Maher Slams “No-Spend Day” Protest
Comedian Bill Maher didn’t hold back when criticizing the recent “no-spend day” protest, calling the economic blackout “so f—— stupid” while his panel discussed how Democrats need to refocus on winning elections.
“This is something called the People’s Union USA. And they have something called — today I got emails about this from people — no spend day. And it’s against the malign influence of billionaires, big corporations and both major political parties on the lives of working Americans,” Maher explained during the “Overtime” segment of his Friday show. “And what it is, is you refrain from making any purchases, either in stores or online, to shun fast food, getting gas — for a full day! I know! That look on your face says it all! You’re right, it’s so f—— stupid!”
The economic blackout, organized by the group People’s Union USA, took place on Friday, Feb. 28, aiming to push back against corporate power and the broader political system, according to the Associated Press.
Zakaria and Emanuel Critique Democratic Protest Tactics
Maher was joined by former Democratic Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CNN host Fareed Zakaria, who highlighted the sometimes bizarre forms of protest aimed at former President Donald Trump.
“This is why I was saying that there really is a movement of people doing interpretive dances to protest the Trump administration’s cuts of USAID,” Zakaria remarked.
“I mean, like, people are starving. You know, the thing about not winning, as you said, is you’re left with these kind of absurdities. The answer is figure out how to win elections.”
Zakaria urged Democrats to study the successful strategies of former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama—the only Democratic presidents to serve two terms since Franklin Roosevelt.
“Bernie Sanders didn’t win, AOC hasn’t been president recently,” Zakaria pointed out.
Emanuel Pushes for Practical Democratic Messaging
Emanuel backed the idea of practical messaging, offering a clear contrast between policies.
“Breaking news, 100,000 new community police officers, or defund the police? Now which one do you think is going to work?” Emanuel said.
Democrats’ Identity Politics Problem
During the discussion, Emanuel criticized the Democratic Party for embracing identity politics to an extreme degree.
“What’s really crazy about where the party’s gone, it’s taken in identity politics, that the only way you have moral standing is if you’re somehow been hurt,” he said. “And that is insane.”
Emanuel also took aim at the leadership in Chicago, arguing that the city’s government has become too lenient on crime while focusing on progressive social issues like transgender bathroom policies instead of addressing falling education standards.
