Real Time with Bill Maher Ep. #706: Charlie Sheen, Tim Alberta, Ben Shapiro
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Sep 13, 2025 
In a lively discussion, Charlie Sheen shares candid reflections on fame and his journey through addiction, as captured in his memoir. Tim Alberta delves into the growing concerns around political violence and the need for civil dialogue in today's divisive climate. Ben Shapiro humorously critiques the absurdities of free speech challenges while tackling serious societal issues. Together, they explore marital politics, cultural absurdities, and the impacts of social media, blending humor with poignant insights on contemporary American life.
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Debate-As-Target Threatens Public Square
- Political violence threatens the public square by targeting people for debating ideas rather than holding office.
- Ben Shapiro and Tim Alberta warn this trend signals a darker place for American civic life.
Younger Voters Normalize Violence
- Polling shows growing acceptance of violence among younger cohorts, normalizing extreme responses to political disagreement.
- This shift undermines democratic dispute resolution and requires institutional leadership to counter it.
Permission Structures Excuse Violence
- Diverse extremist movements share a permission structure that frames opponents as existential threats.
- Ben Shapiro argues that this shared logic excuses violence across different ideologies.
