LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Outspoken Democrat comedian and writer Bill Maher has made a bold prediction regarding President Joe Biden's chances in the next election, suggesting that Biden "will lose" to former President Donald Trump.
In a recent segment on his 'Club Random' podcast, Maher even went as far as to compare Biden to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting their shared reluctance to leave office despite mounting criticism.
'Ruth Bader Biden'
During the podcast conversation with Democratic strategist James Carville, Maher voiced his concerns about Biden's candidacy.
"I think we're on the same page with Biden. Did a great service but whereas in 2020, maybe he was the only one who could have beaten Trump, I think now he's the only one who will lose to him."
Maher humorously referred to President Biden as "Ruth Bader Biden," drawing parallels between the President's refusal to step down and Ginsburg's decision not to retire during the Obama years.
According to the Daily Mail, Maher acknowledged some of Biden's "perceived successes," such as his handling of Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the post-pandemic economy, but he remained critical of the president's ability to win an election against Trump.
Maher emphasized the importance of the debates in shaping public perception, stating, "He'll look bad in the debates. It's just, it's too - it's too much. And he's, I think, going to lose."
Despite his criticism, Maher did not question Biden's ability to govern effectively. He argued that government functions "in small rooms like the Oval Office, where people are talking quietly."
However, he maintained that Biden's chances in a head-to-head contest against Trump appeared unfavorable.
Echoes of concern from readers
The comedian's comments resonated with some readers, who shared similar concerns about the Democratic Party's strategy.
One commented, "Bill Maher is right. The Democrats are just stupid man. They will insist on putting Biden with his unpopular VP on the ballot against all the odds showing that they will lose.
"And then Trump will just make Biden look so bad and ineffective that half the people who voted for him (Biden) in 2020 will not show up at the polls. Trump will win handily and then the Democrats will be crying foul like they cried when Trump elected Conservatives to the Supreme Court."
"Yep, Biden is a loving gas bag. We must have a better candidate to beat Trump this round," another wrote.
"Poor Joe is sleep-walking to losing against disconnected Republicans," someone else chimed in.
The appeal of a younger candidate
James Carville, joining Maher in the discussion, pointed to polling data indicating that a significant percentage of the country does not want Biden to run again, with figures ranging between 73 to 77 percent.
Maher and Carville both suggested that a younger Democratic candidate could fare better in the upcoming election, citing the simplicity of voters selecting candidates based on party affiliation. Maher stated, "Any 50ish, not stupid woke Democrat with a ‘D’ by their name - people just vote ‘D’ and ‘R.’ That person can win."
It's worth noting that Bill Maher's current assessment of the Biden-Trump matchup represents a shift from his earlier optimism.
In February, Maher expressed confidence in Biden's ability to defeat Trump, stating, "I think if it's Biden against Trump, Biden will win. I do. Not guaranteed, but I think that's a really good bet. It was the first time and I think it would be the second time even more so."
