Bill Maher says Democrats face major split after election wins

“Real Time” host Bill Maher argued there is a “pretty big split” in the Democratic Party following a string of election victories in New York City, Virginia and New Jersey.

The late-night host asked his panel to explain the economy, predicting it would be the top issue.

“I understand why people are angry about the economy, especially in New York,” Maher began.

On Tuesday, New York City elected Zohran Mamdani as its next mayor. The self-proclaimed Democratic socialist received the most support from voters under 30, according to the Fox News Voter Poll.

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“I understand why they vote for socialism because they can’t even make ends meet,” Maher said. “And they even worry about eating.”

But Maher cited another Democratic winner who shared a very different message about socialism.

“Abigail Spanberger is one of the winners yesterday. She’s big in Virginia. She said after the last election, ‘We should never use the word socialist or socialism again,'” he said.

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Maher went on to question his panel about how Americans can have two completely different experiences in the same economy where seemingly mainstream events like concerts and sports games can cost thousands of dollars.

“How does capitalism work so well for so many people? Again, it’s not just billionaires who go to concerts… and it doesn’t work at all for other people either?” Maher asked.

The late-night host argued that capitalism had “failed” some people but stopped short of proposing a better system.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) celebrates a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

“When you’re 30 and you still have roommates? Yes, capitalism has failed you,” Maher said.

“And the question for me is: How can we make socialism unattractive?” he continued. “Because you’re right, it’s not like that, socialism doesn’t work.”

One of the panelists, Rep. Joe Moscowitz, D-Fla., said socialism “is not new” in the Democratic Party, but he touched on what has increased support for socialism.

“What’s going on right now has a lot to do with social media and, you know, addiction to being online,” the congresswoman said.

“That’s where kids get their information. I have a nine-year-old and a 12-year-old. This is TikTok, Instagram, that’s where they get their information.”

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The congressman then made an unexpected comparison between President Donald Trump and Mamdani voters.

“Look, Trump was elected because people in this country were angry,” Moscowitz said. “He was their medicine. And they didn’t care about any of the burdens he had because they were so angry.”

Both President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani have a unique appeal to young voters. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images; Selçuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Moscowitz argued that Trump is to Republicans what Mamdani is to Democrats, adding that each figure goes against his party’s “establishment.”

“The wing of our party is angry right now. They’re angry that Joe Biden is running for re-election, they’re angry because you know the debate went so badly,” Moscowitz explained. “They’re angry because you know we don’t have a primary. And they’re angry because the institution doesn’t understand that.

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Maher, a vocal critic of Mamdani, challenged the Democratic socialist to appear on “Real Time” and lamented the lack of Democrats willing to accept his invitation.

“This guy says he has guts, let’s see,” Maher said. “If you don’t get along with me…”