URGENT UPDATE: During a fiery episode of “Real Time” on October 31, 2025, host Bill Maher issued a stark warning about the state of the Democratic Party, likening its decline to that of the once-mighty department store Sears, which has faded into obscurity. Maher expressed deep concern that the Democratic Party is on a perilous path to becoming a “ghost brand.”
Maher stated, “The cautionary tale of the ghost brand is an important one because it applies not only to business but also to politics,” emphasizing the party’s alarming drop in popularity, with a current unfavorable rating of 63%, the lowest in 35 years. “Democrats once controlled Congress and the Supreme Court, but now they are struggling,” he lamented.
Drawing parallels to Sears, Maher highlighted how the retail giant, which once accounted for 1% of the U.S. economy and dominated the appliance market, now exists merely as a shell of its former self. “Like Sears, the Democratic Party used to be mighty, but now it risks becoming irrelevant,” he warned.
As the episode continued, Maher compared the Democratic Party to the adult lifestyle brand Playboy, suggesting that both have strayed from their core audiences. “Playboy decided they didn’t need straight men anymore,” he stated, reflecting on the brand’s struggles after diversifying its representation. “Predictably, sales collapsed,” he added, calling for the Democrats to re-evaluate their strategies to avoid a similar fate.
“I’m not making this up just because it’s Halloween, but after Barneys closed for good in 2020, it became, yes, a spirit Halloween,”
Maher joked, underlining the urgency for the Democrats to revitalize their brand and reconnect with voters. “America needs two political parties, not one party and one Halloween store.”
Maher’s remarks resonate with current sentiments among party strategists, as recent reports indicate desperation within the Democratic ranks. Some strategists have even suggested that they might be “praying” for a recession to boost polling numbers.
As the political landscape shifts, Maher’s comments serve as a catalyst for discussion on the future of the Democratic Party. With the upcoming elections, the urgency for the party to solidify its identity and regain voter trust has never been more critical.
What happens next? Observers will be watching closely as the Democratic Party responds to these challenges, and whether they can redefine their mission and appeal to a broader base. The time for action is now—America’s political future may depend on it.
