'Lacking self-awareness': Internet slams Bill Maher as he warns Fareed Zakaria that some voters long for 'civil war'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria, comedian Bill Maher warned that a "civil war" in the United States is a realistic possibility.

While promoting his new book, 'What This Comedian Said Will Shock You,' Maher criticized both major political parties. He argued that the perception of each side seeing the other as an "existential threat" has driven the country into a "terrible" predicament.

Bill Maher warns of potential civil war in America in his new book's last chapter

“We find ourselves in this situation where both sides are literally siding with enemies of America rather than the opposition party within the country. You see Republican MAGA people with t-shirts that say, 'I’d rather be with Russia than Democrats,'” Maher said.

The comedian also ridiculed Tucker Carlson's "dog and pony show," referencing a recent video where the former Fox News host visited a Russian grocery store and appeared openly impressed by the prices.

Maher further criticized the left, stating, “On the left you see them marching for Hamas, a terrorist organization,” in reference to pro-Palestinian college campus protests across the country.

The 'Real Time' host explained that he titled the final chapter of his book 'Civil War' because he believes it "could happen here."

“This is a terrible place to be, and it can happen here. The last chapter in the book is called ‘Civil War’ and you hear more about it all the time, people who are actually pining for it, civil war, come on…let’s do this thing! Let’s get this going. Let’s have this national divorce — it can’t work. It won’t work,” Maher said.

He then added, “Half the country is not going to self-deport even if you win every election.”

The comedian concluded the interview with a direct warning about Donald Trump, predicting potential problems regardless of whether the former president wins or loses the upcoming November election.

“Donald Trump is not going to concede the election so what happens in January 2025 on the 20th when inauguration day rolls around and he didn’t win the election?” Maher said, adding, “He’s not just going to go away. And if he wins and he’s the President on January 20, 2025, he’s never going to give that up.” 

Netizens slam Maher for his 'bitter' views

Maher's view on a potential civil war was met with widespread backlashes as several people said the 'Real Time' show might lack "self-awareness."

One viewer shared, "A complete void where self-awareness should be."

In a similar vein, another observer chimed in, "Maher is impossibly lacking self-awareness. All he does is make vast generalizations."

Moreover, a viewer highlighted, "The smartest guy on the planet hasn't figured out it's not smart to think you're the smartest guy on the planet.."

Adding to the conversation, a follower contributed, saying, "The horse Bill rides in on is too high."

A comment emphasized, "Maher is a clever entertainer who has made a fortune. He is not an expert on any particular crucial subject. Sometimes his opinions make sense and sometimes they don't. He is also a compulsive self-promoter with a big ego which is usually a requirement in his line of work. No one should take Maher as a nuanced thinker who cherishes in-depth knowledge above entertainment and self-promotion."

Echoing this sentiment, another comment noted, "He has become crotchety. Sometimes interesting and funny nowadays, but far too often self-centered and bitter, attacking almost everybody else, but insisting he's right, and especially saying, "The young people nowadays aren't like me when I was young. I was so much better." Such a tedious bore. Last year, I just had to stop watching the show because it was so unpleasant."

Expanding on the topic, an individual elaborated further, saying, "Bill Maher: The arrogant individual who thinks he can never be wrong about anything. Sound familiar?"

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.