Bill Maher, the host of HBO's Real Time, tricked Democratic Senator Adam Schiff during a discussion on Donald Trump's military operations in Iran by quoting a statement that Schiff agreed was too vague, only to reveal it was from Barack Obama's 2011 administration regarding Libya.
Schiff, who previously served in the House, admitted the quote was totally vague, but after Maher disclosed the source, he pointed out that he and other lawmakers had pushed back on Obama's decision, and that the operations were ultimately halted. The exchange occurred amid ongoing US bombing of Iran, named Operation Epic Fury, which has killed over 1,200 Iranians according to Iranian officials.
Trump has threatened further escalation, writing on Truth Social that Iran is being beaten to hell and will be hit very hard. He has reportedly expressed interest in deploying ground troops. The House voted down a bill to limit Trump's war powers by 212 to 219, and a similar resolution failed in the Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson stated the US is not at war with Iran but that military action is limited in scope.
Schiff recalled that Obama did not go forward with striking Syria in 2013 without congressional support, and he respects that. The current bombardment campaign has drawn criticism from both parties, reminiscent of the backlash Obama faced in 2011 when the House passed a resolution demanding withdrawal from Libya.
