Listen Carefully to the Voices of ‘Politically Incorrect’

The same day The Times published an article outlining the absurd controversy over statements made by Bill Maher (“Troubled Timing Takes Maher Beyond ‘Politically Incorrect,”’ by Paul Brownfield, Sept. 26), White House spokesman Ari Fleischer decided to get in a few kicks himself. Despite admitting that he hadn’t seen the show or read a transcript of it, he nevertheless stated it was “a terrible thing to say.” He went on to add, “These are reminders to all Americans that they need to watch what they say.”

Apparently nervous about what Fleischer had said, official transcripts of the briefing deleted the Orwellian warning that Americans should “watch what they say.”

One way for Americans to watch what they say is not to comment on shows they haven’t seen. You’d think Maher would get sympathy from the White House given that President Bush himself had to backpedal from the unfortunate choice of the word “crusade.”

Moreover, the main point of Maher’s comments, that fear of losing Americans in combat has hamstrung our military, was one that Bush, and many conservatives, made during the last election. In his last speech, the president warned that there will be casualties in this new war, something that was also implicit in Maher’s argument. That is, if you had actually seen the show.

If you watched the show, you also would have seen Maher give a passionate, if typically politically incorrect, call to arms to the American people. One of the four guest chairs was left empty to honor a frequent conservative guest, Barbara Olson, who had died on one of the planes. Maher made what turned out to be a very successful fund-raising pitch by advocating his audience join him in donating one week’s salary to a charity for the victims of the attacks.

The conversation about ineffectiveness of cruise missiles, begun by a former analyst for the Reagan administration, didn’t sound particularly controversial and certainly not un-American. The studio audience gave the show a standing ovation.

Because Maher didn’t criticize the military, and any fan of the show knows he’s a major military supporter, why then is he the subject of a McCarthy-era attack on his patriotism? As The Times reported, the controversy was started by a Christian conservative radio host. This is sadly ironic since “Politically Incorrect” is the only network show that provides a regular forum for a wide variety of Christian conservatives.

I suppose it was inevitable that someone, somewhere would launch a crusade (and I do mean crusade) against the show. Because regardless of Maher’s opinions, “Politically Incorrect” never fits into rigid ideology. It stands out. It’s not a political show like “Capital Gang,” and it’s not an entertainment show like “The Tonight Show.” Some shows are very funny, some serious. Most are a combination of the two. It’s the only show on the air in which a sitcom actor can discuss global warming with a former congressman, a rap star and a novelist.

These discussions are often riveting. Until recently, the main criticism I’ve heard about “P.I.” was that it was too short. At half an hour, it sometimes ends just as the conversations get going.

Most political shows like “Crossfire” are carefully balanced to give equal time to two sides of an issue. This ignores the fact that most issues have more than two sides and a few only have one good side. The political composition of “P.I.” changes every night. Three conservatives might gang up on one liberal, or vice versa. Occasionally, all four guests will be in agreement, or sometimes no one will agree.

And unlike on most political shows, Maher doesn’t always tailor his questions to his guest’s area of expertise. Thus a military expert might end up talking about feminism, and a feminist might end up talking about missile defense.

Unlike Rush Limbaugh or Bill O’Reilly, Maher doesn’t court a particular political constituency. He readily admits that most people who watch his show don’t always agree with him. He frequently asks questions he doesn’t have answers to and allows conversations to stray off topic. He will change his mind when he hears a persuasive argument, but unlike Larry King, he’ll aggressively challenge a guest he disagrees with.

It’s not a safe show to be on. For while Maher almost never directly attacks a guest, he is brutally honest when discussing their opinions.

Fortunately, people all over the country, including noted conservatives, have rallied to the show’s defense, and ABC has bravely continued to air it. That’s a good thing, because without “Politically Incorrect,” many unique voices, from all walks of life and all along the political spectrum, would never be heard. In these dangerous times, Americans may need to watch what they say, but it’s also important to hear from as many of them as possible. You never know where a good idea might come from.