Bill Maher pressed Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to explain how he can “undemonize” the word socialism and pay for the social programs he hopes to implement on Friday’s episode of “Real Time.”
The late night host told Sanders that he supported his campaign, but that many Americans wouldn’t vote for a candidate that openly identified as a socialist.
“They hear socialist they hear herpes, Bernie,” Maher said.
The two got into a spirited back and forth, as Sanders argued that the progressive policies he advocates for have popular support and are common in many other countries.
“On every one of the major issues I’m talking about, the American people agree,” he said.
Maher kept pushing the question to a flustered-looking Sanders, saying raising taxes on the 1 percent wouldn’t cover the cost of universal singlepayer healthcare or free public college tuition.
Watch their exchange below.
