I'm not sure if the long introduction by Michael Moore and Keith Olbermann was really necessary for this show. I Thought it was too long and not that funny. Bill Maher doesn't need that, his satirical speech is more than good enough to make us laugh. Bill Maher doesn't like Republicans and that we will know. For a stand-up comedian to make fun of Republicans isn't too difficult as they're quite dumb in general. The Republican party is an endless source for funny material, a bottomless pit for easy mockery. I'm an European, and like the vast majority of Europeans we also see what a bunch of idiots are voting for the Republicans. Bill Maher is always funny, has a good clear view of what's going on in the world and knows how to bring it with a little touch of sarcasm. However in this show there are a couple annoying people in the audience, looking for their second of fame, the kind of people that don't know when to shut up. I found that quite irritating as to me a performer on stage should never be interrupted unless he asks questions directly to members of the audience. That said Bill Maher knows perfectly how to handle those disturbances, replying with funny anecdotes like he always does. Maybe not his best stand-up comedy but certainly good enough for me. Bill Maher is the kind of guy I could have endless conversations with without ever being bored.