why IS it ok for Maher to say hideous things about women

[Shankapotomus]

70. Comedian does hold water

There is a huge difference between a comedian (Bill Maher) with occassional political asides and a political commentator (Rush Limbaugh) with occasional "comedic" asides.

By your logic if comedian Maher can't say whatever he wants neither can Lisa Lampanelli and her whole act is about abusing people based on race, sex and orientation. In fact people go to a Lampanelli show just to be insulted like that. If you're right and you have to hold comedians accountable for talk like that than Lampanelli's whole act is off limits.

Comedy is a totally different context than serious commentary. You have to grant it that flexibility or pretty soon you will not have any comedy at all. Moreover, that doesn't mean that when Bill Maher goes on a serious talk show like Piers Morgan he can't be held accountable for something he may appear to say in all genuineness.

But as the comedian host of a show the context for Bill Maher's role is pretty clear. It's to provide both comedic relief with occasional forays into serious commentary. So yes he does get a pass and if he doesn't, no comedian does. And that just makes no sense.

There is no explicitly pre-established comedic context with Rush as there is with Maher. Rush is not a comedian, he's never done standup. No firm reason to overlook his latest comments.