‘We ran the experiment and lost’: Bill Maher compares US to Brazil as he expresses concern over state of democracy in the country
LOS ANGEGES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent episode of 'Real Time,' Bill Maher raised serious concerns about the state of American democracy, pondering whether Americans have become "s***tier people" than before.
The host of 'Real Time' drew a disturbing parallel between the United States and Brazil, both experiencing insurrections following their respective presidential elections – the US on January 6, 2021, and Brazil on January 8, 2023.
Right-wing populists and presidential elections
“America ran a very clear scientific experiment with Brazil recently, where we faced the exact same situation — and let’s just say when it comes to democracy, we’re the ones who got waxed,” Maher joked.
According to Maher, the presidents challenging the election outcomes in both instances were right-wing populists with three marriages under their belt.
However, the similarities end there. In Brazil, the majority stood against the rioters and the president, resulting in his exile to Florida. Conversely, in the US, the former president, now residing in Florida, is set to become the Republican nominee with overwhelming support.
Drawing a chilling parallel with Brazil, Maher remarked, "We ran the experiment, and we lost."
He highlighted the similarities in insurrections following presidential elections in both countries and the contrasting reactions, noting, "In Brazil, almost all turned on the plotters, making their president a pariah. In the US, the former president is poised for overwhelming support."
Maher said that, while both insurrections failed, they show “the difference between a healthy democracy and one that’s hanging by a thread".
Senate disparities, electoral college, and media transformations
Maher delved into structural issues, criticizing the Senate's representation disparities, stating, "California and Wyoming have equal Senate representation – it's fakakta."
He questioned the electoral college's relevance to the popular vote, declaring, "We not only still use old-timey words like gerrymandering, we still practice it."
Reflecting on media's transformation, Maher said, "About 40 years ago, we changed television news gathering from a public service to a division that has to make a profit."
He criticized news outlets prioritizing ratings and suspense, emphasizing, "It used to be people's opinions were shaped by the news. Now the news is shaped by people's opinions."
Trump's popularity beyond politics, rooted in anti-elitism
Maher issued a caution to Democrats, noting that Trump's popularity is rooted not just in political grievances but in a backlash against perceived elitism. He remarked, "People really hate a snob, enough to vote for Trump," highlighting the flip in party personalities since Watergate.
As Maher pondered over the political landscape, he stressed the need for introspection, stating, "We're just a s**ttier people than we used to be." Acknowledging Brazil's resilience, he urged the US to learn from its democratic processes.
Maher concluded with a warning, "Our conservatives deserve the lion's share of the blame, they are the ones who are sticking with Trump. But it's also not that simple guys. Since Watergate, the parties have flipped personalities."
"Democrats used to be the party of the working class. The Republicans were the elitist, chardonnay sipping a**holes. The snobs on the winning side of the diplomatic divide. But that got switched up and people really hate a snob, enough in fact to vote for Trump."
