You’ve no doubt heard or read of the scurrilous tabloid allegations being made by anonymous attackers about President Bush. Unhinged Bush haters are gleefully embracing the National Enquirer story and trashing the president. That is to be expected. It comes with the territory.

But what Bill Maher did to exploit the smear story on Friday night sunk to a new low.

Watch the entire segment at the liberal site, Crooks and Liars, and look at the gag photo Maher holds up of the First Lady.

Pay close attention to the audience’s reaction. Surprisingly, even some of Maher’s fans were shocked and apparently dismayed at the cheap shot. The gasps from the crowd are notable, but the laughter quickly rebounded and rolled along.

There’s liberalism for you: So civil. So compassionate. Such sensitive champions of women and the weak.

Question for NOW and all you card-carrying feminists: Since when did you start tolerating mockery of domestic abuse victims (real or imagined)?

Do you think photos of women with black eyes are funny, too?