“Real Time” host Bill Maher is calling on the Democratic Party to hold an open convention in light of President Biden’s debate flop and perhaps replace him with California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In a column published Monday in The New York Times, Mr. Maher suggests the move could reenergize voter enthusiasm and lead the party to victory in the Nov. 5 presidential election.
“As Joe Biden himself would say, ’Here’s the deal’: What happened at the debate last week wasn’t a tragedy, it was a blessing in disguise,” he wrote.
The comedian proposed that introducing a new candidate aligns with the contemporary American cultural preference for what is new. He cited former President Barack Obama’s youthful appeal, which played a significant role in his 2008 victory. At the time, Mr. Obama, a first-term U.S. senator, didn’t have an extensive political record for voters to scrutinize.
“Let’s move the plotline forward. Democrats could not buy, with all of George Soros’ money, the enthusiasm, engagement and interest they would get from having an open convention — and in Chicago no less, famous for Democratic convention drama,” Mr. Maher wrote.
According to the HBO host, having a competitive convention could elevate excitement and offer voters fresh choices. He specifically mentioned Mr. Newsom as a potential candidate, highlighting the governor’s adeptness in defending Mr. Biden and making a case against former President Donald Trump.
“My pick would be Gavin Newsom. Watching him make the case against Mr. Trump in the pre-debate interviews, and defend Mr. Biden post-debate, reminded me: This guy is good at this,” Mr. Maher said. He acknowledged that the governor carries “California baggage,” but contrasted his ability with Mr. Biden’s, saying, “The contrast to how he prosecutes the case against Mr. Trump and how Mr. Biden did couldn’t be clearer.”
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