Bill Maher: Democrats Fine With Religion Except Judaism
Bill Maher criticized Democrats for welcoming religious expression except Judaism, citing polling showing 80 percent now view Israel unfavorably compared to 53 percent in 2022.
Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher has publicly criticised what he described as a troubling double standard within the Democratic Party when it comes to religious faith, specifically targeting the party’s treatment of Jewish identity and support for Israel.
During a segment on his HBO show “Real Time” on Friday, Bill Maher responded sharply to CNN anchor Dana Bash after she praised Texas Democratic politician James Talarico for openly wearing his Christian faith on his sleeve as a potential political asset, according to New York Post.
Maher immediately countered with a pointed observation: as long as that faith isn’t Jewish, Democrats appear to welcome it. When Bash acknowledged his remark, Maher doubled down, insisting he said it because it reflects reality.
Dramatic Shift in Democratic Attitudes Toward Israel
Recent polling data from the Pew Research Center underscores Maher’s concerns. The survey found that 80 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents now hold an unfavorable view of Israel, a dramatic increase from 53 percent in 2022.
By contrast, only 41 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents share negative views of the Jewish state, while 58 percent maintain a positive outlook.
Rise of Anti-Israel Figures in Democratic Ranks
The Democratic Party has increasingly elevated candidates and elected officials who espouse anti-Israel positions. Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani represent prominent examples of this trend. Far-left Twitch streamer Hasan Piker has also repeatedly attacked Israel from within progressive circles.
Sam Markstein, national political director and spokesman for the Republican Jewish Coalition, agreed with Maher’s assessment when contacted for comment. He stated that there is only one party where American Jews can be proudly Jewish and vocally pro-Israel, and that is the Republican Party.
Markstein pointed to Vice President Kamala Harris passing over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in 2024 and the rise of what he termed communist elected officials trafficking in antisemitism as evidence of the Democratic Party’s transformation. He warned that the party is being remade by its radicalized base while leadership fails to address the exodus of American Jews.
The Democratic National Committee did not respond to requests for comment.
With information from New York Post
