As a John Kerry supporter, I wanted to send him a check. But then it occurred to me that most of that money would end up in the hands of advertising agencies and television networks. And the money would be used to create deceptive commercials that flatter our point of view and shade the facts our way. And I wasn't comfortable with that. But on the other hand, that's how the game is played. You're always grappling.

There's a built-up tension in religion, and if you can release it, you'll get a huge and satisfying laugh.

I guess I'm drawn to religion because I can be provocative without harming something people really care about, like their cars.

I don't know what the universe is all about, but to me, nothing is gained by slapping a God sticker on it. It has never been a comfort to me to believe there's an all-seeing eye in the sky.

I have no idea how it got so big. I was just trying to find something to do while I was living in Boulder, Colorado, which isn't really a funny town. There are a lot of smart people there, but comedy isn't at the forefront of their minds.

I'm a pessimist, but I have many painstakingly applied coats of optimism.

Every joke can't be dazzling. And if you think you spotted an inconsistency, you did!