On Friday night’s episode of HBO’s Real Time, Bill Maher stirred up a bold new idea for Democrats in 2028—a John Fetterman–Pete Buttigieg presidential ticket.
His reasoning? Democrats need their own version of Trump—not the authoritarian part, but the relatable, plainspoken, no-nonsense leader that everyday Americans connect with.
And Maher believes that guy is John Fetterman.
According to Maher, Fetterman is one of the rare Democrats who isn’t afraid to call out the more extreme voices within his own party.
💬 “Wanting a secure border and realizing that it was out of control, that doesn’t mean you’re a xenophobe or a racist.”
💬 “He’s been unequivocally pro-Israel, as are most Americans, and when pro-Palestinian protesters showed up at his home, he went up on the roof and waved an Israeli flag.”
Fetterman’s unfiltered, blue-collar communication style—paired with a direct approach to crime, immigration, and national security—is what Maher says made Trump resonate with so many voters in the first place.
“Voters aren’t really savvy about the issues, but they do — have made it clear what is important to them: authenticity, balls, and charisma. Trump has that package, and so does Fetterman.”
Fetterman has only been in the Senate for two years, but he’s already more famous than most of his colleagues.
What really sets Fetterman apart, according to Maher, is that he isn’t afraid to say “I am not woke.”
“That’s why Trump won—not because Americans were clamoring for tariffs on margarita mix.”
Fetterman, Maher argues, understands that meeting voters where they are on crime and immigration isn’t political suicide—it’s how you win elections.
“Going where the American people are on crime and immigration? Gosh, it’s so crazy it just might work.”
Maher didn’t stop at Fetterman—he also suggested former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as his running mate.
According to Maher, Buttigieg seems to be distancing himself from extreme identity politics, even removing his pronouns from his bio.
He believes this could signal a move toward what he calls the “reality wing” of the Democratic Party.
And if identity politics truly mattered as much as some say, Maher joked, then a Fetterman-Buttigieg ticket should check all the boxes:
✔️ Fetterman is a stroke survivor
✔️ Buttigieg is openly gay
So, is this the future of the Democratic Party?
Maher’s take might seem bold, but it speaks to a growing shift in the political conversation. More and more Americans—on both sides of the aisle—seem to be looking for leaders who speak plainly, focus on real issues, and aren’t afraid to push back against their own party when necessary.
Will the Fetterman-Buttigieg ticket happen? It’s way too early to tell. But one thing’s for sure—this conversation is only just beginning.
💬 What do YOU think? Could Fetterman be the Democrats’ best shot at winning in 2028? Hit Reply and let us know your thoughts!
