Comedian Bill Maher recently expressed his disapproval of people who sever ties with family members due to political disagreements. During his "Club Random" podcast with Jay Leno, Maher discussed the late Sammy Davis Jr.'s controversial embrace of President Richard Nixon and how it led to Davis being ostracized by some on the left. Maher compared this to the current political climate, lamenting the pressure to disassociate from anyone with differing political views.

Maher strongly condemned this behavior, stating his frustration with those on the left who advocate for cutting off family members over political differences. He reiterated a similar sentiment expressed on his HBO show "Real Time" following the recent presidential election. He referenced Dr. Amanda Calhoun, who suggested it was acceptable to distance oneself from relatives who voted differently. Maher criticized this viewpoint, emphasizing the importance of understanding and communication rather than isolation and judgment, especially during the holidays.

He used the example of Sammy Davis Jr. and Richard Nixon as an "early harbinger" of the current trend of political division, highlighting the negative consequences of such actions. Maher argued that engaging in conversation and attempting to understand opposing perspectives is crucial for healing the nation's political divide.

Bill Maher on his podcast "Club Random." (Screenshot/Club Random Media)

Sammy Davis Jr. hugging President Richard Nixon. (Bettmann/Getty Images)

Dr. Amanda Calhoun on MSNBC. (Screenshot/MSNBC)