Fox News host Greg Gutfeld and comedian Bill Maher engaged in a contentious exchange on "Gutfeld!" over whether former President Donald Trump would concede defeat in the upcoming 2024 election, with Maher adamant that Trump poses a threat to democracy.
Fox News host Greg Gutfeld and "Real Time" host Bill Maher had a fiery debate on "Gutfeld!" Monday, clashing over former President Donald Trump's potential actions if he loses the 2024 election. Maher expressed deep concern about Trump's refusal to concede the 2020 election, arguing that he poses a fundamental threat to American democracy.
"Trump is someone who does not concede elections. It's the most important thing," Maher stated. "You don't seem to see it that way. That's the most important thing that's going on in this country. He didn't concede the last election. He's not going to concede this election."
Gutfeld challenged Maher's assertion, stating, "You don't know that! You don't see into the future, Bill."
Maher countered, "Yeah, I did. Because I was the only one who was talking about that way back when. And everybody said, ‘Oh, you smoke too much pot.’ Turned out I smoked just the right amount."
Maher's prediction that Trump would refuse to leave office willingly was made long before Trump's actions on January 6, 2021. He argued that Trump's refusal to accept his loss in 2020 indicates that he will continue to undermine the electoral process in the future.
"Can you really picture this guy going, ‘You know what, I lost. That’s it,'" Maher asked.
"He did- he left!" Gutfeld responded.
"He left because he had to leave," Maher doubled down.
Gutfeld questioned whether Trump would resort to extreme measures to maintain power, referencing the film "Straw Dogs" where the protagonist barricades himself in his house and fights off attackers. However, Maher countered that Trump's previous actions, such as his phone call to Georgia officials urging them to "find" votes, demonstrate his willingness to disregard democratic norms.
Maher expressed concern about the possibility of Trump winning the 2024 election, arguing that he "doesn't believe in democracy" and "he's also insane and a criminal."
Despite their differences, Maher acknowledged Trump's youthful appearance in comparison to President Biden, emphasizing that Biden "presents as old. Ancient. That does not look old. He does not present as old."
Maher concluded by acknowledging the depth of their disagreements while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining respect. "We can't pretend that these disagreements aren't profound," he said. "But we can also be friends."
Maher recognized the nuanced reasons why some voters support Trump, acknowledging that many see him as a bulwark against perceived excesses from the left. However, he cautioned against overlooking Trump's dangerous rhetoric and actions.
