Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher made waves on Friday’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, taking direct aim at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and dismissing her growing momentum in the 2028 Democratic primary field.
Despite AOC’s rising popularity—she’s currently polling second behind former Vice President Kamala Harris—Maher told his audience and panelists, “It shouldn’t be her,” when asked if she should lead the Democratic ticket in the next presidential race.
Maher kicked off the conversation by noting the large crowds Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) have been drawing during their nationwide “Fight Oligarchy” rallies. But he was quick to pour cold water on the idea that rally sizes indicate to electoral strength.
While Ocasio-Cortez has yet to declare her candidacy, prominent pollster Nate Silver said this week that she is “currently the most likely candidate” to win the Democratic nomination, should she choose to run.
When panelist Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) attempted to defend recent Democratic messaging and rallies, Maher doubled down.
Maher also addressed a viral moment from an AOC-Sanders rally where “Free Palestine” protesters interrupted the event, dropping a banner over the American flag and temporarily halting the program.
“I kind of worry that that’s where the Democratic Party is—that this is their next stupid hill to die on,” Maher said, criticizing the lack of clarity in such slogans. “Free from whom? Do they realize who is really enslaving the people of Palestine?”
Columnist Douglas Murray joined Maher in condemning the messaging, responding, “If those moronic people had any knowledge, they would say ‘Free Palestine from Hamas.’”
Maher didn’t reserve his criticism for AOC alone. He also mocked Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a potential 2028 contender, for an awkward moment in the Oval Office where she appeared to hide behind a folder during a meeting with President Trump.
With speculation growing and a wide array of candidates expressing interest, the Democratic Party’s future leadership remains in flux, and debates like those on Maher’s show signal a wider identity crisis on the left.
As progressive leaders like Ocasio-Cortez draw massive support from younger and more radical voters, veteran commentators like Maher are urging caution—and a more pragmatic approach—before 2028 comes into full focus.
Maher’s comments are part of a broader pattern of increased scrutiny he has directed at the progressive wing of the Democratic Party in recent years. Once considered a staunch liberal voice, Maher has repeatedly criticized the left’s embrace of identity politics, cancel culture, and unrealistic policy proposals. He has accused progressives of being out of touch with mainstream America and of alienating moderate and independent voters with extreme rhetoric. On multiple occasions, Maher has warned that the Democratic Party risks “losing the plot” by focusing more on ideological purity than electability, and Friday’s show was yet another example of his growing impatience with the party’s left flank.
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It just goes to show you the mentality of the democrits/hypocrits. I guess they really want to run themselves into the ground. What an absurd choice.
Truth & Prophesy