Maher: I want a presidential appearance for birthday

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) - Bill Maher is hoping for a visit from President Barack Obama for his 60th birthday.

The HBO "Real Time" host said he's launching a petition campaign for his fans to urge the White House to schedule a presidential appearance on his show. He said Friday that it wouldn't bother him if not for the fact that "this president has done virtually every other show in the known universe."

He referenced Obama appearances with comic Zach Galifianakis on "Between Two Ferns," giving his NCAA basketball tournament picks on ESPN and talking about hair on "Live with Kelly and Michael."

Maher, who turns 60 on Wednesday, said he couldn't understand why efforts to get the president on have borne no fruit, pointing out that he agrees with Obama on most things.

"There could be no better audience for this president," Maher said. "Our viewers are informed, they're engaged, and they're smart enough to steal cable."

HBO said it will link to a petition on the network's home page, hoping to get enough signatures to compel a White House response.