On August 24, during an episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, the host warned Democrats against dismissing President Trump’s political strength. Maher argued that Trump excels by resonating with niche, everyday voter concerns rather than high-minded issues like equity or abstract notions of democracy.
Maher pointed to Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate taxes on tips—a message that appealed directly to service workers. He cited this as a key reason Trump carried Nevada, a state with a large service-industry workforce, for the first time in 20 years.
He noted that Trump has also targeted other narrow voter groups: those frustrated with TikTok, airport security measures, crypto regulations, or even bathroom fixtures like low‑flow toilets. Maher described the strategy as winning “a couple percent here, a couple there,” which adds up on Election Day.
Maher also highlighted Trump’s appeal to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) supporters, crediting Trump with capturing additional votes from that cluster.
In closing, Maher emphasized that elections are decided at the margins. He said Trump “feels your pain in the ass,” while Democratic messaging around democracy failed to acquire traction among voters.
