'Shows the lack of awareness': Internet slams Bill Maher as he urges Democrats to drop Biden in favor of Gavin Newsom

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: In a recent op-ed published in The New York Times, Bill Maher urged Democrats to reassess President Joe Biden's candidacy in light of his lackluster performance in last week's debate with Donald Trump. Maher suggested that his preferred alternative would be California Governor Gavin Newsom.

The comedian and commentator compared the first debate between Biden and Trump to "the worst episode of The Golden Bachelor ever," and he further criticized Biden's supporters for attributing the president's debate struggles to a cold.

Bill Maher urges Biden to step aside, suggests open Democratic convention

In his op-ed, Maher wrote, "If he had a cold, why was he out campaigning the next morning instead of putting his 81-year-old body to bed?"

Despite the criticism, Maher viewed the debate as a blessing in disguise rather than a tragedy, suggesting it presented an opportunity for the 81-year-old president to step aside before the Democratic convention.

Maher wrote, "Democrats can no longer afford to suspend disbelief," suggesting that an open convention would be far more exciting than another Biden run.

He added, "[Democrats] would be hosting a competition, something Americans love."

"Who will get the rose this August in Chicago? Gavin or Gretchen?" Maher mused.

He added, "Suddenly, Stacey Abrams might say she’s in! And so might Tim Ryan, and Josh Shapiro! And Amy Klobuchar and Ruben Gallego! And Mayor Pete and Raphael Warnock! And Wes Moore, and who knows, maybe Andrew Yang says he’s a Democrat again!"

Maher then expressed his preference for California Governor Gavin Newsom, stating, "People are attracted to what looks like strength, much more than specific policies. And he looks great on TV."

Maher has frequently doubted Biden's re-election prospects, citing his age as a major issue as recently as in June when he argued that Biden's new immigration policy, which limits asylum seekers to 2,500 per day, could cost him the presidency. He said, "If Biden loses this election, it's going to be because of two things: He's old… and immigration."

Bill Maher faces backlash for his views

Maher's issue with Biden's debate performance and his preference for Newsom faced severe criticism from readers who pointed at his lack of awareness. 

A reader expressed, "Maher shared that his own choice would be California Governor Newsom, because 'people are attracted to what looks like strength, much more than specific policies. And he looks great on TV.' Okay, so Democrats think these are positive traits for the leader of the US. No wonder California is failing." 

In a similar fashion, another observer added, "I don’t think he is 'anti-Joe,' he has supported him for 4 years. He is just one of many that are coming to realize that Biden wouldn’t physically or mentally make it through another 4 years."

Furthermore, a reader pointed out, "Maher thinks Democrats can ‘dump’ Biden. The DNC, Democrat Party, and Democrat base are powerless to ‘dump’ Joe. Joe’s handlers and Jill control all the convention delegates and can hold the entire Democrat Party and donors hostage to whatever she wants to do."

Joining the discussion, a follower shared, "He is not anti-Biden. He is NOW anti-Biden. He dutifully carried his water for decades and denied his ineptitude up until quite recently."

A remark underscored, "I just lost all respect for Maher for supporting Newsom. I thought Maher was smart. Apparently not."

Similarly, another comment echoed, "Maher is a true democrat who hates Americans. His pick Gavin Newsom because he looks good on TV doesn’t matter that he has ruined California and would ruin the US if elected. These elites are just so casual about the fate of the country. They don’t know what it’s like to be average and suffer at the hands of leaders who don’t care about them." [sic]

Delving deeper into the topic, an individual elaborated, " Shows the lack of awareness if they’ve just realised." [sic]

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.