I think it gives the right wing power when people cause a ruckus over not allowing people to speak(which is where the derogatory "SJW" stereotypes of the alt right come from...but the problem is that what those right wingers speak is straight trash, and Bill Maher and his ilk actually legitimize what they do say.
Anyone can say anything, and they have the right to, but the consequence, or condemnation must be swift and without equivocation.
That's one element of the problem, but the second part of the problem is that the 'centrist', in the neoliberal sphere(both economically and socially) have, either unconsciously or intentionally, allowed the terms of the debate to shift further and further in maintream circles, to the point where all we can do is beg our democratic politicians to argue for the status quo in regards to not being a racist, or not attempting to kill millions of people through overtly draconian budget proposals, forget arguing for systemic change.
We don't have a mainstream 'left' in this country to actually frame our social and economic debates in ways that expose the farce we are currently dealing with, and we really sincerely need one.
The closest we came was something like Jimmy kimmel speaking on his show about healthcare, and look how that turned out