After a series of strong political endorsements from its liberal hosts, ABC News is reportedly looking to balance the panel on The View by adding a conservative, pro-Trump voice.
The search comes after all six current panelists voiced support for Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the presidential election.
The Liberal Panel’s Backing of Harris
The The View panel, which includes Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines—all liberal co-hosts—as well as Republican critics of Trump like Ana Navarro and Alyssa Farah Griffin, made headlines for its unwavering support of Harris in the lead-up to the election.
After Trump’s election victory, the panelists even wore black, signaling their dismay, almost as if attending a funeral.
This political lean was seen as one-sided by many.
Pressure to Reflect a Wider Range of Views
Now, ABC News executives, including Group President Debra O’Connell and News Chief Almin Karamehmedovic, are holding meetings to discuss future coverage strategies.
Sources say the focus is primarily on The View, and major changes are expected.
One insider noted, “Viewers can expect new panelists who will bring a pro-Trump perspective.”
This move aims to balance the panel, which has often been criticized for lacking diverse political viewpoints, especially concerning Trump supporters.
Ratings and Revenue at the Core of the Changes
Sources close to the situation suggest the decision is more about ratings and advertising revenue than politics.
“At the end of the day, these changes aren’t about politics. They are about economics,” one source explained.
With Trump securing over half of the national vote, ABC News executives are under pressure to reflect a broader range of viewpoints, particularly to appeal to pro-Trump audiences.
The Controversy of Adding a Conservative Voice
Introducing a conservative perspective to the panel, however, could stir tensions with the current liberal hosts.
The source added, “The question is, what will happen to Whoopi and Joy if they bring on a Trump supporter?”
Many of the show’s current panelists, including Goldberg and Hostin, have been outspoken in their opposition to Trump since his victory.
Goldberg, in particular, has refused to say his name on-air, a stance she first took in 2016.
Tensions Among Hosts and Former Panelists
The debate over the panel’s political balance is not new.
Former co-host Meghan McCain, a conservative, publicly criticized The View during the election season, accusing the show of being too liberal.
McCain, who left the show years ago, expressed frustration over the lack of conservative representation, particularly during such a pivotal election.
As ABC News works to address the criticism and reevaluate the makeup of the panel, questions remain about how the changes will affect the dynamic of The View and whether new panelists will be able to find common ground with the existing team.
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