Bill Maher Warns Democrats Risk Becoming ‘Ghost Brand’ Today

URGENT UPDATE: On the latest episode of “Real Time,” aired on October 31, 2025, host Bill Maher issued a stark warning that the Democratic Party is at risk of becoming a “ghost brand,” drawing alarming parallels to the downfall of the once-powerful department store giant, Sears.

Maher expressed deep concern over the party’s dwindling popularity, noting it is facing its lowest approval rating in 35 years with a shocking 63% unfavorable view among voters. “Democrats once controlled Congress and the Supreme Court, but now they are fading into obscurity like Sears,” he cautioned. “What happened? I don’t know. What happened to Sears?”

During the episode, Maher described a “ghost brand” as a company that still exists but has lost its relevance, much like Sears, which at one time represented 1% of the entire U.S. economy and dominated the appliance market. “Now, it’s just a shell of its former self, haunting us,” he stated, underscoring the dire situation facing the Democratic Party.

The host further elaborated on the implications of this decline, stating, “Like Sears, the Democratic Party used to be synonymous with the American dream, but they’ve lost touch with what voters want.” He pointed to the current political climate, where former President Donald Trump is perceived as undermining democratic values, yet the Democrats struggle to regain their footing.

In a striking analogy, Maher also compared the Democratic Party to the adult lifestyle brand Playboy, which he claimed has similarly lost its appeal by straying from its traditional audience. “Playboy decided they didn’t need straight men anymore, and predictably, their sales collapsed,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for the Democrats to reconnect with their base.

This urgent commentary comes as Democratic strategists are reportedly desperate for a revival, with some even suggesting they might as well “pray for a depression” to spark renewed interest in the party. Maher’s remarks resonate with many who fear the political landscape is diminishing, leaving only one viable party.

He concluded with a call to action for the Democratic Party, stating, “America needs two political parties, not one party and one Halloween store.” Maher’s commentary not only highlights the current state of the Democratic Party but also serves as a wake-up call for political leaders to re-engage with voters before it’s too late.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, observers will be watching closely for any shifts that could either revitalize the Democratic Party or further entrench its status as a ghost brand.