Time's Joel Stein Finds Bill Maher Comparing His Obama Donation to World War II

March 13th, 2012 2:14 PM

No one in the media is pressuring Obama or his super PAC boss Bill Burton to send back Bill Maher's million dollar check. But Time humorist/columnist Joel Stein wrote in the March 19 issue about trying to talk Maher out of his donation.

Maher disagreed “This is the biggest cause there is. Every cause is subsumed by what happens in Washington,” he said. “If you think we can solve the enviroment with everyone recycling, you’re crazy,” he added. “It’s like saying World War II could have been won by everyone saving tin. The government also had to make tanks.” Fighting for Obama is just like fighting the Nazis?

Stein said he know Maher had already pledged the money, but “I called him to try and talk him out of it anyway. I figured it takes a few extra days for one of those giant checks to clear.” He told Maher his million dollars “would be better spent on charities he supports,” such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the NORML (the legalize-pot lobby.)

Stein joked, "If I want to improve society, I'm better off giving money to a homeless shelter than funding some negative ad about how Mitt Romney is really rich, hates dogs, and keeps changing his mind about everything except his insane, demonic hatred of cute puppies, which he drags behind  his Cadillac like empty cans fo a JUST MARRIED car."

Stein said he received a “very similar argument” when he e-mailed Hollywood studio chief Jeffrey Katzenberg about his two million dollars for Obama’s super PAC. Katzenberg replied:

I’m certain as much good will come from the re-election of President Obama as could come from all the gifts I could possibly give to charities.”

Likewise, Judd Apatow told Stein he gives to the Democrats because he believes the government can provide a better safety than private charity can.

To vote for someone who thinks rich people should not be regulated and are deeply concerned about the poor is delusional,” he said. “ As someone who makes a comfortable living, I can clearly state that wealthy people cannot be trusted.”

Stein cracked: “I’m pretty sure that’s a clever way to say not to vote for Romney.”