LOS ANGELES, C.A. — Gun control activist and DNC Vice Chairman David Hogg drew an emphatic reaction from Bill Maher during a live taping of Real Time with Bill Maher after delivering a candid assessment of how Democrats are alienating young male voters.
Hogg, 24, said Democrats have become culturally out of touch with younger men who feel judged and scrutinized by the party’s tone, even when they agree with its policies. His remarks, which sparked applause from Maher’s audience, centered on the social disconnect between progressive politics and the lifestyle priorities of younger voters.
“What I think happened last election is younger men—they would rather vote for somebody who they don’t completely agree with, they don’t feel judged by, than somebody who they do agree with, that they feel like they have to walk on eggshells around constantly because they’re going to be judged or ostracized or excommunicated,” Hogg said.
He argued that Democrats are now viewed by some as elitist, reversing traditional party stereotypes. Hogg said the party must reframe its messaging to connect more authentically with young men who are focused on everyday challenges, not ideological purity.
“Ultimately, what we have to do here is figure out how to bring people back in and work towards the bigger goal of advancing the future of this country,” Hogg said. “Young people should be able to focus on what young people should be focused on, which is how to get laid and how to go and have fun.”
Hogg also linked the issue to economic struggles, saying young adults are overwhelmed by basic survival concerns.
“Instead of how are they going to pay their rent, for example, or how are they working their two jobs,” Hogg said, they should be focused on enjoying their youth.
The episode aired Friday night on HBO and was widely shared on social media after clips of the exchange began circulating.
