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Promotional art for But I'm Not Wrong
Cover image credit: Promotional image via Prime Video

But I'm Not Wrong

Bill Maher

HBO · 2010 · 80 min

An 80-minute political monologue taking aim at the headlines of 2010.

Bill Maher drops into Raleigh, North Carolina, with an 80-minute lecture that feels closer to an extended monologue than a traditional string of setups and punchlines. Filmed at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in 2010, the set finds him preaching to the choir about the state of American politics, the economy, and the absurdity of organized religion.

The material leans heavily on the headlines of the era, taking aim at the Tea Party and the George W. Bush hangover. Maher notably dares Barack Obama to “black it up” a little more in office and jokes about the president needing a traditional celebrity entourage. He takes a rare, awkward stab at physical comedy by pantomiming Eliot Spitzer having sex and attempting a mock rap routine. Critics at the time pointed out that he spent a surprising amount of the show giggling at his own premises before reaching the punchlines. The loose, conversational hour earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special.

The set list

6 bits

  1. The failure of the war on drugs

    Argues it is obvious the drug war isn't working because Keith Richards is still alive while Michael Jackson is dead, delivering the titular punchline: 'But I'm not wrong.'

  2. Sarah Palin writing notes on her hand at a Tea Party event

    Compares seeing 'TAX CUTS' written on her hand to seeing the Coyote's paw with 'ROAD RUNNER' written on it.

  3. Obama inheriting the mess of the presidency after George W. Bush

    Equates taking over the White House after eight years of Bush to being the hotel maid entering a room after Led Zeppelin stayed in it.

  4. Tea Party claims about lost freedoms

    Questions what freedoms Obama has actually taken away, answering that it is simply the freedom to live under a white president.

  5. America's treatment and support of its military troops

    Asserts that America loves its troops 'like Michael Vick loves dogs', critiquing deployment cycles, inadequate equipment, and healthcare neglect.

  6. 'Muslim Dior' Burqa Fashion Show

    Acts as the cheerful emcee for an encore runway showcase featuring models in burqas while offering satirical commentary on the treatment of women in Muslim society.

How it plays

Tone
Pointed, cynical, biting, satirical, and disgusted with political circus.
On stage
Articulate, smug, and an equal-opportunity antagonist; blunt, opinionated, and skeptical of both major political parties.
Pace
Razor-sharp timing, knowing how to stoke the audience while pacing delivery so rehearsed material feels spontaneous.
About
The Great Recession and the economy, Barack Obama and the presidency, The Tea Party movement and birthers, Religion and Jesus, War, terrorism, and the military, Drug policy

What the critics said

Praised for sharp timing, topical bite, and willingness to challenge both political parties, though some critics felt some topical references dated quickly and viewed the burqa fashion show finale as lazy or weak.

In the room: Enthusiastic and roaring with applause, to the point where Maher repeatedly quelled partisan ovations by reminding them 'It's not a rally.'

Summed up from reviews, articles and listings. Sources: thetvdb.com, en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, allmovie.com, dvdtalk.com, gamevortex.com, scrapsfromtheloft.com, watch.plex.tv, hbomax.com.

Backstory

Filmed during the Great Recession, the early presidency of Barack Obama, the emergence of the Tea Party movement, and in the wake of Maher's 2008 anti-religion documentary 'Religulous'.

Details

Released
Taped
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts
Runtime
80 min
Where
HBO
Director
John Moffitt
Honors
62nd Primetime Emmy Awards Nominee: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special62nd Primetime Emmy Awards Nominee: Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special
Topics
Before
The Decider (2007)
After
Live from D.C. (2014)

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