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Bill Maher, host of HBO’s “Real Time,” had a message for Democrats looking to spoil the upcoming America 250 celebration over their distaste for President Donald Trump: Don’t be so petty.
Referring to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, which featured many American flags, he argued, “You can’t take back the flag in an hour if the rest of the time you treat patriotism as something vaguely embarrassing.”
Maher’s closing commentary on Friday came as the country is ramping up for its annual Fourth of July celebration, with Trump vowing to go big this year for America’s 250th anniversary.
Despite the festivities, many Democrats are refusing to participate in the fun, citing their unhappiness with Trump as the primary catalyst — a decision Maher blasted Friday night while taking jabs at both sides.
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Comedian Bill Maher blasted Democrats for their reluctance to celebrate America 250 over their discontent with the Trump administration. (Real Time with Bill Maher/YouTube)
“I’m not saying Trump doesn’t want to muddy the distinction between himself and the country,” Maher said. “He sure as s— does.”
“That’s what wannabe authoritarians do,” he continued. “They try to blur the line. Don’t be an accomplice.”
The TV host condemned the liberal argument that the country should not be celebrated just because they are unhappy with who the current president is.
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Bill Maher condemned Democrats for refusing to celebrate America 250 because they are unhappy with Donald Trump’s presidency, saying, “You can’t take back the flag in an hour if the rest of the time you treat patriotism as something vaguely embarrassing.” (Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images)
“The left half of the country fears he’ll make the anniversary about him,” Maher said. “Of course he will.”
Maher went on to urge Democrats to focus on the country for the upcoming Fourth of July.
“The question is whether we will all help [Trump] do it. We shouldn’t,” he continued. “This is about America. He isn’t America. He’s a temporary caretaker of America — America’s employee.”
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According to a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted June 12–15 among 1,537 U.S. adults, 64% of Republicans said they would display an American flag or flag bunting outside their home this July 4, compared with just 27% of Democrats.
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The revelation forced Maher to give Democrats a pep talk ahead of the big weekend, while trying to convince them to not spoil their own fun out of pettiness for the president.
“Go to the party. It’s a big celebration,” Maher said. “You probably won’t run into him. This country’s 3.8 million square miles — and that’s without Greenland.”
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A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found Republicans were more than twice as likely as Democrats to say they planned to display an American flag or flag bunting outside their homes this July 4. (iStock)
“Especially since, for all of Trump’s nonsense, America is still here,” Maher added. “Still incredibly prosperous by world standards, still the place people want to get to, still free enough to let me put the word nonsense next to the president’s name.”
In his closing, Maher looked to rally viewers by stating that forgoing one’s patriotism over discontent with the individual who holds the country’s highest office is not only dismissing the First Amendment, but also goes against everything America stands for.
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“The message that most threatens authoritarians isn’t ‘America sucks.’ It’s ‘America is ours too,’ Maher said. “Every election year, Democrats seem to remember patriotism for about an hour at their convention when they’re trying to win back swing voters.”
As citizens from every corner of America gear up to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary, Maher is imploring Democrats to put aside their differences with President Trump and allow themselves to come together at a time when partisan politics plays a key role in personal identities.
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“So come on, it’s the Fourth,” Maher said. “Don’t let this year’s Fourth become another excuse for partisan sulking. Let it be an excuse to be really hungover on the fifth.”
Digital reached out to the White House for comment.
Digital’s Kristine Parks contributed to this report.
