Difference between revisions of "Bill Maher"

From Conservapedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(→‎Realism: Bill Maher Stuns Liberals, Praises President Trump Following Meeting)
 
(109 intermediate revisions by 52 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
[[Image:Maher.jpg|right|thumb|Bill Maher]]
+
[[File:Bill Maher.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|Bill Maher]]
 +
'''Bill Maher''' (born 1956) is a [[left-wing]] talk show host. He is also a [[Socialism|socialist]], [[atheist]] and [[liberal]] comedian, actor, writer, producer, and [[Democratic Party]] activist (see also: [[Celebrity atheists]]). Maher supports the legalization of [[marijuana]], [[gay marriage]], [[gambling]] and [[prostitution]]. He is most notable as the host of ''[[Real Time|Real Time with Bill Maher]]'', which airs on the [[HBO]] television network. Maher formerly hosted ''Politically Incorrect'' on [[ABC]]. However, recently, Maher has criticized certain progressive orthodoxies, such as political correctness, the "defund the police" movement, and transgenderism.
  
−
'''Bill Maher''' is a [[Socialism|socialist]], comedian, actor, writer, producer, and [[Democratic Party]] activist. He is most notable as the former host of ''Politically Incorrect'', which aired on the Comedy Central television network and later on the [[ABC|American Broadcasting Company]]. Maher is also currently the host of ''[[Real Time|Real Time with Bill Maher]]'' on [[HBO]].
+
==Biography==
 +
Maher was born in [[New York City]], the son of Julie (née Berman), a nurse, and William Maher Sr., a network news editor and radio announcer.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.filmreference.com/film/32/Bill-Maher.html |title = Bill Maher Biography (1956–)|accessdate = January 17, 2008|publisher = Film Reference}}</ref> He was raised in his Irish American father's [[Catholic]] religion, remaining unaware that his mother was [[Jews|Jew]]ish until his early teenage years.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0205/24/lkl.00.html|title = Interview With Bill Maher|date = May 24, 2002|accessdate = January 17, 2008|publisher = CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news
 +
|date= May 24, 2002
 +
|last= King
 +
|first= Larry
 +
|authorlink= Larry King
 +
|url= http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0205/24/lkl.00.html
 +
|title= CNN LARRY KING LIVE Interview With Bill Maher
 +
|publisher= CNN
 +
|accessdate= Aug 13, 2012
 +
|quote= But I never even knew I was half-Jewish until I was a teenager.
 +
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
 +
|year= 2008
 +
|month= November/December
 +
|last= Carlin-McCall
 +
|first= Kelly
 +
|url= http://www.irishabroad.com/irishworld/irishamericamag/octnov08/features/bill-maher-octnov08.asp
 +
|title= The Real Bill
 +
|publisher= [[Irish America magazine]]
 +
|accessdate= Aug 13, 2012
 +
|quote= So the fact that I’m half Irish and half Jewish, they both contributed to a sense of humor.
 +
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 +
|year= 2011
 +
|month= July
 +
|last= Morgan
 +
|first= Piers
 +
|url= http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/12/maher-on-religion/
 +
|title= Bill Maher explains his 'apatheism,' apathetic atheism
 +
|publisher= CNN
 +
|accessdate= Aug 13, 2012
 +
|quote= "...and I was raised Catholic.  I was never Jewish"
 +
}}</ref> When Maher was 13, his father disagreed with the [[Catholic Church]]'s position on [[birth control]] and stopped taking Maher and his sister to Catholic church services.<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221013449/http://media.www.diamondbackonline.com/media/storage/paper873/news/2008/10/03/Diversions/Getting.Blasphemous.In.The.Presence.Of.Bill.Maher-3467097.shtml |title=Getting Blasphemous in the Presence of Bill Maher |publisher=Media.www.diamondbackonline.com |date=Oct. 3, 2008|archivedate=Dec. 21, 2008 |accessdate=Aug 13, 2012|url=http://media.www.diamondbackonline.com/media/storage/paper873/news/2008/10/03/Diversions/Getting.Blasphemous.In.The.Presence.Of.Bill.Maher-3467097.shtml}}</ref>
  
−
== Television shows & Other Media ==
+
Maher grew up in River Vale, New Jersey, and graduated from Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, New Jersey in 1974. He earned a [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] in English literature and [[history]] from [[Cornell University]] in 1978.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comcast.net/slideshow/entertainment-ivyleague/18/ |title=Entertainment; Ivy League Celebrities |publisher=Comcast.net|accessdate=Aug 13, 2012}}</ref> Following college, Maher worked as a standup comedian and television actor.
  
−
ABC decided not to renew Maher's contract for ''Politically Incorrect'' in 2002 after he agreed with a point posed by conservative commentator and guest [[Dinesh D'Souza]] that the terrorists in the September 11, 2001 attacks should not be called cowards. Maher expanded on his point, saying "''We have been the cowards lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it's not cowardly.''" [http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=14941]
+
== Television shows and other media ==
 +
ABC decided not to renew Maher's contract for ''Politically Incorrect'' in 2002 after he agreed with a point posed by conservative commentator and guest [[Dinesh D'Souza]] that the terrorists in the September 11, 2001 attacks should not be called cowards. Maher expanded on his point, saying "We have been the cowards lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it's not cowardly." <ref>[http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=14941]</ref>
  
 
In the aftermath of the attacks, the remark made him too controversial for some of the show's most prominent advertisers. Companies including FedEx and Sears Roebuck pulled their advertisements from the show, causing it to become unprofitable. The show was subsequently canceled on June 16, 2002.
 
In the aftermath of the attacks, the remark made him too controversial for some of the show's most prominent advertisers. Companies including FedEx and Sears Roebuck pulled their advertisements from the show, causing it to become unprofitable. The show was subsequently canceled on June 16, 2002.
  
 
Maher's comment accusing America of cowardice followed another controversial comment he made on ''Politically Incorrect'' where he compared mentally handicapped children to dogs:
 
Maher's comment accusing America of cowardice followed another controversial comment he made on ''Politically Incorrect'' where he compared mentally handicapped children to dogs:
−
:"''But I've often said that if I had &mdash; I have two dogs &mdash; if I had two retarded children, I'd be a hero. And yet the dogs, which are pretty much the same thing. What? They're sweet. They're loving. They're kind, but they don't mentally advance at all ... Dogs are like retarded children.''"
+
{{cquote|But I've often said that if I had &mdash; I have two dogs &mdash; if I had two [[retarded]] children, I'd be a hero. And yet the dogs, which are pretty much the same thing. What? They're sweet. They're loving. They're kind, but they don't mentally advance at all ... Dogs are like retarded children.}}
  
 
ABC was still dealing with the fallout from this statement when it decided not to renew Maher's contract.
 
ABC was still dealing with the fallout from this statement when it decided not to renew Maher's contract.
Line 16: Line 49:
 
In 2003, Maher became the host of ''Real Time with Bill Maher'' on the HBO cable television network, a debate show somewhat similar to ''Politically Incorrect'', but with a narrower selection of guests.
 
In 2003, Maher became the host of ''Real Time with Bill Maher'' on the HBO cable television network, a debate show somewhat similar to ''Politically Incorrect'', but with a narrower selection of guests.
  
−
In 2008, along with Larry Charles ("''[[Borat]]''" director), Bill Maher will be releasing a documentary lampooning religion. Set for an October release the film is called ''[[Religulous]]''.
+
== Political claims and statements ==
 +
Despite claims of being a [[Libertarianism|libertarian]], his views are more line with socialism. In fact, most of his views are in direct opposition to libertarian ideology, such as his support of government regulation of corporations, foreign aid, public schooling, a ban on homeschooling, campaign finance restrictions, restricting carbon emissions and creating other radical "environmental protection" laws, affirmative action, minimum wage laws, absolute gun control, support for the [[United Nations]], income redistribution through higher taxation, and socialized medicine. He endorsed Bob Dole in 1996.<ref name=salon>{{cite web|url=https://www.salon.com/2001/08/01/maher_4/|title=Is Bill Maher a libertarian?|first=Dan|last=Halem|date=Aug 1, 2001|accessdate=Aug 13, 2012|work=Salon.com}}</ref> He supported [[Ralph Nader]] in the 2000 U.S. presidential election, but not in 2004. He has even praised [[Janet Reno]] and the ATF for its action in the massacre in Waco, Texas. He supports personal choice on moral issues, including abortion, the use of drugs, gambling, and prostitution. Salon.com characterizes him as a "A flaming liberal"<ref name=salon/> In addition, he also infamously encouraged people to "bring on the recession" by crashing the economy in order to force Donald Trump out of the presidency.<ref>https://www.breitbart.com/video/2018/06/08/bill-maher-hopes-for-crashing-economy-to-get-rid-of-trump-bring-on-the-recession/</ref>
 +
 
 +
There are only a few things Bill Maher will agree with conservatives on. Besides radical Islam, he has been increasingly condemning political correctness since 2015 as he understands that things like campus safe spaces and transgender overreach are not winning issues.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFeDFva6tcg</ref> When asked why he is going after the left more often, he reacted saying, "Because you're embarrassing me!"<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dee4zAuAGQk</ref> If Bill Maher ever criticizes the left, he is sending them a clear warning that his cause is in trouble.
 +
 
 +
Maher was formerly involved in a relationship with model Nancy Johnson a.k.a. "Coco Johnsen". However, Ms. Johnson ended it and in November 2004 sued Maher for palimony amid allegations of verbal and physical abuse.<ref>[http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/1111041coco1.html]</ref> Maher said that he never promised to marry her and that the claims of abuse were a money making scam.<ref>[http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/12-1-2004-62384.asp]</ref>
  
−
== Political claims and statements ==
+
Somewhat anachronistically, he voted for [[Bob Dole]] in the 1996 Presidential election, calling him an "old-fashioned" Republican. He is also a personal friend of fellow Cornell ''alma mater'' [[Ann Coulter]], despite (or perhaps because of) their widely divergent views. She was a frequent guest on ''Politically Incorrect.''
 +
 
 +
==''Bill Maher: Victory Begins at Home''==
 +
Not surprisingly, the ''[[New York Times]]'' raved about his 2003 overtly anti-Catholic, one-man Broadway show ''Bill Maher: Victory Begins at Home''.<ref>[http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/295903/Bill-Maher-Victory-Begins-at-Home/overview NYTIMES review]</ref><ref>http://www.catholicleague.org/annualreport.php?year=2003&id=80</ref>
 +
 
 +
==''Religulous''==
 +
In 2008, Maher starred in a spoof [[documentary]] movie called ''[[Religulous]]''. It was directed by [[Larry Charles]] (who also directed ''[[Borat]]'').  The film derives its name from a combination of the words "religion" and "ridiculous".<ref>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0708/14/lkl.01.html CNN LARRY KING LIVE, Interview With Bill Maher, aired August 14, 2007 - 21:00ET]</ref>  Originally destined for an [[Easter]] 2008 release, the film had a limited theater-release in [[October]] 2008 after being first shown at the [[Toronto]] International Film Festival in early [[September]] 2008.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0815241/releaseinfo IMDb: Release dates for ''Religulous'']</ref> 
 +
 
 +
The film criticizes [[religion]], particularly Christianity and to a lesser extent Judaism and Islam.  To Maher, radical Islam and its hate-filled terrorism has no difference from regular religious worship, as he blends pictures of the attack on the World Trade center with a benediction by the Pope and Jews praying at the Wailing Wall at the very end of the movie.
 +
 
 +
In the film, Maher explains his stance on religion as he interviews the faithful from mainstream religions as well as from many lesser known [[cult]]s.
 +
 
 +
Some individuals featured in the film<ref>[http://www.tiff07.ca/filmsandschedules/filmdetails.aspx?ID=707111610451386 RELIGULOUS: A Conversation with Bill Maher and Larry Charles]</ref> include:
 +
*[[Judaism|Hasidic]] scholars
 +
*[[Jesus]] impersonators
 +
*[[Messianic Judaism|Messianic Jews]]
 +
*[[Islam|Muslims]]
 +
*[[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints#Polygamy|Polygamists]]
 +
*[[Satanism|Satanists]]
 +
*[[Young Earth Creationism|Creationists]]
 +
*Recreational users of [[cannabis]]
 +
*A US senator who believes in the "[[Rapture]]"
 +
*[[Raelism|Rael]]
 +
 
 +
===Box office performance===
 +
The film made $3.5 million in its opening weekend<ref>http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekend&id=religulous.htm</ref> in a limited release, surpassing expectations.  In total, it made just over $13 million during its theatrical release, and over $7 million in US DVD sales <ref>http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2008/RELIG.php</ref> In comparison, conservative Christian film ''Sound of Freedom'' earned $10 million in pre-release ticket sales alone.<ref>{{cite news |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |title=Jim Caviezel Anti-Child-Trafficking Thriller 'Sound Of Freedom' Giving Indie Box Office A Pulse With $7M+ In Presales |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/jim-caviezel-box-office-sound-of-freedom-angel-studios-1235428099/ |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=June 30, 2023 |access-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703073316/https://deadline.com/2023/06/jim-caviezel-box-office-sound-of-freedom-angel-studios-1235428099/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Controversy===
 +
The already controversial film gained increased notoriety on the morning of 30 September 2008 when Bill Maher made an appearance on ''The View'' to promote ''Religulous''. Maher frivolously suggested during the interview that anyone who hears the "voice" of God should check themselves in to a psychiatric hospital.<ref>https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/30/sherri-shepherd-bill-mahe_n_130581.html</ref>
  
−
Despite claims of being a [[Libertarianism|libertarian]], his views are more line with totalitarian-[[socialism]]. In fact, most of his views are in direct opposition to libertarian ideology, such as his strong support of government regulation of corporations, foreign aid, public schooling, a ban on homeschooling, campaign finance restrictions, radical environmental laws, affirmative action, minimum wage laws, absolute gun control, support for the [[United Nations]], income redistribution through higher taxation, government funding for abortion, and support for [[Ralph Nader]] in the 2000 U.S. presidential election. He has even praised Janet Reno and the ATF for its action in the massacre in Waco, Texas.
+
==Realism==
 +
Though a liberal, following the [[United States presidential election, 2024]], Maher stressed about the backlash of Americans reacting to extremist [[Woke]]. Contradicting Donna Brazille who tried to propagate otherwise.<ref>[https://www.mediaite.com/tv/youre-going-to-keep-losing-maher-bodies-donna-brazile-after-she-denies-woke-politics-cost-dems-in-election/ 'You’re Going to Keep Losing!’ Maher Bodies Donna Brazile After She Denies ‘Woke’ Politics Cost Dems in Election. Story by Kipp Jones]</ref>
 +
Maher also exposed hypocrisy and lies at the [[UN]] and of radical left on its Israelophobia<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeKxc9DN2TY Bill Maher vs. The Woke Mob on Israel | PragerU]. Oct 8
 +
2024. "The woke mob has a variety of opinions on Israel; Bill Maher brought the facts."</ref> and cowing to [[Islam]]ofascistic regimes/entities in "Palestine."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KP-CRXROorw New Rule: From the River to the Sea | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)].
 +
Real Time with Bill Maher. Dec 16, 2023.
 +
It may be a “magical time of year,” but what we all really need right now is a good dose of realism about Israel and Palestine.</ref>
  
−
Some of his other stances on issues related to personal pleasure such as legalizing drugs, gambling, and prostitution are however libertarian in outlook. Maher has been described in libertarian and [[conservative]] chatrooms as "a tax and spend politically correct liberal who's a-okay with the Leviathan state as long as he gets his Hustler, his hookers and his hash."{{fact}}
+
Quote: "One side retaliates against terrorism. One side is accused of genocide, but doesn't do it. The other side [Arab-Palestine] actually would love to do it."<ref>[https://nypost.com/2024/09/22/us-news/bill-maher-tells-kamala-harris-to-just-shut-up-about-israel-says-critics-of-jewish-state-full-of-s-t/ Bill Maher tells Kamala Harris to ‘just shut up’ about Israel, says critics of Jewish state ‘full of s–t’]. By Joseph A. Wulfsohn, ''Fox News''.
 +
Sep. 22, 2024.</ref>
 +
Maher was criticized by liberals for visiting Trump post 2024 election.
  
−
Maher was formerly involved in a relationship with model Nancy Johnson a.k.a. "Coco Johnsen". However, Ms. Johnson ended it and in November of 2004 sued Maher for palimony amid allegations of verbal and physical abuse.[http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/1111041coco1.html] Maher said that he never promised to marry her and that the claims of abuse were a money making scam.[http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/12-1-2004-62384.asp]
+
In Apr 2025, Bill Maher stuns liberals, praises President Trump following meeting.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/video/6371484673112 Bill Maher Stuns Liberals, Praises President Trump Following Meeting | Will Cain Show]. ''Fox News'', Apr 14, 2025</ref>
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
* [http://dir.salon.com/ent/tv/feature/2001/08/01/maher/index.html Is Bill Maher a libertarian? by Dann Halem]
 
 
*[http://frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=18224 Bill Maher Owes Another Apology] - A war veteran responds to Maher's anti-military comments
 
*[http://frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=18224 Bill Maher Owes Another Apology] - A war veteran responds to Maher's anti-military comments
 
*[http://www.aim.org/aim_column/A3735_0_3_0_C/ Is Bill Maher the Jane Fonda of the Iraq War?] - Another response to Maher's anti-military comments
 
*[http://www.aim.org/aim_column/A3735_0_3_0_C/ Is Bill Maher the Jane Fonda of the Iraq War?] - Another response to Maher's anti-military comments
 
*[http://www.aim.org/wls/author/bill-maher/ What Liberals Say - Bill Maher], [[Accuracy In Media]]
 
*[http://www.aim.org/wls/author/bill-maher/ What Liberals Say - Bill Maher], [[Accuracy In Media]]
 +
*[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0815241/ ''Religulous''] at IMDb.com
  
−
[[Category:Liberal Activists|Maher, Bill]]
+
== References ==
 +
{{reflist}}
 +
 
 +
{{DEFAULTSORT:Maher, Bill}}
 +
[[Category:Blame America Crowd]]
 +
[[Category:Liberal Activists]]
 +
[[Category:Democrats]]
 
[[Category:Comedians]]
 
[[Category:Comedians]]
 
[[Category:Actors]]
 
[[Category:Actors]]
−
[[Category:Authors]]
+
[[Category:Atheists]]
 +
[[Category:Talk Show Hosts]]
 +
[[Category:Directors]]
 +
[[Category:Liberals]]
 +
[[Category:American Jews]]
 +
[[Category:Anti Second Amendment]]
 +
[[Category:Elites]]
 +
[[Category:Multimillionaires]]
 +
[[Category:Anti-Christianity]]
 +
[[Category:Liberal opponents of Political Correctness]]
 +
 
 +
{{Liberalism}}

Latest revision as of 01:41, April 15, 2025

Bill Maher

Bill Maher (born 1956) is a left-wing talk show host. He is also a socialist, atheist and liberal comedian, actor, writer, producer, and Democratic Party activist (see also: Celebrity atheists). Maher supports the legalization of marijuana, gay marriage, gambling and prostitution. He is most notable as the host of Real Time with Bill Maher, which airs on the HBO television network. Maher formerly hosted Politically Incorrect on ABC. However, recently, Maher has criticized certain progressive orthodoxies, such as political correctness, the "defund the police" movement, and transgenderism.

Biography

Maher was born in New York City, the son of Julie (née Berman), a nurse, and William Maher Sr., a network news editor and radio announcer.[1] He was raised in his Irish American father's Catholic religion, remaining unaware that his mother was Jewish until his early teenage years.[2][3][4][5] When Maher was 13, his father disagreed with the Catholic Church's position on birth control and stopped taking Maher and his sister to Catholic church services.[6]

Maher grew up in River Vale, New Jersey, and graduated from Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, New Jersey in 1974. He earned a B.A. in English literature and history from Cornell University in 1978.[7] Following college, Maher worked as a standup comedian and television actor.

Television shows and other media

ABC decided not to renew Maher's contract for Politically Incorrect in 2002 after he agreed with a point posed by conservative commentator and guest Dinesh D'Souza that the terrorists in the September 11, 2001 attacks should not be called cowards. Maher expanded on his point, saying "We have been the cowards lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it's not cowardly." [8]

In the aftermath of the attacks, the remark made him too controversial for some of the show's most prominent advertisers. Companies including FedEx and Sears Roebuck pulled their advertisements from the show, causing it to become unprofitable. The show was subsequently canceled on June 16, 2002.

Maher's comment accusing America of cowardice followed another controversial comment he made on Politically Incorrect where he compared mentally handicapped children to dogs:

“ But I've often said that if I had — I have two dogs — if I had two retarded children, I'd be a hero. And yet the dogs, which are pretty much the same thing. What? They're sweet. They're loving. They're kind, but they don't mentally advance at all ... Dogs are like retarded children. ”

ABC was still dealing with the fallout from this statement when it decided not to renew Maher's contract.

In 2003, Maher became the host of Real Time with Bill Maher on the HBO cable television network, a debate show somewhat similar to Politically Incorrect, but with a narrower selection of guests.

Political claims and statements

Despite claims of being a libertarian, his views are more line with socialism. In fact, most of his views are in direct opposition to libertarian ideology, such as his support of government regulation of corporations, foreign aid, public schooling, a ban on homeschooling, campaign finance restrictions, restricting carbon emissions and creating other radical "environmental protection" laws, affirmative action, minimum wage laws, absolute gun control, support for the United Nations, income redistribution through higher taxation, and socialized medicine. He endorsed Bob Dole in 1996.[9] He supported Ralph Nader in the 2000 U.S. presidential election, but not in 2004. He has even praised Janet Reno and the ATF for its action in the massacre in Waco, Texas. He supports personal choice on moral issues, including abortion, the use of drugs, gambling, and prostitution. Salon.com characterizes him as a "A flaming liberal"[9] In addition, he also infamously encouraged people to "bring on the recession" by crashing the economy in order to force Donald Trump out of the presidency.[10]

There are only a few things Bill Maher will agree with conservatives on. Besides radical Islam, he has been increasingly condemning political correctness since 2015 as he understands that things like campus safe spaces and transgender overreach are not winning issues.[11] When asked why he is going after the left more often, he reacted saying, "Because you're embarrassing me!"[12] If Bill Maher ever criticizes the left, he is sending them a clear warning that his cause is in trouble.

Maher was formerly involved in a relationship with model Nancy Johnson a.k.a. "Coco Johnsen". However, Ms. Johnson ended it and in November 2004 sued Maher for palimony amid allegations of verbal and physical abuse.[13] Maher said that he never promised to marry her and that the claims of abuse were a money making scam.[14]

Somewhat anachronistically, he voted for Bob Dole in the 1996 Presidential election, calling him an "old-fashioned" Republican. He is also a personal friend of fellow Cornell alma mater Ann Coulter, despite (or perhaps because of) their widely divergent views. She was a frequent guest on Politically Incorrect.

Bill Maher: Victory Begins at Home

Not surprisingly, the New York Times raved about his 2003 overtly anti-Catholic, one-man Broadway show Bill Maher: Victory Begins at Home.[15][16]

Religulous

In 2008, Maher starred in a spoof documentary movie called Religulous. It was directed by Larry Charles (who also directed Borat). The film derives its name from a combination of the words "religion" and "ridiculous".[17] Originally destined for an Easter 2008 release, the film had a limited theater-release in October 2008 after being first shown at the Toronto International Film Festival in early September 2008.[18]

The film criticizes religion, particularly Christianity and to a lesser extent Judaism and Islam. To Maher, radical Islam and its hate-filled terrorism has no difference from regular religious worship, as he blends pictures of the attack on the World Trade center with a benediction by the Pope and Jews praying at the Wailing Wall at the very end of the movie.

In the film, Maher explains his stance on religion as he interviews the faithful from mainstream religions as well as from many lesser known cults.

Some individuals featured in the film[19] include:

Box office performance

The film made $3.5 million in its opening weekend[20] in a limited release, surpassing expectations. In total, it made just over $13 million during its theatrical release, and over $7 million in US DVD sales [21] In comparison, conservative Christian film Sound of Freedom earned $10 million in pre-release ticket sales alone.[22]

Controversy

The already controversial film gained increased notoriety on the morning of 30 September 2008 when Bill Maher made an appearance on The View to promote Religulous. Maher frivolously suggested during the interview that anyone who hears the "voice" of God should check themselves in to a psychiatric hospital.[23]

Realism

Though a liberal, following the United States presidential election, 2024, Maher stressed about the backlash of Americans reacting to extremist Woke. Contradicting Donna Brazille who tried to propagate otherwise.[24] Maher also exposed hypocrisy and lies at the UN and of radical left on its Israelophobia[25] and cowing to Islamofascistic regimes/entities in "Palestine."[26]

Quote: "One side retaliates against terrorism. One side is accused of genocide, but doesn't do it. The other side [Arab-Palestine] actually would love to do it."[27] Maher was criticized by liberals for visiting Trump post 2024 election.

In Apr 2025, Bill Maher stuns liberals, praises President Trump following meeting.[28]

External links

References

  1. ↑ Bill Maher Biography (1956–). Film Reference. Retrieved on January 17, 2008.
  2. ↑ "Interview With Bill Maher", CNN, May 24, 2002. Retrieved on January 17, 2008. 
  3. ↑ King, Larry. "CNN LARRY KING LIVE Interview With Bill Maher", CNN, May 24, 2002. Retrieved on Aug 13, 2012. “But I never even knew I was half-Jewish until I was a teenager.” 
  4. ↑ Carlin-McCall, Kelly (November/December 2008). The Real Bill. Irish America magazine. Retrieved on Aug 13, 2012. “So the fact that I’m half Irish and half Jewish, they both contributed to a sense of humor.”
  5. ↑ Morgan, Piers. "Bill Maher explains his 'apatheism,' apathetic atheism", CNN. Retrieved on Aug 13, 2012. “"...and I was raised Catholic. I was never Jewish"” 
  6. ↑ Getting Blasphemous in the Presence of Bill Maher. Media.www.diamondbackonline.com (Oct. 3, 2008). Archived from the original on Dec. 21, 2008. Retrieved on Aug 13, 2012.
  7. ↑ Entertainment; Ivy League Celebrities. Comcast.net. Retrieved on Aug 13, 2012.
  8. ↑ [1]
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Halem, Dan (Aug 1, 2001). Is Bill Maher a libertarian?. Salon.com. Retrieved on Aug 13, 2012.
  10. ↑ https://www.breitbart.com/video/2018/06/08/bill-maher-hopes-for-crashing-economy-to-get-rid-of-trump-bring-on-the-recession/
  11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFeDFva6tcg
  12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dee4zAuAGQk
  13. ↑ [2]
  14. ↑ [3]
  15. ↑ NYTIMES review
  16. ↑ http://www.catholicleague.org/annualreport.php?year=2003&id=80
  17. ↑ CNN LARRY KING LIVE, Interview With Bill Maher, aired August 14, 2007 - 21:00ET
  18. ↑ IMDb: Release dates for Religulous
  19. ↑ RELIGULOUS: A Conversation with Bill Maher and Larry Charles
  20. ↑ http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekend&id=religulous.htm
  21. ↑ http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2008/RELIG.php
  22. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony. "Jim Caviezel Anti-Child-Trafficking Thriller 'Sound Of Freedom' Giving Indie Box Office A Pulse With $7M+ In Presales", Deadline Hollywood, June 30, 2023. 
  23. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/30/sherri-shepherd-bill-mahe_n_130581.html
  24. ↑ 'You’re Going to Keep Losing!’ Maher Bodies Donna Brazile After She Denies ‘Woke’ Politics Cost Dems in Election. Story by Kipp Jones
  25. ↑ Bill Maher vs. The Woke Mob on Israel | PragerU. Oct 8 2024. "The woke mob has a variety of opinions on Israel; Bill Maher brought the facts."
  26. ↑ New Rule: From the River to the Sea | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO). Real Time with Bill Maher. Dec 16, 2023. It may be a “magical time of year,” but what we all really need right now is a good dose of realism about Israel and Palestine.
  27. ↑ Bill Maher tells Kamala Harris to ‘just shut up’ about Israel, says critics of Jewish state ‘full of s–t’. By Joseph A. Wulfsohn, Fox News. Sep. 22, 2024.
  28. ↑ Bill Maher Stuns Liberals, Praises President Trump Following Meeting | Will Cain Show. Fox News, Apr 14, 2025
v • d • e
Liberal Characteristics and Traits
Ideology
Policy
Tools
Traits
Other
Retrieved from "https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Bill_Maher&oldid=2122027"