Bill Maher worries over Trump's rising popularity among young voters, says it's because he's a 'great liar'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Real Time' host Bill Maher recently expressed worry about Donald Trump's increasing popularity among young voters and its potential impact on President Joe Biden's prospects.
The late-night host highlighted the increasing support for the ex-POTUS among the age group of 18 to 29 and attributed it partly to his brand image and perceived robustness compared to Biden.
Bill Maher laments Donald Trump's popularity surge among young voters despite perceived contradictions
During an 'Overtime' panel discussion, Maher expressed, "What is it with this guy? Always gaining with the people he's supposed to be losing."
He pointed out, "Now he is up five points among 18 to 29! 65% of Gen Zers say that they believe Trump would shake up the country for the better. See, this is the problem. It's that there are two kinds of voters: voters who know things and voters who just go by feelings," as per Fox News.
"And yes, Trump, I get it. He appears robust more [than Biden]," stated Maher, before comparing Trump's "yellow hair" and red tie to the brand colors of McDonald's. The late-night then said, "Kids love a brand. It's a brand."
Subsequently, former Democratic Congressman Beto O'Rourke responded by suggesting young voters like the "shock value" and "entertainment" that comes from Trump and how he's a "master of distraction and attention."
ABC News contributor Sarah Isgur told Maher young people are "incredibly frustrated with the establishment" and they see the institution's supposed attacks toward Trump who they see as a "rebel."
Later in the discussion, Maher theorized that Trump is winning over young voters because he's a "great liar," pointing to his rhetoric over the cost of food.
He pointed out, "Here's what he's been saying about food: 'Food that costs 40, 50, 60% more than it did a few years ago.' Well, food is up like 20% since Biden became president, not all his fault. Trump says bacon 'up five times'. Well, it's up 12%. See, this is a big problem when you don't know anything."
"I have a feeling Biden's gonna lose this election because hot dogs cost more," remarked Maher.
Bill Maher analyzes misconceptions about inflation and voter expectations
Maher went on to read quotes young voters gave to The Washington Post, one being "When Trump was president, there wasn’t inflation. We could afford food." Another read, "Trump- there was no inflation. Prices really skyrocketed since Biden took over."
"You see, we were just kind of lucky for 20 years and there wasn't much inflation," expressed the 'Real Time' host, adding, "So maybe you've never lived in a time when there was inflation. So you think ‘Oh, you know, Trump- no inflation. Biden- inflation. We vote Trump!'"
Maher even referenced former President Ronald Reagan's successful 1984 election when inflation, unemployment, and interest rates were higher than they currently are in 2024.
Isgur highlighted the impact of social media, noting how "the loudest, angriest, most outrageous voices" are telling voters what to be "pissed off at" and motivating them to vote because they "hate the other guy."
She quipped, "That's why we can't have nice things."
