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Maher Defends Kirk, Joins Doc; Republicans Secure 40th

6/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Bill Maher defended Charlie Kirk and agreed to appear in a documentary.
Maher said on Club Random he liked Kirk and that media mischaracterized him.
Rep. Ken Calvert and Rep. Young Kim won the 40th District’s slots, a gerrymandered Republican area, while actress Tatiana Maslany called for an Instagram boycott of The New York Times over its treatment of trans people, Palestinians and Black workers.

History

Historical Context

Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America propelled Republicans to capture the House with a 54-seat swing and the Senate’s eight seats in the November 8 1994 midterms, ending 40 years of Democratic control. The resulting unified Congress sparked budget battles and a brief shutdown, cementing a partisan media climate that today resurfaces in clashes like Bill Maher’s defense of Charlie Kirk.

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Story summary

Bill Maher defended Charlie Kirk and agreed to appear in a documentary.
Maher said on Club Random he liked Kirk and that media mischaracterized him.
Rep. Ken Calvert and Rep. Young Kim won the 40th District’s slots, a gerrymandered Republican area, while actress Tatiana Maslany called for an Instagram boycott of The New York Times over its treatment of trans people, Palestinians and Black workers.

1 / 2