She's actually on his show a lot and yes they are friends.  I think she's a total psycho-bitch, but I hate most extremists.  Bill Maher is actually central on many issues--he's pretty libertarian in many ways--"Keep the government out of my personal business" and big on freedoms.  I am definitely much more liberal in lots of ways, and I have been very liberal in the last few years, but that's only cause I think there's too many extreme conservatives floating around right now.  Most of the time, my ass is stuck on the pole in the middle.  I believe in balance.  OK, that's my two cents.  
To sum up:  Bill Maher is very funny.  
Another book I like since we're in the what are you reading thread is is Clive Barker's The Damnation Game. I think I'm gonna read it next.  Or audio book it.