Some on the right mistakenly believe that comedian Bill Maher is increasingly emerging as an ally because he agrees with conservatives on some issues. Maher has reassured Republicans that they are definitely wrong to believe he is with them.
Still, Maher continues to raise issues and pose questions that few, if any, other liberals will. He did so again on his HBO show “Real Time” on Friday.
The issue was the left’s obsession with identity politics.
Maher interviewed Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, who was re-elected last week. Polis is also openly gay.
On Friday, Maher noted tongue in cheek whether America was over the “gay hump” because voters had elected as governors Polis as well as lesbian Democrats in Massachusetts and Oregon.
In the news: Southwest Florida Pride Festival Promoted For “All Ages” Draws Criticism For Sex-Toy Game
But Maher then questioned the Democrats’ commitment to “diversity” as the most important thing in their politics.
“Do you think, when you run for president, it actually could be an advantage?” Maher asked Polis of being gay.
“Because the Democratic Party is very big on checking boxes. And it’s very hard to imagine any ticket now on the Democratic side that would have just two straight, white men. It’s impossible to imagine. So they need to check boxes. You check one of them,” he said.
Polis rejected the idea, and said he has the job he loves. But he also acknowledged that the Democrats look at these factors.
“It’s not a bad thing that the Democratic Party wants to look like America. I mean, I think it is good that you have a party, you know, on race, on gender on all these different factors. I mean, you want to look like America. People should be able to look themselves in the mirror and say, ‘Hey, there’s somebody like me in Congress or somebody like me on the Supreme Court.’ That’s a good thing,” Polis said.
But Maher agreed that was a “good thing,” be he pressed the issue, reminding the governor that the question was whether such factors are a “priority” for Democrats and whether that matters more than merit.
Polis admitted merit should matter but then added, “What I think it’s exciting, at least where the Democrats are, and I think most Americans are, is these things don’t matter.”
In the news: Idaho Police Chief “We Cannot Say That There Is No Threat” After 4 Students Murdered
Maher, however, continued to dig and raised the issue during his panel discussion. The topic was who might step up for Democrats if President Joe Biden does not run in 2024.
One panelist, CBS News correspondent Robert Costa, seemed to confirm Maher’s point by arguing that Polis and California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna would run. Khanna is Indian-American.
“And it’s perfect because no straight white guys. The last thing you want is a straight white guy. Sorry Gavin Newsom!” Maher replied.
When Khanna suggested identity politics should have “absolutely no bearing” on who runs the country, Maher agreed, but added that the Democratic Party won’t.
“I have no dog in this fight. I’m not running for president. I don’t care if it’s two white men or two f–king purple people.” Maher said.
“I’m just saying the Democratic Party, where they are with identity politics, they will never have two straight white guys. And maybe they shouldn’t. I’m just saying that’s a fact. That just can’t be.”
Visit Tampafp.com for Politics, Sports, and National Headlines. Support journalism by clicking here to our GiveSendGo or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here.