Politics
Maher Slams AOC’s 2028 Presidential Chances: ‘It Shouldn’t Be Her’
By Jake Beardslee · April 19, 2025
Maher Pushes Back on AOC 2028 Buzz
Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher dismissed the growing enthusiasm around Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential nominee, despite her recent rise in the polls and large turnouts at public rallies. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Maher on AOC-Sanders Rallies: “Big Crowds… These Shiny Objects That the Democrats Chase”
During Friday’s episode of "Real Time", Maher remarked on the crowds drawn by Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) at their “Fight Oligarchy” tour stops. “Big crowds, again, these shiny objects that the Democrats chase,” he said, suggesting such events don’t translate to votes on Election Day. “I just don’t see that’s the ticket.”
Maher to Tina Smith: “It Shouldn’t Be Her”
While discussing the future of the Democratic ticket, Maher asked Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) if she thought Ocasio-Cortez should be the nominee. Smith deflected: “It’s not my job to pick who the candidate is going to be.” Maher shot back, “Oh, it’s mine… and it’s not – it shouldn’t be her.” U.S. Senate Photographic Studio / Wikimedia
AOC Trails Only Harris in Early 2028 Polls, Silver Says She’s Frontrunner
Polls have recently shown Ocasio-Cortez trailing only Kamala Harris among likely Democratic primary voters, and pollster Nate Silver even named her the frontrunner—despite no formal campaign announcement. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Maher Mocks Whitmer: “We Need a Better Democrat Than That”
Maher also took a jab at Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a potential 2028 contender, for hiding her face with a folder during a recent Oval Office meeting with President Trump. “We need a better Democrat than that,” he said. The White House / Wikimedia