Bill Maher has a new book of New Rules and essays titled The New New Rules: A Funny Look at How Everybody But Me Has Their Head Up Their Ass. Shouldn't that be “heads up their asses”? Maher performs standup this Saturday at Gibson Amphitheater. You don't have to be well-informed to attend but it helps.

Who's the best GOP candidate for comedy's sake?

Palin/Bachman 2012: Two Broke Girls

Are you a little sad Palin's out of the race?

Does the Pope shit in the woods?

Do you write new material up until showtime, a la Kathy Griffin?

Of course, do you think I'm going to be outdone in writing new material by the likes of Kathy Griffin???

In your standup career, did you ever have a “Margaritaville?” – a bit your fans demanded you do onstage?

 

Yes, and sadly it was singing “Margaritaville”

You've been doing biting political coverage/sarcasm for years – how have you changed? Are you as angry?

It's hard to be angry when I'm delivering it, because I'm in front of people who love me and who I love and who mostly think like me and we're all laughing our heads off because after 30 years of practice I'm a pretty funny motherfucker

You really don't need to do standup anymore, do you?

 

No, but I do need the miles.

How would you categorize your fans?
 

Brilliant, with impeccable taste.

Tell us about your pre-show ritual?
 

It's all about getting high but not TOO high, if you know what I mean.

I read where you said you don't want to do another documentary after Religulous – but that movie was so amazing. Isn't there another topic you'd like to attack?

What other topic could compare? Where can you go after you've taken down God?

If you were an unemployed 21-year-old, would you join the throngs at Occupy Wall Street?

 

Yes, which is why I'm glad I'm old enough to get a pass.

What media outlets do you read that would surprise people?

 Modern Farmer and Teabagger Weekly

Complete the following sentence: Jon Stewart is to Bill Maher as ___________ is to __________________

 Plato is to Socrates

Bill Maher at Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk, Universal City; Sat, Nov 5, 8:15 p.m.; $25-$75; (213) 480-3232.

Sat., Nov. 5, 2011

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