Bill Maher Warns Democrats of "Whig Party" Fate if They Don’t Embrace Deregulation
Bill Maher, the host of "Real Time," issued a stark warning to the Democratic Party, suggesting they could face a similar demise to the Whig Party of the 19th century if they fail to address issues of overregulation and high cost of living. During a recent panel discussion, Maher expressed alarm over the Democratic Party’s historically low approval ratings and projected shifts in congressional representation that could further weaken their position.
Maher highlighted an NBC poll showing the Democrats with a mere 27% approval rating, a figure he described as unprecedentedly low. He cited data from the American Redistricting Project, predicting significant losses for Democrats in states like California, New York, Illinois, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Oregon by 2030. Conversely, the project forecasts gains for Republicans in states like Texas, Florida, Idaho, and Utah.
"I mean, this looks like game over," Maher declared, attributing the population shifts to factors discussed in Ezra Klein’s book, "Abundance," specifically taxes and regulation. Maher recounted his personal experience struggling to get solar panels installed in California, emphasizing the regulatory hurdles and high taxes in the state. He argued that people are leaving states where they feel burdened by excessive government oversight for places with a lighter regulatory touch.
Maher criticized Democrats for their apparent inability to address these issues, stating, "It’s not that hard for Democrats to understand this, but they don’t. They seem to be incapable of doing anything about it."
Ezra Klein, a columnist for the New York Times and co-author of "Abundance," responded by acknowledging the role of cost of living in driving people out of blue states. He noted that if the 2030 projections hold true, Republican gains in red states could allow them to win presidential elections without relying on the traditional blue wall states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Klein emphasized that working-class families are being priced out of Democratic-governed states due to high cost of living, which he directly linked to regulations and taxes. He further criticized Democrats for failing to provide enough housing, energy, and effective government services.
Klein praised the economic dynamism of Texas cities like Houston and Austin, attributing their growth to a friendly environment for home and energy development. He also pointed out the paradox that despite the Texas GOP’s opposition to clean energy, the industry is thriving in the state due to deregulation.
Maher echoed this sentiment, calling for a figure akin to Elon Musk to streamline regulations and foster innovation in California. He lamented the state’s inability to complete a high-speed rail project that began in 2008, citing the burden of 400,000 regulations. Maher questioned the absence of a left-leaning figure who champions deregulation and innovation.
Andrew Sullivan, a Substack writer, weighed in on the discussion, observing that the left generally lacks an instinct for deregulation. Maher responded that Democrats must overcome this aversion or risk facing the same fate as the Whig Party, which collapsed in the 1850s due to its inability to adapt to changing political realities.
Maher’s warning comes amid growing concerns about the Democratic Party’s ability to connect with working-class voters and address economic anxieties. The discussion on "Real Time" highlights the complex interplay of factors driving population shifts and political realignment in the United States. The focus on regulation, cost of living, and economic opportunity raises fundamental questions about the role of government and the challenges facing both parties in an increasingly polarized nation. The looming 2030 projections underscore the potential consequences for the Democratic Party if they fail to adapt to these shifting demographics and address the concerns of voters who are leaving blue states in search of a better quality of life. The specter of the Whig Party, a once-dominant political force that faded into irrelevance, serves as a cautionary tale for Democrats as they navigate the challenges of the 21st century. The future of the party may depend on its willingness to embrace deregulation and other policies aimed at fostering economic growth and affordability.
