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'Real Time' on HBO March 18: Nimbyism, Guns and Nuclear dominate discussion (VIDEOS)

By April MacIntyre Mar 19, 2011, 20:39 GMT

Bill Maher and guest - Los Angeles, CA, USA © Keadrick D. Washington / PR Photos

Last night's "Real Time with Bill Maher" wasn't his best, as Richard Belzer dominated the discourse and Erica Williams was not interesting at all. The one guest we would have liked to hear more of was Dan Neil.

Israeli ambassador Michael Oren was a fascinating interview at the top of the show.

Interestingly Maher and Williams were unaware of the common expression "Nimbyism," coined years ago and used by Neil making a point. Maher also accused the GOP of being sidetracked by "useless distractions" like ACORN, NPR and Planned Parenthood.

Maher says, "Governing this country with Republicans is like rooming with a meth addict."

Maher does better when he has a more politically aware and balanced panel of thinkers versus attention hogs who try to upstage Maher's own commentary. It would be wonderful to know if Christopher Hitchens is well enough to be booked on his panel. Ann Coulter, Matt Taibi, Seth MacFarlane, Cornel West and Chris Matthews are always excellent bookings too.

Last week's show was better, as Maher held Rep. Ellison's feet to the fire on radicalized Islam in the USA: