Comedian Bill Maher revealed on Sunday that he could vote for Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 presidential election. He explained that his vote would depend on whether the Democratic Party decides to nominate a candidate aligned with its radical socialist wing.
During an interview on ABC News’ "This Week," co-anchor Jonathan Karl asked the host of "Real Time" if he could see himself backing the Republican nominee. Maher responded with a direct "Yes" and warned that far-left radicals are rapidly taking over the Democratic Party.
The HBO host emphasized that his vote remains open because President Donald Trump is term-limited and cannot run again. Maher rejected efforts to distinguish modern socialism from communism, pointing directly to the written platform of the Democratic Socialists of America.
"My vote is in play because it can’t be Trump running, so I’m not living in communist America," Maher told Karl. He asserted that he has read the official statements of the progressive organization and refuses to ignore the reality of their political goals.
🚨 WOW! Bill Maher just said he's considering voting Republican for president in 2028 because Democrats are becoming communists
HUGE MISTAKE, DEMS!
"Yes, my vote is in play...I'm NOT living in communist America. The talking point, 'it's socialism.' I read the quotes from the… pic.twitter.com/4MNyJOYtwM
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 19, 2026
Maher also took aim at what he described as a cowardly trend among mainstream Democratic politicians. He contrasted the willingness of conservative Republicans to appear on his television program with left-leaning Democrats who routinely decline his invitations.
"The Democrats don’t come, and yet they got my vote," Maher remarked during the discussion. He expressed deep frustration that liberal leaders refuse to appear anywhere they are not already adored by the audience.
The television host noted that he has not changed his underlying views regarding the American right. However, he made it clear that he cannot remain silent about extreme progressive positions simply to support his traditional political team.
"But you know there’s some crazy stuff," Maher warned. "When we’re cheering for the Intifada, I cut, I’m out."
Maher concluded by predicting that Democrats would likely perform well in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. He explained that those immediate contests will remain a referendum on the current administration, unlike the blank canvas of the next presidential race.