Whoopi Goldberg Lectures Meghan McCain on “Respect” After Another ‘View’ Fight

Clock it at 10 minutes: that’s how long it took for things to devolve into chaos on The View. This morning, a discussion about an Army officer who is expected to testify about Trump’s Ukraine call turned into a screaming match when Meghan McCain squared off against Joy Behar. When moderator Whoopi Goldberg attempted to separate the frequent sparring partners, McCain pushed back, saying that the debate should continue because “it’s The View.” The comment set off Goldberg, who proceeded to school McCain about “respect” and the importance of real discussion on the show. “When we talk to each other, we exhibit respect,” said Goldberg, making her disdain clear.

The View‘s first Hot Topic of the day centered on Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the highest-ranking Ukraine expert on the National Security Council, who will be testifying today about Trump’s call with the Ukrainian president. Some right-wing pundits, including Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, have questioned Vindman’s loyalty to the United States — a line of argument that McCain does not support. “There is this trend in American politics where we are criticizing veterans,” she said, mentioning Hillary Clinton’s recent remarks about Tulsi Gabbard. “You’re questioning people’s loyalty to America who have fought and served.”

Behar pushed back and insisted that Clinton did not say that Gabbard is “a Russian asset,” as McCain claimed, and the two began to spar about Clinton’s exact quote. After some back and forth, McCain got the last word. “These are all soldiers who have fought and sacrificed and served for this country. We should not be questioning their loyalty!” yelled the conservative firebrand. “Hold on a second,” said Behar, interrupting. “Just because somebody served does not ipso facto make them above reproach.” McCain insisted that for her, “it does,” igniting another round of yelling.

Goldberg attempted to calm the tensions by saying that they “really do want to hear from everybody, but we’re starting to do that thing.” McCain insisted that she doesn’t “know what that means, this thing,” and Goldberg, now at her wit’s end, began to sling it back. “It means you’re talking over each other,” said the longtime moderator, her tone ice cold.

“Well, it’s The View,” said McCain once she collected herself. “You know what? Let me tell you something about The View,” said Goldberg, prompting McCain to roll her eyes across the table. “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.”

Surprisingly, that didn’t keep McCain quiet. “I don’t think you’re trying to cut me off,” said McCain, adding that “the music” often tries to cut her off. “That’s what you’re doing right now!” fired back Goldberg. Exhausted, she threw the show to commercial. And to think, there were still 50 minutes left of Tuesday’s show.

Watch Whoopi Goldberg shut down Meghan McCain’s latest meltdown in the clip above.

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