Importance Score: 58 / 100 🔵
Maher Challenges Newsom on California Regulations During “Real Time” Interview
HBO’s “Real Time” host Bill Maher confronted California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding the state’s extensive regulations during a recent interview, pressing the Democratic leader on the issue. The late-night host questioned Newsom about the impact of California’s regulatory environment.
Personal Frustration with Bureaucratic Oversight
The conversation began with Maher expressing his own experience with what he perceived as excessive government intervention. Maher recounted to Newsom his frustration with needing to pay for multiple inspections for roof upgrades after wildfires in the Pacific Palisades.
“It’s my roof!” Maher stated emphatically. “If it collapses on my head, that’s my responsibility.”
Maher continued, questioning the necessity of the inspections. “Why do I require two inspections, for which I am responsible for the cost? You were present during our previous discussion about regulations, where you indicated it was a ‘completely new day,’” Maher recalled, directing a skeptical look at the governor. “You mentioned you were addressing it.”
Newsom conceded that it is “our job” to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. Maher quickly followed up, asking, “But what is the actual progress?”
Newsom Defends Administration’s Efficiency in Emergencies
Newsom responded by highlighting the efficiency of his administration in emergency situations. He cited the rapid reopening of Interstate-10 “within eight days” after fires, contrasting it with typical delays of “months and months,” and noted that the initial phase of debris removal was completed “in under a month.”
The governor, whom Maher has repeatedly suggested should consider a presidential run in 2028, described needless regulation as “an indictment of liberal governance and leadership,” acknowledging that “we are responsible” for protracted delays in projects like the state’s high-speed rail and housing developments.
High-Speed Rail Project Under Scrutiny
Maher raised another concern regarding the planned high-speed rail, pointing out that the proposed route was from “Merced to Bakersfield” rather than Sacramento to San Diego. Newsom provided an extensive reply that did not directly address Maher’s specific route complaint, which Maher noted.
“That’s precisely why you would be a strong candidate. You navigate these situations effectively,” Maher remarked to Newsom with a knowing smile.
Maher Criticizes Bureaucracy Size, Calls for Streamlining
The comedian then detailed a long list of roles within the California bureaucracy, including “regulators, administrators, inspectors, contract reviewers,” “project managers, fee assessors, special commissioners, zoning officers, consultants, contractors, lawyers, lobbyists, and sometimes unions.”
“Can’t you employ a chainsaw? Can’t we drastically reduce the sheer number of these individuals?” Maher questioned, suggesting a radical simplification.
Newsom reassured Maher that “we are aggressively moving in that direction,” but quickly shifted the focus to the origins of many regulations in previous Republican administrations, accusing the GOP of exploiting the issue of regulation for political gain.
Deregulation Debate and Political Implications
In a preceding week, Maher had cautioned Democrats that their party risked suffering the same fate as the “Whigs” if they failed to embrace deregulation, highlighting the growing urgency of the debate within the political landscape.