“The View” moderator Whoopi Goldberg delivered a much-needed lesson on respect after co-host Meghan McCain launched into a full-on rant over criticism of military vets, barely letting her colleagues get a word in.
Much of Tuesday’s discussion focused on Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the Army officer expected to testify as part of the impeachment inquiry about Trump’s call to the president of Ukraine. Vindman’s cooperation with the investigation has prompted some right-wing critics, including Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, to question the former soldier’s loyalty — a move McCain fiercely condemned.
“There is this trend in American politics where we’re criticizing veterans,” she said, later mentioning Hillary Clinton‘s comments on congresswoman and military combat vet Tulsi Gabbard. “You’re questioning people’s loyalty to America who have fought and served.”
McCain, one of two right-wing panelists on the daytime talk show, brought up how in a recent interview Clinton had dubbed Gabbard “a Russian asset” in the presidential election and argued that anyone upset over Ingraham’s smearing of Col. Vidman should also be disgusted by Clinton’s remarks.
“This is like McCarthyism,” she added. “I don’t understand how we can question people who have sacrificed and served in war in the American dialogue. I didn’t like when Laura Ingraham did it last night or when Hillary Clinton did it to Tulsi Gabbard.”
When co-host Joy Behar, one of McCain’s usual sparring partners, tried to fact-check her, the Fox News’ alum scolded her for interrupting.
“Excuse me, I’m not finished,” McCain said.
“I know you’re not, but I had to correct you,” Behar shot back.
Earlier this week, Clinton was misquoted by The New York Times as saying Gabbard was being “groomed” by the Russians as a third-party candidate. The newspaper later corrected its report to reflect that Clinton was actually referring to Republicans eyeing the military vet as a spoiler.
Behar and McCain continued exchanging barbs over the issue, with McCain arguing that veterans — Vindman Actually is still serving in the Army — should never have their loyalty questioned. The point didn’t sit well with Behar, who said that “just because someone served does not ipso facto make them above reproach.”
“For me, where I come from, it does,” McCain replied, later adding, “If you are putting your life on the line for freedom, the soldiers in this country and veterans get a pass from me.”
Goldberg assumed the role peacekeeper as the two began talking over each other. She urged her co-hosts to “just take a breath” because “we really do want to hear from everybody, but we’re starting to do that thing.”
McCain, seemingly offended, asked the moderator to clarify what she meant as “that thing.”
“It means you’re talking over each other,” Goldberg explained.
“It is ‘The View,’” Goldberg agreed, adding, “You know what, let me tell you something about ‘The View.’ This show has always had the ability to have different points of view which we respect around the table, and when we talk to each other we also exhibit respect. So when I’m saying to you, ‘hold up,’ because we’re not hearing each other, I’m not trying to cut you off. I’m trying to get you heard.”
The stern rebuke drew plenty of reactions from online users who praised Goldberg for finally putting McCain in her place.
“Anyone else feel the big auntie energy through the screen?” one Twitter user wrote.
When #Whoopi said “Lemme tell you about #TheView “ and adjusted that seat! Bay-Bayyyyy!!! I felt like I was in trouble! Sheesh!!! pic.twitter.com/p5DkmlkRFS
— 🌻TRINA🌻 (@totallytrina_) October 29, 2019
“When Whoopi adjusted her seat and said “Let me tell you about The View”–woo, I felt that in my bones. Megan, as usual, was not ready,” another chimed in.
Whoopi, you know what? Let me tell you something about the view..
— Shannon Ridolfi 🇲🇽🇮🇹🇮🇪 (@SugaShan) October 29, 2019
Everyone…#TheView pic.twitter.com/47mIXQyVJb
One woman argued, “This is what happens when you constantly tell a brat to “go ahead baby.” Whoopi should have put @MeghanMcCain in her place from day one, instead of appeasing her.”
“Megan is the perfect example of a co-worker that constantly pushes you,” a fellow user wrote. “If and when you snap they will play the victim; Whoopi did right because she is not worth it!”
Watch more in the clip below.