On his show “Real Time with Bill Maher,” late-night host Bill Maher came to the defense of Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker following his controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College.
Butker has faced significant backlash for comments perceived as sexist and racist, and for seemingly using his Catholic faith to justify traditional gender roles.
Despite disagreeing with Butker’s views, Maher questioned the extent of the outrage. “I can’t express how much this guy is not like me,” Maher stated. “He’s religious. He loves marriage. He loves kids… And he’s now history’s greatest monster?”
During the show, Maher highlighted a part of Butker’s speech: “Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world.” Maher noted that this statement was relatively modern and unobjectionable. He then quoted Butker as saying, “But I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.” To which Maher responded, “I don’t see what the big crime is. I really don’t.”
Maher suggested that the reaction to Butker’s speech is indicative of a broader issue with contemporary discourse. “Lots of people in this country are like this,” he said. “He’s saying some of you may go on to lead successful careers, but a lot of you are excited about this other way that everybody used to be. And now can’t that be a choice too?”
He criticized what he sees as a cultural bias against traditional life choices: “And I feel like they feel very put upon, like there’s only one way to be a good person and that’s to get an advanced degree from one of those a*****e factories like Harvard.”
Maher’s take on Butker’s situation, usually known for his political satire, was delivered with a serious tone, underscoring his concern over the societal implications of the backlash.
