Bill Maher, the host of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” has confidently predicted that former President Donald Trump will not win the 2024 presidential election. His statement arrives amidst increasing unease concerning the impending election and recent polling data that shows a close contest between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
In a recent episode of his talk show, Maher’s firm conviction about the outcome of the election took his panelists by surprise. Guests, which included Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari, writer Fran Lebowitz, and political consultant Ian Bremmer, were taken aback by Maher’s confidence.
When asked if he was anxious about the election, Maher responded, “No, not at all… Yeah, no, no, no, he’s definitely going to lose. You just feel it.”
Contrasting Maher’s certainty, a Yahoo News/YouGov poll conducted from September 11-13, 2024, revealed that 67% of Americans are anxious about the forthcoming election, with 31% feeling highly anxious and 36% somewhat anxious.
The apprehension stems from various factors. Sixty-four percent of respondents expressed concern about the election’s effect on the economy and 60% feared potential political violence. Additionally, 48% worried about non-acceptance of the election results, while 39% feared possible election theft.
Despite Maher’s confidence, recent polling data paints a picture of a tight race.
A survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that the economy remains the most critical issue for 81% of registered voters. Other key issues for Harris supporters include healthcare, Supreme Court appointments, and abortion, while Trump supporters emphasize immigration and violent crime along with the economy.
The partisan divide regarding election integrity is widening, according to a Gallup poll. The poll reveals a record 56-percentage-point gap between Democrats and Republicans in their trust that votes will be accurately cast and counted. Eighty-four percent of Democrats maintain faith in the voting process’s accuracy, while only 28% of Republicans share this trust.
Previously labeling himself a “Trump alarmist,” Maher believes his past scepticism lends him credibility in making this prediction. “I’ve already put my marker down on that,” Maher stated, adding that he remains certain of the outcome, even if the polls indicate a close race up to election day.
However, GOP pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson disputes Maher’s confidence, observing that Trump remains competitive in battleground states, despite voters being aware of his character and policies.
As the election draws closer, both campaigns concentrate their efforts on key swing states, acknowledging the possibility of another closely contested and potentially contentious result. With only a few weeks left in what appears to be the shortest presidential election cycle in modern American history, both Harris and Trump have limited opportunities to sway the electorate.
The 2024 presidential election continues to be a major point of interest and concern for many Americans. The results are likely to greatly influence the country’s future direction on key issues such as the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy.
