Bill Maher didn’t hold back on Friday night when he had a heated exchange with journalist and author Batya Ungar-Sargon about her continued support for Donald Trump.
During the segment, Maher pressed her to admit that the first few weeks of Trump’s second term weren’t going well.
The conversation quickly escalated, with Maher calling her unwavering support for Trump “nonsensical.”
Maher’s Heated Exchange with Ungar-Sargon
Maher started the conversation by confronting Ungar-Sargon about her political shift.
“When I first read you, you were a conservative Republican, but not crazy,” Maher said, referencing her previous work in publications like Newsweek and Time Magazine.
He noted that her support for Trump was a drastic shift from her previous stances.
Ungar-Sargon, who’s now a self-described “MAGA leftist,” quickly responded with a teasing remark, but Maher wasn’t having it.
He bluntly asked her to “look me in the eye” and admit that the first two months of Trump’s second term had been disastrous.
In a tense moment, Maher pushed her to recognize the reality of the situation, implying that she must be questioning her support for him. But Ungar-Sargon wasn’t ready to back down.
She defiantly replied, “I feel proud,” explaining that while she had once been a leftist, she now identified as part of the MAGA movement.
Maher fired back, labeling her political position as illogical, saying, “That makes no sense.”
Maher Presses Governor Josh Shapiro on His 2028 Presidential Plans
The conversation on Maher’s show shifted when Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro joined the panel.
Maher took the opportunity to press Shapiro about his potential plans to run for president in 2028, a topic that has been speculated in political circles.
However, Shapiro was quick to sidestep Maher’s questions.
The governor explained that he wasn’t focused on Washington politics, instead emphasizing the work he’s doing for Pennsylvania.
Despite Shapiro’s reluctance to discuss presidential aspirations, Maher pointed out that many had speculated he was passed over for the vice-presidential spot in 2020 because of his Jewish background.
Maher reflected on how there is a growing faction within the Democratic Party that is less supportive of Israel, a shift that he felt was contrary to the party’s history.
Shapiro Reflects on His Jewish Identity and Political Career
Shapiro didn’t shy away from the topic. He acknowledged the deeply personal nature of the decision not to select him as a running mate for Kamala Harris in the last election.
He took pride in his faith and his role as governor, stating, “I love being the governor of Pennsylvania. I’m damn proud of my faith.”
Shapiro remained focused on his current role, expressing gratitude for the positive reception he received from the people of Pennsylvania.
Shapiro Criticizes Democratic Leadership
While not committing to a run for president, Shapiro did voice his frustration with Democratic leadership, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Shapiro felt that Schumer could have used his position more effectively to push Republicans for more concessions, especially in the lead-up to potential government shutdowns.
He suggested that Schumer should have demanded more from Republicans to secure critical victories for his party.
Shapiro’s Political Future and the 2028 Race
Shapiro’s comments come as the Democratic Party looks for a fresh approach following their disappointing results in the 2024 elections.
The Pennsylvania governor has emerged as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential race, though he remains a bit of a long shot.
In a post-election survey by Puck News and Echelon Insights, Shapiro garnered seven percent support, trailing Kamala Harris, who led the field with 41 percent of the vote.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was picked over Shapiro as Harris’ running mate, secured a similar level of support.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also garnered significant attention, finishing second in the survey with eight percent, likely due to his term-limited status and recent media visibility.
The Changing Landscape of the Democratic Party
Shapiro’s potential presidential bid underscores the ongoing conversation about the future of the Democratic Party.
With the party searching for a new direction after a tough election cycle, figures like Shapiro are seen as potential contenders who could bring a fresh perspective to the race.
However, his decision to stay in Pennsylvania and focus on state-level governance for now suggests he may not be in a hurry to take on Washington just yet.