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 on the brink of becoming a “ghost brand,” drawing alarming parallels to the decline of the once-mighty department store, Sears.
Maher expressed his concerns during a segment that highlighted the party’s plummeting popularity, now registering a staggering 63% unfavorable rating—its lowest in 35 years. “I fear the Democratic Party is at risk of becoming a ghost brand too,” Maher stated. He elaborated, comparing the party’s current state to that of Sears, which once dominated the American retail landscape and was synonymous with the American dream. “Like Sears, it used to be mighty and ascendant and popular,” he noted.
The host described a ghost brand as a company that still exists but has lost its relevance, akin to a “pathetic shell of its former self.” Maher pointed to Sears, which once accounted for 1% of the entire U.S. economy and 41% of the appliance market, highlighting how it has faded into obscurity. “What happened? I don’t know. What happened to Sears?” he asked, emphasizing the need for the Democrats to reassess their approach.
Maher also drew parallels with another fading icon, the adult lifestyle brand Playboy. He humorously critiqued the brand’s shift away from its traditional audience, stating, “Like the Democratic Party, Playboy decided they didn’t need straight men anymore.” His comments underscored a growing sentiment that both entities have strayed from their core constituencies, risking irrelevance.
In a moment of levity, Maher referred to the now-defunct Barneys store, likening its closure to the political landscape. “I’m just saying Democrats need to get their s— together because America needs two political parties, not one party and one Halloween store,” he quipped, calling for a revitalization within the party.
The urgency of Maher’s message resonates as the Democratic Party faces significant challenges heading into upcoming elections. As the political landscape shifts dramatically, many are left questioning the effectiveness and relevance of the party’s current strategies.
Next Steps: Watch for further developments on how the Democratic Party plans to address these concerns as the election season heats up. With a critical need for reinvention, the party’s actions in the coming months will be pivotal in determining its future relevance in American politics.
