Bill Maher, host of HBO's "Real Time," told Vice President JD Vance during a Friday interview that recent election victories by three democratic socialist candidates in New York have put his vote "in play." Maher criticized the Democratic Party's direction, citing what he called an "obsession with Israel, the Jew hating, with, they don’t believe in capitalism, no prisons." He stated, "If this is where the Democratic Party is going, with the democratic socialists... my vote is in play."
Vance Reacts to Maher's Shift
Vance responded positively, saying, "OK, I like to hear that." Maher noted that he has always considered both parties when voting but has historically sided with Democrats. However, he quickly pivoted to a condition that would prevent him from supporting Republicans: the party's refusal to accept election results. "Under Trump, you guys have two outcomes that an election can be," Maher said. "Either we win, or they cheated. That shit has to stop. And that means the person who has to stop it is you. Or, Marco [Rubio]."
Maher Presses Vance on Election Integrity
Maher asked Vance whether, as the likely Republican nominee in 2028, he would "bring us back to the middle" and ensure that elections are conceded, referencing President Donald Trump's refusal to concede the 2020 election after losing to Joe Biden. Vance deflected, claiming his biggest problem with the 2020 election was "technology companies" that were "censoring negative information about the left, and promoting negative information about the right." He argued that the absence of a "free and open debate" made the election illegitimate. "The sense in which I think the election in 2020 was rigged, I’m sorry, is that you had technology companies that were putting their thumb on the scale in a way that completely obliterated the real open exchange of ideas," Vance said. He added that he did not share the same sentiment about the 2024 election.
Maher's Skepticism and Call for Accountability
Maher responded with sarcasm, saying, "Well, you’re gonna get a big pat on the back when you go back to the White House." The exchange highlighted Maher's frustration with both parties: the Democrats' leftward shift and the Republicans' refusal to accept electoral losses. Maher concluded by emphasizing that the onus is on Vance and other GOP leaders to restore trust in the electoral process.
