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HBO host Bill Maher on Friday slammed former President Obama for reportedly accepting $400,000 for a Wall Street speech this fall, asking, "Isnt that what sort of cost Hillary the election?"

The Real Time host faced off with panelists on the Overtime segment of his show over reports that Obama will speak at Wall Street firm Cantor Fitzgerald LPs healthcare conference in September for $400,000.

Former GOP communications director Tara Setmayer defended Obama's decision.

Personally, as long as hes not running for office again, I dont care how much money he makes," Setmayer told Maher. "If people want to pay him that, its a free market value. Who cares?

Maher responded by noting the crushing criticism Hillary ClintonHillary Rodham ClintonBiden: Guys, Im not running Trump says email hacking during election 'could've been China' or other groups Maxine Waters: Ive never seen anybody as disgusting or as disrespectful as Trump MORE got during the presidential election for her paid Wall Street speeches.

"Are those horrible speeches she made to Wall Street and she couldnt release the transcripts of it?

Actor and liberal activist Rob Reiner said the comparison isnt applicable because unlike with Clintons speeches, Obamas are coming after his political career is entirely over.

The difference is, 'Are you in the pocket of Wall Street?' And [Hillary Clinton] was running for office. Hes not running for anything right now.

Maher responded that Reiners stance seemed hypocritical.

It kind of looks like, When hes on our team, were okay with it, said Maher.

You could say that when a guy is president, hes looking ahead to that $400,000 payday, and hes not going to get it if, while hes president, hes going to do something to piss them off. So isnt the best thing to do to take your $10 million book deal? Cant you live off that?

Obama landed $65 million for a joint book deal in March, the largest amount ever paid for a presidential memoir.

Earlier in the show, Maher surprisingly did not bring up Obamas speech while interviewing Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenObama makes 0K for speech at A&E event: report Van Jones: Obama should do poverty tour Warren reads middle school students' letters on climate change MORE (D-Mass.), a leading advocate of strict regulations of Wall Street banks.

Warren criticized the speech payout earlier this week, saying she was "troubled" by Obama's decision.

Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersObama makes 0K for speech at A&E event: report Van Jones: Obama should do poverty tour Sanders calls for renewed focus on fighting climate change MORE (I-Vt.) went further on Friday, calling the Obama fee "distasteful" and "not a good idea."

A spokesman for the former president has defended Obama's decision, pointing out Wall Street reform instituted during his administration despite raising considerable campaign funds from the financial sector.

Excerpt from:
Maher on Obama speaking fee: Isn't that what cost Clinton the election? - The Hill