Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher called Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong a “Debbie Downer” and said her policy about Thanksgiving is “not popular.”
“Democrats have found a candidate who hates Thanksgiving and wants to get rid of it,” Maher said on Real Time with Bill Maher Friday. “I say, ‘Good.’ Finally, a politician willing to stand up to big stuffing,” he continued.
Controversy over Hong’s views on Thanksgiving began when a post on X resurfaced from 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The post, now deleted, said, “Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621.”
Hong then backed away from her previous support to cancel the holiday during a Wednesday interview with Politico.
“My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving,” Hong said. “Yep, I don’t want to cancel it. I actually love it.”
“Surprisingly, Debbie Downer’s policy about Thanksgiving is not popular with anybody, really. I mean, white people don’t like it, people of color don’t like it, women don’t like it, men don’t like it. It does have 98% approval with turkeys,” Maher said.
Maher pointed out Hong’s comments during a CNN interview on Monday, where she was asked if the holiday should be canceled.
Hong did not directly answer the question. Instead, she talked about her background as a chef, being able to bring “folks around the table to share conversation and build community.”
“I don’t believe you. I don’t believe you people who renounce things. We know what you said. You mean it, live by it,” Maher said. “You know why I know she meant it? Because she hates all holidays,” he continued.
FRANCESCA HONG SAYS ‘NO’ TO ABOLISHING POLICE, BACKS AWAY FROM 2020 ‘WHITE SUPREMACY’ CLAIM
“I’m kind of a curmudgeon when it comes to holidays in general,” Hong said during her interview with Politico.
“This woman doesn’t like Valentine’s Day. Another way of ‘capitalism taking over our love life.’ She said, ‘Valentine’s Day, the holiday that brings out the worst of humanity.’ That’s the holiday that brings out the worst of humanity? Have you ever been to a Black Friday sale?” Maher said.