Maher Shocks Liberals: 'Anti-Woke' Fetterman Could Be Democrats' Trump in 2028
Paul Riverbank, 3/2/2025Bill Maher endorses Fetterman as Democrats' Trump-like figure for 2028, praising his authentic style.
Bill Maher has thrown a political curveball that's getting attention across party lines — suggesting Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) as the Democratic presidential nominee for 2028. The HBO host's unexpected endorsement highlights a growing debate about the Democratic Party's future direction and its need to connect with everyday voters.
Maher's central argument rests on Fetterman's authenticity and direct communication style. "Democrats need to find their Trump, not the authoritarian part, but the part where a politician bonds with everyday Americans because he talks like them," Maher explained on his show "Real Time."
The Pennsylvania senator has already made waves in Washington, standing out among his colleagues with his trademark casual attire and straightforward approach. Even former President Trump — after Fetterman's visit to Mar-a-Lago — described him as "not liberal or conservative" but rather "just a commonsense person."
What sets Fetterman apart is his willingness to break from traditional Democratic positions. He's taken firm stances on border security and immigration — positions that might make some progressives uncomfortable. "Wanting a secure border and realizing that it was out of control, that doesn't mean you're a xenophobe or a racist," Fetterman has stated.
His pro-Israel stance has also grabbed headlines. When faced with pro-Palestinian protesters at his home, Fetterman responded with a bold gesture — climbing onto his roof and waving an Israeli flag. This kind of direct action reflects what Maher sees as essential qualities for political success: "authenticity, balls, and charisma."
Perhaps most striking is Fetterman's explicit rejection of progressive orthodoxy. His declaration "I am not woke" — which Maher suggests "strikes fear in the heart of every Republican who wants to hang on to power" — signals a potential new direction for Democratic messaging.
Maher's vision includes former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as Fetterman's running mate. He points to Buttigieg's recent moves away from identity politics — including removing pronouns from his biography — as signs that he's "trying to join the reality wing of the Democratic Party."
The proposal comes at a crucial time for Democrats, who are struggling to connect with voters on issues like crime and immigration. As Maher puts it — "Going where the American people are on crime and immigration? Gosh, it's so crazy it just might work."
The conversation around Fetterman's potential candidacy reveals deeper tensions within the Democratic Party about its future direction. While some continue to push for more progressive positions, Fetterman's rising popularity suggests there might be a stronger appetite for what Maher calls "commonsense" positions that resonate with everyday Americans.
