward to his return some day soon. Rumor has it he's dickering for a long-term deal on some cable channel for a show that would incorporate elements of Politically Incorrect but also showcase the host's talents for stand-up and sketches. As I've said here before, I think Mssrs. Leno and Letterman are way too afraid of real spontaneity on their stages, and go to elaborate lengths to eliminate any chance of it. If Maher is going to roar back with an unexpurgated show that is as unplanned as P.I. was, he could have a very long, successful run. He'd certainly have a Season Pass on my TiVo.