Top Liberal Sides With Republicans Now
Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher delivered one of his strongest criticisms of the Democratic Party during Friday night’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, arguing that the party has moved too far to the left and revealing that his own vote is now “in play.”
During his popular “New Rule” monologue, Maher focused much of his criticism on the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and progressive elected officials, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
According to Maher, many politicians who identify as “progressive” are embracing policies that extend far beyond traditional liberalism. He argued that, in many cases, the progressive label serves as a more politically acceptable description for ideas he believes are rooted in socialism or even communism.
To support his argument, Maher pointed to a recent pledge introduced by two Democratic members of Congress. The statement affirmed support for capitalism, public safety, and pride in the United States. Maher noted that only eight of the House’s 212 Democrats signed the document, calling the low participation a troubling sign for a party hoping to compete in battleground states.
He suggested Democrats are making it unnecessarily difficult to appeal to independent and swing voters by distancing themselves from positions that many Americans consider mainstream.
Maher also said one of the few issues where he agrees with President Donald Trump is Trump’s criticism of the Democratic Socialists of America.
While saying he frequently disagrees with Trump, Maher argued that the president’s description of the DSA as embracing communist-style ideas is supported by statements from some of the organization’s members and allied politicians. During the segment, he highlighted comments from Mamdani and other progressive figures that he believes reinforce his argument.
The longtime HBO host then shifted his focus to what he sees as misplaced priorities within the Democratic Party. Maher argued that some Democrats spend more time criticizing symbolic issues—such as changes to the White House—than confronting ideological divisions inside their own party.
His most surprising comment came near the end of the segment when he said he would support former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin over some of today’s progressive Democrats.
Maher acknowledged that Palin had often been the subject of his jokes during her years in national politics. Even so, he argued that she demonstrates a greater appreciation for the United States than many members of the modern progressive movement.
He concluded by saying that, despite her critics, Palin could easily explain what she appreciates about America, while suggesting that some progressive leaders struggle to express similar views.
Maher’s remarks quickly generated discussion across social media and political circles. Supporters praised his willingness to criticize the Democratic Party’s leftward shift, while critics argued that his comparison overstated the influence of progressive lawmakers.
As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, Maher’s comments are likely to remain part of the broader debate over the future direction of the Democratic Party and the role progressive activists will play in shaping its agenda.
