Comedian and television host Bill Maher is once again criticizing the Democratic Party, arguing that some of its leaders have become reluctant to engage with audiences outside their political comfort zone while more ideologically extreme voices continue gaining influence.
Maher made the comments during an interview on ABC’s This Week following his recent recognition with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, one of the nation’s highest honors in comedy. While discussing the current political climate, he contrasted the willingness of Republican politicians to appear on his HBO program with what he described as growing hesitation among Democrats.
According to Maher, Republican officials—including those he strongly disagrees with—have generally been willing to appear on his show despite knowing they will face pointed questions and criticism. He argued that many Democratic politicians, despite sharing more of his political views, have increasingly avoided those same conversations.
Liberal comedian Bill Maher says he’s “out” on the Democrat party:
“Democrats are cowardly… their party is being taken over now. Every day I hear about a new radical…when we’re cheering for the intifada, I’m out.” pic.twitter.com/pXyOI22HJk
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 19, 2026
Recalling an appearance by Vice President J.D. Vance on his program, Maher said he remarked to the vice president that it was unusual for someone he had not supported politically to be willing to participate while members of the party he typically votes for often decline invitations.
“The Democrats don’t come, and yet they got my vote,” Maher said. “It’s just odd, isn’t it?”
When asked by ABC’s Jonathan Karl why he believed that was the case, Maher responded bluntly.
“Democrats are cowardly,” he said.
Maher argued that the Democratic Party has increasingly been influenced by more ideologically progressive factions. He said that years ago he lost some of his own audience because he publicly criticized positions emerging from the political left rather than limiting his criticism to conservatives.
“I didn’t change really on what I thought about the right,” Maher said. “But I can’t sit and just not notice stuff.”
He suggested that partisan loyalty has made some people reluctant to criticize their own political allies, saying too many discussions have become centered on defending one’s own side rather than evaluating issues on their merits.
One issue Maher highlighted was rhetoric surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Referring to slogans associated with some pro-Palestinian demonstrations, he said that support for calls to “globalize the intifada” represented a point where he could no longer align himself with elements of the political left.
“You know, when we’re cheering for the intifada, God, I’m out,” Maher said.
The comments reflect Maher’s long-standing position as a liberal commentator who has frequently criticized both major political parties. Although he remains critical of President Donald Trump and Republican policies on numerous issues, he has increasingly challenged progressive positions on subjects including identity politics, free speech, higher education, and Middle East protests.
His willingness to publicly criticize the left has occasionally placed him at odds with portions of his traditional audience while also earning praise from some conservatives who view him as one of the few prominent liberal voices willing to challenge ideological orthodoxy within his own party.
