Bill Maher says he may back JD Vance for 2028 election

Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher stated he is open to supporting Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 presidential election, citing a deep disillusionment with what he described as a radical shift within the Democratic Party. Maher made the comments during an interview on ABC's "This Week" that aired on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Maher told host Jonathan Karl that his vote is "in play" for the next presidential cycle, specifically naming Vance as a potential recipient. He conditioned his support on the Democratic Party nominating a candidate aligned with its progressive wing, which he criticized extensively. "Yes," Maher said when asked if he could vote for Vance. "If this is the Democratic side, yes."

The longtime HBO host directed his strongest criticism at the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), arguing its platform advocates for policies he equates with communism, such as the "takeover of key industries." He rejected common distinctions between socialism and communism. "I've read the quotes from the DSA platform from their own mouths," Maher said. "Don't tell me I'm not seeing what I am seeing." He also cited examples of candidates in states like Colorado and...