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Bill Maher Expresses Doubt Over Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s 2028 Presidential Hopes
Political commentator Bill Maher, host of “Real Time,” has voiced skepticism regarding Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) as a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Maher’s comments came during a panel discussion on his show, questioning the appeal of the progressive figure for a broader electorate.
Maher Questions Appeal of “Squad” Democrats, Cites Rally Crowds
During the panel discussion, Maher referenced the sizable crowds drawn by Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) at their “Fight Oligarchy” rallies across the nation. He pointedly reacted to audience applause for this observation by jokingly calling one enthusiastic participant the “always wrong” guy.
Maher then cautioned against prioritizing large rally attendance, suggesting it may be a misleading metric of political viability. He argued that while such gatherings, like Sanders’ appearance at Coachella, might generate excitement, they do not guarantee success in presidential elections. “It’s who shows up on Election Day. And I just don’t see that’s the ticket,” Maher stated, implying skepticism about the broader appeal of figures like Ocasio-Cortez.
Criticism of Booker’s Speech and Democratic Strategy
Maher also alluded to Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)’s lengthy floor speech, seemingly dismissing it as an example of Democrats engaging in unproductive internal actions. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), present on the panel, defended Booker’s address as energizing for the Democratic Party. However, she acknowledged the party faces a considerable challenge in regaining voter support.
Maher Directly Questions AOC’s Candidacy Potential
Pivoting back to presidential prospects, Maher directly asked Smith, “And you don’t really think AOC should be the candidate, do you?”
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Smith demurred from endorsing any specific candidate, stating, “It’s not my job to pick who the candidate is going to be.”
Maher retorted, asserting his own opinion, “Oh, it’s mine. And it’s not – it shouldn’t be her. It shouldn’t be her.”
AOC’s Growing Popularity in Democratic Polls
Despite Maher’s reservations, Ocasio-Cortez has demonstrated increasing prominence in recent Democratic primary polls. She recently secured the second position, trailing only former Vice President Kamala Harris, in one survey.
Nate Silver, a well-known pollster, recently suggested that Ocasio-Cortez currently appears to be the most probable candidate to secure the Democratic nomination in 2028. It is important to note that Ocasio-Cortez herself has not announced any intention to run for the presidency.
Controversy Surrounding “Free Palestine” Protests at Rallies
Earlier in the program, Maher addressed a contentious incident from an Ocasio-Cortez-Sanders rally. Anti-Israel protestors unfurled a “Free Palestine” banner over the American flag and were subsequently removed by law enforcement. This action prompted segments of the rally attendees to initiate “Free Palestine” chants, temporarily disrupting Sanders’ speech.
Maher voiced concern that this episode reflected a potentially problematic direction for the Democratic Party. “I kind of worry that that’s where the Democratic Party is, that this is their next stupid hill to die on,” Maher commented. Directly addressing the protestors’ slogan, he questioned, “So the chant of ‘Free Palestine,’ free from whom I would like to ask. Do they realize who is really the people who are enslaving the people of Palestine?”
Panelist Douglas Murray, a columnist, responded to Maher’s remarks with agreement. Murray asserted, “If those moronic people had any knowledge, they would say ‘Free Palestine from Hamas,’” suggesting a more nuanced understanding of the Palestinian situation was warranted.
Maher Mocks Governor Whitmer’s Recent Public Appearance
In another segment of the show, Maher satirized Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for a recent event where she appeared to attempt concealing her face with a folder while alongside President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
Whitmer’s 2028 Prospects and Maher’s Preferred Alternative
Whitmer, currently serving her second term as governor of a crucial swing state, is widely considered a potential presidential candidate in 2028.
However, Maher dismissed her potential, stating, “We need a better Democrat than that,” further underscoring his sentiment for a different direction for the Democratic Party in the upcoming election cycle.