(Rightallegiance.com) – Bill Maher, host of HBO’s “Real Time,” engaged in a spirited discussion with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins during his appearance on CNN’s Friday programming. The conversation quickly turned critical as Maher expressed his concerns about CNN’s perceived bias, particularly in its coverage of the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
Maher began by referencing a recent viral moment involving Collins on “The Late Show,” where Stephen Colbert’s liberal audience laughed when he referred to CNN as “objective.” Maher used this incident to question Collins about CNN’s role in today’s polarized media landscape. “I’m a big rooter for CNN, but that tells you a lot, doesn’t it?” Maher remarked, emphasizing the deep divisions in American society. He questioned whether CNN was truly a platform where both sides of the political spectrum could be fairly represented.
Collins, however, defended CNN’s commitment to impartiality. She pointed to her own show as evidence, highlighting its inclusion of lawmakers from both parties. “CNN is the place where both sides can watch,” Collins asserted. She also praised CNN’s extensive coverage of the recent Chicago convention, where the network deployed 300 journalists to ensure comprehensive reporting. “I think CNN puts resources behind things and just brings a level of news that you don’t get anywhere else,” she added.
Maher, however, was not convinced. He criticized the network’s handling of Vice President Kamala Harris’ convention speech on Thursday night, pointing out that it took 14 minutes before CNN featured commentary from a conservative voice, Scott Jennings. Maher joked about Jennings being “Lonely Scott,” referring to the lack of conservative perspectives during the analysis immediately following Harris’ speech. “From 8:09 to 8:23 (PT), they were just gushing about how great a speech it was,” Maher said. He acknowledged that Harris delivered a fine speech but argued that CNN’s overwhelmingly positive coverage could alienate conservative viewers seeking unbiased reporting.
Maher compared CNN’s approach to that of “The View,” suggesting that the token inclusion of conservative voices might be more harmful than having none at all, similar to the format on MSNBC. Collins pushed back against Maher’s characterization, asserting that CNN remains fair in its coverage. “I don’t think that you can say that CNN is anything but fair,” she insisted. Collins shared her personal background, noting that she comes from a very conservative family in Alabama, many of whom are Trump supporters. She emphasized that her show calls out “bulls—” on all sides, regardless of political leaning, and argued that this approach is what viewers want.
Despite Collins’ defense, Maher remained skeptical, pointing out that in moments like the DNC coverage, CNN’s analysis appeared overwhelmingly one-sided. “In a moment like that, it was like five to one. It always looks like five to one,” Maher concluded, leaving the debate over CNN’s objectivity unresolved.