Bill Maher recently voiced his skepticism about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez being the Democratic nominee for the 2028 presidential election. During a panel discussion on his show "Real Time," Maher highlighted concerns about Ocasio-Cortez’s ability to unify the party, especially as speculation grows about her political future.
The conversation took place on a Friday episode, where Maher pointed out the large crowds attracted by Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders at their "Fight Oligarchy" rallies. While acknowledging the enthusiasm these events generate, Maher emphasized that such turnout does not guarantee success on Election Day. He expressed doubts about whether the Democratic Party should focus on candidates like Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders, suggesting that they might not be the right fit to win the White House.
Maher also referenced a recent incident at a rally where a "Free Palestine" banner was dropped over the American flag. He critiqued the Democratic Party’s direction, questioning whether they were focusing on the right issues. This moment sparked a discussion about the complexities of the party’s stance on Israel and Palestine, with Maher suggesting that the focus should be on freeing Palestine from Hamas rather than solely criticizing Israel.
Ocasio-Cortez has been gaining traction in Democratic primary polls, often placing second to former Vice President Kamala Harris. Notably, pollster Nate Silver recently identified her as a strong contender for the 2028 nomination, even though she has not officially declared her candidacy.
The panel also touched upon Senator Cory Booker’s lengthy speech in the Senate, which Maher humorously criticized, suggesting it was not the way to energize voters. Senator Tina Smith defended Booker’s efforts but acknowledged that the party needs to do more to regain voter trust.
Overall, Maher’s comments reflect a broader debate within the Democratic Party about leadership and electability as the 2028 election approaches. The discussion highlighted the challenges the party faces in consolidating support and presenting a unified front to voters.