Bill Maher tells Vance his vote could swing after socialist wins

Liberal comedian and television host Bill Maher declared that the Democratic Party’s leftward lurch toward socialism is driving him to consider voting Republican in future elections, during a candid exchange with Vice President JD Vance on his HBO program Friday night.

During the appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, the longtime left-leaning host told Vance that prominent Democrats, including leading socialist figures, have refused his invitations to appear on the show, according to Washington Examiner. Maher pointed to recent socialist primary victories in New York as evidence of a troubling trend within his own party.

The comedian expressed alarm over what he described as the Democratic Party’s embrace of Democratic socialist, this obsession with Israel, with the Jew hating along with opposition to capitalism and calls to abolish prisons. Given these developments, Maher told the vice president he might cast his ballot for Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio should either launch a White House bid in 2028.

Bill Maher made clear his political independence remains intact, stating that if the Democratic Party continues down its current path, his vote is genuinely in play. The host emphasized he has never voted based solely on party affiliation, though he has historically concluded Democrats were the better choice.

The warning follows a series of primary victories by socialist candidates in New York earlier this week, who challenged establishment Democratic figures. Darializa Avila Chevalier, who describes herself as a prison abolitionist and opposes billionaires, advocates against all deportations and has refused to state clearly whether Israel should exist as a nation. New York State Assembly member Claire Valdez secured victory on Tuesday while championing a strongly anti-Israel platform alongside other progressive positions.

Maher revealed he has been unable to secure appearances from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, both of whom endorsed Chevalier and Valdez. Former Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has similarly declined his invitations.

The host noted it took eight years to get former President Barack Obama on the program. He praised Republicans for their willingness to appear and engage with his audience, even when facing tough questioning. Maher expressed frustration that the politicians he votes for refuse to speak with him, calling the situation odd.

JD Vance told Maher he watches the show regularly and complimented the comedian’s opening monologue, even though portions targeted the vice president himself. Vance said he laughed backstage and enjoyed the segment despite being the subject of jokes.

With information from Washington Examiner