Bill Maher roasts Dick Cheney as he jokes former VP would love Taylor Swift's album for the word 'tortured'
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Bill Maher delved into the current buzz surrounding Taylor Swift's latest album, 'The Tortured Poets Department,' during his April 19 episode of 'Real Time' monologue on HBO and Max.
In a witty remark, Maher pointed out that this week's news had something for everyone, referencing both Swift's album release and the ongoing hush trial involving former President Donald Trump.
Bill Maher shades Dick Cheney on 'Real Time'
"Something for the Swifties, and something for the not-so-Swiftie," quipped Maher.
Continuing his commentary on Swift's album, Maher humorously noted its widespread appeal, mentioning, "Everybody loves it, the tweens love it, the teens love it, the millenials love it.”
Maher added a humorous touch to his monologue by suggesting that even former White House figures appreciated Taylor Swift's album, quipping, "Dick Cheney said, 'You had me at ‘Tortured.'"
Cheney, known for his tenure as George W Bush's vice president from 2001 to 2009, has maintained his support for controversial practices like torture, once stating, "I would do it again," and proposing a restart of the US government's torture program in 2018.
Transitioning to the Trump trial, Maher highlighted the challenge for the former president, who had to endure long hours in court without speaking. He cleverly remarked, "Kind of like he did on January 6th," adding a factual yet pointed punchline.
As per The Wrap, Maher also touched on reports of Trump being observed falling asleep during court proceedings, noting Trump's denial and claim that he was simply resting his eyes.
Maher humorously speculated about a potential excuse Trump might give, saying, "And he’s not drooling — his head is having a wet dream."
Bill Maher amuses 'Real Time' audience with 4/20 jokes and political satire
At the start of his monologue, which was strong until a few stumbles toward the end, the cannabis enthusiast Maher shared his insight into why the audience was in good spirits. "It’s a holiday tomorrow, 4/20. Right? Oh, geez — I’ve got to start my baking," joked Maher. "I’m kidding, I started earlier."
This joke might have some truth, considering Maher's recent decision not to forego smoking weed for just one episode of his 'Club Random' podcast, despite a request from Steve-O to respect his 16 years of sobriety and commitment to it.
The 'Real Time' audience seemed to share Maher's enthusiasm, as evidenced by their intrigued reactions with "oohs" when he pointed out, "But this is a very special 4/20, because it’s 4/20/24, which is the same backwards and forwards."
Adding to the humor, Maher remarked, "This only occurs once every hundred years, similar to Arizona updating its abortion law," poking fun at Arizona's recent decision to uphold a law from 1864 that restricts abortion in the state.
Looking ahead to Robert F Kennedy Jr's upcoming appearance on 'Real Time,' Maher playfully joked about Kennedy's independent presidential run, mentioning his polling numbers at 11.7 per cent.
"Not nationally, just within his family," quipped Maher, alluding to the many Kennedy family members who this week rallied against Robert F Kennedy Jr's candidacy and endorsed President Joe Biden instead.
In response to calls for Kennedy to withdraw from the race, Maher humorously imagined Kennedy saying, "I’m a Kennedy, we don’t know the meaning of the word ‘pull out.'"
