In a striking critique, liberal New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd bluntly declared the Democratic Party is “in a coma,” criticizing them for becoming overly critical and losing touch with everyday voters.

During an engaging conversation with liberal comedian Bill Maher on his podcast Club Random, Dowd openly discussed how the Democratic Party has drifted away from the concerns of working-class Americans. She emphasized her own family’s working-class roots, recalling how excited her father was when Harry Truman was elected and contrasting that with the disappointment of working-class voters today.

“My dad was thrilled when Truman was elected; he stayed up all night. My brother did the same when Trump won. Democrats have stopped paying attention to the working class,” Dowd explained candidly.

She went further, arguing Democrats have lost their appeal by embracing a culture of excessive scrutiny and negativity. “They just stopped being any fun,” Dowd said. “They made everyone feel that everything they said or did was wrong. People don’t want to live feeling constantly judged.”

Bill Maher agreed, asking if this critical culture had passed its peak, but Dowd was skeptical. “No,” she answered firmly, “I think Democrats are just in a coma. They haven’t figured it out yet. It’s become suffocating—you can’t say or do anything without criticism.”

Dowd’s comments resonate at a moment when Democrats are grappling with their identity, as recent election results and polling suggest many voters feel disconnected from the party’s message.

Previously, Dowd had drawn attention for openly addressing then-President Joe Biden’s age and declining energy levels. She urged Biden and his team in February 2024 to confront his health challenges transparently rather than hide behind staged appearances. “Biden is not just in a bubble—he’s wrapped in bubble wrap,” she wrote, arguing that avoiding public engagement wasn’t a viable strategy against an aggressive opponent like Trump.

These insights from Dowd highlight broader concerns among liberals about the direction of their party, emphasizing a critical need to reconnect with voters, especially the working class. Her honest assessment serves as a wake-up call, urging Democrats to rediscover their appeal before it’s too late.