Bill Maher described the latest Republican presidential debate as "an amazing conspiracy of delusion among the people on that stage." He said that the GOP candidates spoke about the world as if it was on fire, and the United States was in the toilet.
Maher took exception to Donald Trump's "we have to make America great again" stance, which is articulated by other candidates even if they're using different words. They all claim that we have to restore things to the way they were before. Maher then went on to itemize the successes of the Obama administration contrasted with what George W. Bush left him:
- Unemployment went from 7.2 percent to 5.1 percent.
- Gas prices went from $3.24 to $2.31.
- Percentage of uninsured went from 15 percent to 9.2 percent.
- Oil imports went from 11 million barrels per day to 4.5 million.
- Teen pregnancy went from 40.2 births per thousand to 26.5.
- Iran went from 19,000 centrifuges to under 6,000.
- GDP growth went up from -.3 percent to 3.7 percent.
- The Dow Jones average went from 10,365 to 16,000.
Keep reading for more on this enlightening segment.
Maher then asked his guests if the Republicans really want to return to the past. George Pataki attempted to re-frame the narrative, claiming that Americans are not feeling any of that success. Pataki also said that the recovery was weak and Mark Cuban corrected him, saying this is the longest period in history without a recession.
Republicans constantly claim that worker participation in the labor force is lower than normal. What they never add is that one of the major reasons that is the case is that baby boomers are retiring. That volume alone will be reducing participation rates for some time to come.
Maher challenged Pataki's inability to accept truth. "Governor, what is more important," Maher asked. "Facts, or what people think?"
Pataki answered correctly, but immediately reverted to the standard GOP talking points. Watch the video to see the entire exchange.