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'He's right this time': Internet backs Bill Maher as he says Joe Biden is likely to lose 2024 elections

Bill Maher discussed Biden's potential candidacy in a candid conversation with former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile

WASHINGTON, DC: In a recent episode of HBO's 'Real Time', liberal comedian Bill Maher expressed doubts about President Joe Biden's chances for re-election, citing concerns about his age.

Maher engaged in a candid conversation with former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile on the topic of Biden's potential candidacy in the upcoming presidential election.

During the episode that aired on Friday, November 17, Maher referenced Democratic strategist David Axelrod's suggestion that Biden should consider stepping aside due to fears that he might lose to the Republican nominee.

Quoting Axelrod, Maher questioned Brazile, asking, "What do you think of prominent Democrats like David Axelrod calling for Biden to, quote, 'get out or get going'?"

Donna Brazile acknowledges age concerns

Brazile acknowledged the perception that Biden might be too old, stating, "Look, people think that Joe Biden is perhaps too old. They’re right. Don’t spill the water or something might come out of it. You know, everyone ages differently. You know, so, Betty White lived to be 99. Mick Jagger is still twisting his a**.”

Maher, known for his anti-ageism stance, admitted that age should be considered on a "case by case basis." Despite believing that Biden is capable of handling the presidency, Maher expressed concerns about his electability, emphasizing the importance of public perception.

“But for that argument to have teeth at all, you also have to be the person who can go, ‘Yeah, but this is the case,'” he said. “And I’ve said it before. Do I think Joe Biden can do the job? Absolutely. I don’t think he can win the job. And that’s what I care about. He’s going to lose. Because the people think he’s too old. And perception is reality. I’m sorry.”

The comedian also pointed to former President Donald Trump as a formidable contender, citing Trump's consistent rhetoric on bringing blighted communities "under control."

Maher argued that Trump's appeal extends beyond party lines, asserting that he is currently outperforming Biden. “Trump is killing it—not just within the party, but he’s beating [President Joe] Biden heavily too,” he insisted.

Further critique of Democrats' actions

Using the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco as an example, Maher criticized Democrats for allegedly concealing the city's problems temporarily.

“Put aside the fact that you only clean up when you have company coming over,” he said. “So they cleaned it up, they get vagrants off the street, the homeless. God forbid the guy who sends us the fentanyl sees somebody on fentanyl.”

“This, to me, is why Trump is winning,” Maher said. “The fact that the Democrats could control it for three days, how about making it permanent?”

Donna Brazile concurred with Maher on the need for sustained improvements, acknowledging that people tend to "clean up" when something different happens. 

“The question is: ‘Can we keep it clean? Can we all pull in together? ...That homeless people are not forced to sleep on the street?’” she stated, urging collective efforts to address homelessness and advocating for more quality affordable housing.

Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who was also on the show, co-signed with Brazile and emphasized the urgency of winning in 2024. “Republicans are such a danger to this country right now," the former GOP leader declared, as quoted by the Daily Beast.

Social media reactions

However, many on social media nodded in agreement with Maher.

"He's right this time," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"He’s 100 percent accurate," another wrote.

"As much as I’m turned off by Bill, he may be correct. I’m only a few years behind Trump and when I see him slur and babble, it’s very disconcerting, but it is a case-by-case basis. Biden may not be electable purely on age, and perception is everything. Democrats better have Newsom as a backup because he’s sane and electable. Trump is insane, but electable purely on electoral numbers and tragically misinformed tribes. This election is for the soul of America," a comment read.

"They won't admit it's not about his age but about his cognitive decline. They can word play with 'age' all they want but the majority of Americans have had experience with an older relative that has gone through it, and they recognize the symptoms. But do carry on with Joe, drag him to the finish line at all costs. It will be an easy win," someone else offered.