LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent installment of ‘Real Time’, Bill Maher delivered a pointed critique of Gen Z activists while passionately defending the US Constitution and its foundational role in American society.

During his ‘New Rules’ segment, the comedian expressed frustration over the younger generation’s apparent disregard for the Constitution and its significance, especially in light of Constitution Day, which many overlooked.

Bill Maher highlights the disconnect between patriotism and Gen Z activism

Bill Maher began by referencing Kamala Harris’ speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), where she emphasized the privilege of being an American. He noted that “the smartest thing Democrats did this year was finding their patriotism again,” but lamented that this sentiment doesn’t seem to resonate with younger activists.

“None of them are standing up and screaming, that’s my country. Quite the reverse,” remarked the late-night talk show host, contrasting this with the recent pro-Palestinian charity concert in Seattle at which Macklemore apparently drew cheers after he said, “F**k America.”

By highlighting the concert attendees’ behavior, Maher illustrated a disconnect between the values expressed by Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz—who stated, “We’re all here tonight for one beautiful, simple reason. We love this country”—and the actions of those protesting against it.

The comedian argued that such demonstrations fail to acknowledge the freedoms and opportunities available in the US, stating, “Yes, America—the only place in the world where a white guy from the suburbs could become a millionaire rapper because every person, regardless of race, class, or gender, has the right to be talent-free.”

Bill Maher calls for greater appreciation of the Constitution with a Taylor Swift quip

As Constitution Day, celebrated on September 17, passed with little recognition, Bill Maher emphasized its importance, calling it “probably the greatest legal document ever.”

He acknowledged its imperfections, quipping, “The Constitution isn’t perfect because it wasn’t written by Taylor Swift.” Maher pointed out that many of the Constitution’s authors were young themselves, humorously suggesting, “America’s founders, they were the Gen Z of their day.”

Maher criticized the simplistic worldview he perceives in Gen Z, stating that they often reduce historical complexities to a narrative of guilt over past injustices, specifically, “White people did some very bad things.”

He argued that this black-and-white thinking overlooks the nuanced compromises made by the founders, particularly regarding slavery, which he likened to societal norms of the time: “In 1776, slavery was a lot like flying private. Today, if you could afford to, you would have done it too.”

Moreover, Maher asserted that America has a unique mechanism for self-correction embedded in the Constitution, a privilege not shared by many countries. He contrasted this with the lack of freedoms in places like Gaza, where citizens cannot protest their government or express dissent.

The late-night talk show host said, “The citizens of Gaza cannot assemble and protest their own government, cannot do or say what they want or practice whatever religion they want, or have a free press, all rights guaranteed in just our First Amendment.”

He went on to declare that the Constitution is the “bedrock for everything that makes life good for the very people who hate them so much,” underscoring how essential rights protect individual liberties and democracy.