On Friday’s episode of HBO’s Real Time, host Bill Maher acknowledged that Democrats also engage in gerrymandering but argued that Republicans are now pushing it to “a different level.” The discussion centered on Texas’ current battle over redrawing congressional maps, with Maher calling it a familiar political pattern.
The conversation began when TV host Dr. Phil pointed out that Texas is not the only state guilty of gerrymandering. Maher agreed, adding that Democrats have participated as well, particularly after the U.S. Census. Dr. Phil described Texas’ redistricting maneuver as “sort of” dishonest.
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith also weighed in, stating, “Democrats have gerrymandered as well,” to which Maher again agreed, noting that doing it in the middle of the decade—as Texas Republicans are attempting—is unusual. Maher praised both guests for being willing to call out their own political side, with Smith responding, “Because it’s true. And it’s bad.”
Maher then added, “This always happens. The Democrats, you can’t say that they’re innocent, and then the Republicans take it to a different level.” Smith agreed, and Maher referenced former President Donald Trump’s statement claiming Republicans are “entitled to five new seats” as part of the redistricting effort. “This never happened, on this level,” Maher remarked.
The exchange highlighted a rare moment of bipartisan acknowledgment on the show, with all participants agreeing that gerrymandering—regardless of the party behind it—undermines fair representation.
