"We're in such a volatile climate right now politically. I think they didn't want Assassins to not succeed due to popular opinion and politics, versus on its own merits. I can respect that"

This quote by Neil Patrick Harris is referring to the musical Assassins, which he was a part of. He is suggesting that the manufacturers of the musical were worried that the show would not succeed due to the present political climate. He is implying that the manufacturers wanted the program to be evaluated by itself merits, instead of be impacted by the existing political environment. He is recommending that the manufacturers were trying to protect the program from any possible backlash due to its political material. He is likewise recommending that he appreciates the producers for their decision to secure the show from any prospective political backlash. This quote is a reflection of the present political climate, and how it can impact the success of a show or production. It likewise shows how manufacturers are attempting to secure their programs from any potential reaction due to the present political climate.