Bill Maher says vote is in play, critiques DSA influence

Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher declared his vote is no longer guaranteed for Democratic candidates, issuing a sharp critique of what he described as the growing influence of communist-aligned factions within the party during his HBO show "Real Time" on Friday, July 31, 2026. Maher specifically targeted the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), arguing its platform and prominent supporters advocate for policies indistinguishable from communism, a shift he warned is alienating moderate voters.

Maher stated that his political support is "in play" for future elections, a position he reiterated from a July interview. He expressed frustration with what he sees as an increasing number of Democratic candidates openly embracing far-left ideology. "Not a week goes by where I don't read about some newly chosen, exciting new face in the Democratic Party, and then when that face opens its mouth, the Communist Manifesto, or some other crazy shit, comes out," Maher told his audience.

To support his argument, Maher quoted from the DSA platform and highlighted statements from several figures. He compared a DSA tenet-"You work as much as you are able and no more than needed"-to...