"THE VIEW" PART THREE (AT LEAST UNTIL JENNY COMES ON)

PART THREE IS ALL ABOUT BARBARA

When Whoopi joined "The View," there was celebration all around. Whoopi had a brain, a sense of humor, a sense of self, and she didn't like to play games. Whoopi is an authentic person, and the conversations led by her were not only interesting, but they really raised the level of conversation.The other panelists would get really involved, sometimes heated, and it was fantastic to watch. It was a great balance.

But something had changed about Barbara. Before I get into it, I want to say that Barbara is deservedly one of the great journalists of all time, a pioneer for all women, and someone I greatly admire. We know each other casually. At one point, when I worked at ABC, I asked her if she wanted to do a special on the Manson Girls. It was in the late 70s and no one had seen them since their incarceration. I got Barbara's cameras into the prison and she did a live remote. Her ratings on that special were sky high. It was my pleasure to work with her.

In my opinion, Barbara was almost shell-shocked after the Rosie craziness. Rosie did not reflect Barbara's beliefs on TV demeanor or maybe even off-screen behavior. So....when Whoopi's conversations really started to spark and a segment that was about to take off, Barbara would put up her hands as if she were trying to stop a train. She would kill whatever was happening. It was a real shame, and it affected the flow of the show and caused consternation with the viewers.

Soon, you could just watch Whoopi's face every time Barbara interrupted her or tried to stop the action. Waiting for that almost became the fun of the show. Allegedly, Whoopi negotiated a new contract with "Barbara-free Days," making sure that Barbara was on less. Also, allegedly, Whoopi herself had days off just to get a breather. This is how "The View" has been right up to today.
Allegedly, Barbara did have an offer from ABC, since, remember, they own 51% of "The View" and Barbara has 49%, to cut her appearances down and not retire. Allegedly, she refused. Therefore, her retirement was announced. All I can say is, I'm sorry Barbara got timid, and I wish her much happiness.

Thank God Jenny McCarthy

is the replacement for Elisabeth. Jenny is funny, fearless, and a natural-born talk show person. I was terrified that white bread, inoffensive Brooke Shields would get it. If that happened, I'd have to say goodbye forever.

We must not forget that Joy will be replaced, too. Don't "wimp out," ABC. Keep the show alive. We'll see.