In a remarkable turn of events that left political commentators and listeners alike astonished, veteran television host Bill Maher has expressed unexpected admiration for progressive Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, suggesting she could become a 'fantastic' presidential contender with some ideological adjustments.
The Bombshell Podcast Endorsement
The surprising comments emerged during Maher's recent Club Random podcast episode, where he engaged in a spirited political discussion with fellow comedian Patton Oswalt. Maher stunned his audience by declaring that the New York congresswoman, widely known as AOC, possesses the potential to become an formidable candidate against what he described as 'out of touch Republicans'.
During their conversation, Maher articulated his unexpected position clearly: 'Yeah, and if she had some deprogramming, she could be such a fantastic candidate.' This qualified endorsement represents a significant departure from Maher's typically centrist political commentary and has generated considerable buzz in political circles.
The Crucial Caveats and Political Reality Check
Maher was careful to temper his praise with substantial caveats, noting that Ocasio-Cortez has adopted certain political stances that might not 'resonate with people outside of the bubble that she lives in.' He emphasised that for a successful presidential bid, the progressive firebrand would need to moderate her views to appeal to a broader American electorate.
The late-night host bolstered his argument by referencing his long-standing disputes with the New York Times, noting that the publication had 'put out a huge editorial' aligning with his perspective that the progressive Democrat occupies territory that's 'too far left' for mainstream American voters.
'The only way Democrats will ever win again, not that the Republicans are probably even going to give it back, is to be more moderate,' Maher asserted, outlining his central thesis about the current American political landscape.
Oswalt's Pushback and the Broader Political Context
Patton Oswalt offered a contrasting perspective during their exchange, pushing back against Maher's assessment by claiming that the United States is 'broken' precisely because many citizens perceive Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez as excessively left-wing. The comedian suggested that the nation hasn't evolved sufficiently to appreciate her political vision, noting that voters have been 'freaking out' since Barack Obama's presidency.
Maher countered this argument by observing that 'the left freaks out too,' citing contentious issues ranging from gender and race to education policy, crime, and border security. He maintained that the country isn't 'necessarily broken' because AOC might be too progressive for many voters, but acknowledged that 'it just shows how the country is not there.'
The timing of this political discussion is particularly significant as the progressive New York lawmaker has been performing strongly in hypothetical 2028 primary polls against fellow Democrats. Some political analysts suggest she might alternatively pursue a Senate position, especially given current polling data.
The 2028 Political Landscape Takes Shape
Recent polling provides crucial context for this emerging political narrative. A comprehensive Pew Research survey of 3,500 American adults revealed that longtime Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has become the most unpopular top lawmaker on Capitol Hill, with 50 percent of respondents holding an unfavorable view of the veteran politician.
Further strengthening Ocasio-Cortez's potential Senate prospects, a CNN poll demonstrated that she is running an impressive 30 points ahead of Schumer for net favorability among New York Democrats specifically.
Meanwhile, the 2028 presidential field appears to be taking early shape, with California Governor Gavin Newsom providing the clearest indication yet of his White House ambitions. When questioned about seriously considering a campaign, Newsom responded unequivocally: 'Yeah, I'd be lying otherwise. I'd just be lying. And I can't do that.'
On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump reacted to an Axios report suggesting Texas Senator Ted Cruz might be preparing for a 2028 presidential bid. Trump expressed no surprise at the potential development, commenting: 'It's a little early. It's three and a quarter years [away]. That's a long time. But he's a very good guy. He is a very good friend of mine.'
As these political dynamics continue to evolve, Maher's unexpected endorsement of Ocasio-Cortez—however qualified—signals intriguing potential shifts in the Democratic Party's future direction and the evolving criteria for viable presidential candidates in a polarised American political environment.
