Tensions between Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin hit a new high on The View today as the co-hosts bickered over identity politics in the 2024 presidential election.
The two panelists — who rarely see eye-to-eye on the show’s Hot Topics, especially when discussing politics — got into an uncomfortable spat this morning after Hostin questioned “why everyone is backing Nikki Haley, especially women.”
Invoking Haley’s comments about signing a federal abortion ban, Hostin accused the Republican presidential candidate of pandering to former president Donald Trump‘s “MAGA base.”
As Hostin said she thinks Haley knows such legislation would not pass, she was cut off by Griffin (a Republican and staunch Haley supporter), who denied that Haley’s voters are supporting her only because of her gender.
“I haven’t heard a single person say, just real quick, that they’re supporting her because she’s a woman. We don’t really do identity politics as much,” Griffin claimed.
Hostin, with a wave of her hand, replied, “Oh, yes you do,” and grinned as she began to continue with her previous point, while Griffin protested, “I don’t. I literally never said it’s because she’s a woman. I think she’s the most qualified. “
Suppressing a smile, Hostin shot back, “But your party does, but they—”
Griffin was not ready to back down. She continued to question, “But does anyone say that about Nikki? That they’re voting for her because she’s a woman?”
Whoopi Goldberg, experienced moderator she is, then stepped in to put an end to the madness before it could escalate further: “There’s a point that somebody is trying to make,” she interjected. “What is the point?”
Hostin, whose point was basically moot by then, gave a not-so-subtle dig at Griffin when she replied, “I am, but I’m being interrupted constantly.”
Griffin got the hint, and looked down at the table as Hostin spoke and put one hand up to gesture that she should carry on with what she had been saying before.
Will there ever be peace at the Hot Topics table with these two sitting side-by-side? New seating arrangement next season, please!
The View airs weekdays at 11/10c on ABC.