Maher has broken with the radical Left. Now he’s going on offense.
And Bill Maher hit Democrats upside the head with a surprise they never saw coming
Maher’s Blunt Advice: Democrats Need to Muzzle Hollywood Elites to Salvage Their Image
Comedian Bill Maher has delivered a stark warning to Democrats, urging them to distance themselves from celebrity endorsements that only alienate everyday voters. Pointing to Hollywood as the hub of out-of-touch progressive extremism, Maher argues that these stars’ vocal activism is dragging the party down, especially in a political landscape where common-sense appeals win elections. This critique highlights how Democrats’ cozy relationship with fame-obsessed liberals often backfires, prioritizing performative wokeness over relatable policies that resonate with the broader American public.
“Hollywood [is] sort of the epicenter of the woke left. I don’t think they’re doing the Democratic party any favors,” Maher said. He added, “If Democrats want to win elections in the future, job one, tell the celebrities to ‘Just shut the f—k up. You’re not helping. You don’t strike people in most of the country as sensible or in touch with reality.’”
Examples abound, like celebrities Natasha Lyonne, Mark Ruffalo, and Jean Smart donning “Be Good” pins at the Golden Globes to commemorate Renee Nicole Good, killed in a confrontation with an ICE agent in Minneapolis—a gesture that underscores the disconnect between elite virtue-signaling and real-world concerns.
Hollywood’s Petty Backlash Against Maher Exposes Leftist Intolerance
Maher’s willingness to call out excesses on the left has earned him scorn from his peers, revealing the thin-skinned nature of Hollywood’s progressive bubble. At the Golden Globes, comedian Wanda Sykes took a swipe at him while presenting the best stand-up comedy award, for which Maher was nominated with his HBO special *Is Anyone Else Seeing This?*. This kind of sniping illustrates how Democrats’ celebrity allies often stifle dissent, preferring echo chambers over honest debate—a tactic that only reinforces voter skepticism toward the party’s elitist leanings.
“Bill Maher, you give us so much. But I would love a little less,” Sykes quipped. Accepting on behalf of winner Ricky Gervais, she added, “Ricky Gervais says he would like to thank God. And the trans community.”
Maher, unfazed, attributes his lack of awards to his candid style: “I speak freely, and this woke town f–king hates that. And that’s okay. I’ve made my peace with that.” In his special, he skewers universities as “four-year daycare [centers] for the crybullies of the privileged” and notes, “You wonder why the left catches more jokes from me? They changed, not me, OK?”
He also slammed the Golden Globes for snubbing Joe Rogan in podcast categories: “It was typical and predictable and also ridiculous that [Joe Rogan] wouldn’t be nominated in a category that he dominates.”
Maher Pushes for Centrism as Democrats Cling to Extremes
Beyond celebrities, Maher advocates for Democrats to embrace more balanced governance, criticizing one-party dominance in places like California where unchecked liberal policies have led to widespread issues. His praise for figures like Gov. Gavin Newsom comes with a plea to shift centerward, exposing how Democrats’ reluctance to marginalize their radicals continues to cost them politically. Meanwhile, Maher offers a nuanced take on the Trump era, refusing to succumb to blanket hatred—a refreshing contrast to the knee-jerk opposition from many on the left.
“California could stand for a lot more centrist policies,” Maher said, adding, “It’s just not a good thing when one party completely controls anything. That’s certainly true of the Republicans also, who are drunk with power in Washington, overstepping their bounds and doing things that are now making them unpopular. I would love to see both sides marginalize their crazies.”
On Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: “Do I think she’s done a great job? No. But all cities are messy.” Regarding Newsom: “I think he’s a really great politician, and I’m always imploring him to move to the center. I think if a Democrat like Newsom moves more to the center, it’s good for the party and it’s good for the country.”
Commenting on Newsom’s memes and humor: “At the end of the day, that kind of stuff makes no difference except, maybe politically it’s fun to watch. Does it change anything in an election? I don’t think so. I don’t hate it, I don’t love it, I don’t care. It’s silly. It’s political theater.”
As *Real Time with Bill Maher* kicks off its 24th season with guests like Major General Paul Eaton, Sen. John Kennedy, and Kasie Hunt, Maher notes Trump’s agenda-setting power: “It’s a new year, but what hasn’t changed is that Donald Trump still controls the agenda. Much as you may not want to, we all will be talking about whatever he puts on the agenda. We didn’t think it would be Greenland, but it is this week. We didn’t think it would be war in Minneapolis, but it is.”
On Trump’s actions: “I really don’t like what’s going on with ICE, as most Americans don’t. I really don’t like what’s going on with the political retribution. But, you know, Venezuela, do I hate it? No, not completely.” He adds, “If you’re the kind of people who hate oppression, well, I mean, that’s a pretty big boot to lift off people’s heads. If Cuba goes next, that would be good.”
Reflecting on dining with Trump: “I don’t have Trump derangement syndrome. Having said that, there’s just a lot of stuff I don’t like, and I’m going to call it out.” He contrasts, “My whole personality, unlike a lot of the people out here, isn’t just Trump. I don’t hate everything.”
