Kathie Lee Gifford isn’t holding back when it comes to her thoughts on the current tone of “The View.” The longtime television personality recently shared her candid perspective on the popular daytime talk show, suggesting the atmosphere has changed significantly from the days when she used to appear as a guest. During a podcast appearance, Kathie Lee Gifford reflected on how public discourse and the energy on television panels feel more hostile than they once did, sparking renewed conversation about the dynamic among the show’s hosts.
Kathie Lee Gifford Says Public Conversations Have Become ‘Meaner’
While appearing on the “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” podcast, Gifford weighed in on whether she believes society has become more divided over time.
The 72-year-old television veteran suggested the issue may not simply be about numbers, but about how people communicate with one another today. “There’s just more of us, and we’re meaner now,” Gifford said. “People at least would pretend to have some manners [in the past]. Now, there’s a viciousness.”
Her remarks came as the conversation shifted toward “The View,” a show that has built its reputation on lively debates between hosts with differing political perspectives.
Gifford Reflects On Her Past Experiences With ‘The View’
Despite her concerns about the show’s current tone, Gifford recalled that her own past appearances on “The View” were largely positive. She explained that during earlier years, she was able to have open conversations with the hosts without conflict dominating the discussion.
“I mean, I used to be able to go on ‘The View’ and talk to Joy [Behar] and Whoopi [Goldberg] and a lot of the other people there,” she said. “Debbie Matenopoulos and I are still good pals, and never had a problem, you know, with anybody because they weren’t trying to … I don’t proselytize everything.”
The veteran TV personality said she always tried to share her personal beliefs respectfully rather than force them on others. “I share my faith, but I don’t say, ‘You’re going to go to hell if you don’t.’ I don’t do that, you know?” Gifford continued. “I want people to have a little bit more heaven in their life than hell.”
‘It’s Sad,’ Kathie Lee Gifford Says Of The Show’s Current Tone
When asked whether she would feel welcome appearing on the show today, Gifford expressed disappointment with what she described as a more hostile atmosphere. “I mean, everybody seems like they’re just miserable people now,” Gifford said.
She added that while her comments might rub some viewers the wrong way, she doesn’t see herself fitting that same description. “I may make people miserable just talking the way we’re talking,” she said. “But nobody will ever confuse me with a miserable person, right?”
Gifford went on to describe herself as someone who tries to bring positivity rather than negativity to conversations.
Meghan McCain Previously Spoke Out About Her Exit
Gifford isn’t the only public figure to voice criticism about the show’s environment. Former co-host Meghan McCain, who appeared on the panel from 2017 to 2021, also discussed her experiences after leaving the program.
The conservative commentator often found herself debating the show’s more liberal panelists, something she acknowledged became part of her public image. “People really love fighting with me, and I’ve come to terms with the fact that people love me and love to hate me,” Meghan admitted in a 2021 interview with the Daily Mail. “I really have gotten to a place where I’m comfortable with that.”
However, McCain later said a moment involving Joy Behar played a role in her decision to step away from the show. After joking that Behar must have missed arguing with her while she was on maternity leave, McCain recalled Behar responding bluntly. “I did not. I did not miss you. Zero.”
A Look At The Current ‘The View’ Lineup
“The View” has been a staple of daytime television since it first premiered in 1997. Today, the panel includes Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, and Ana Navarro.
Behar has been part of the show since its inaugural season, though she stepped away briefly for two seasons beginning in 2013. Goldberg later joined the panel in 2007 and has since become one of the program’s longest-serving hosts.
Hostin and Haines both joined the show in 2016, while Griffin and Navarro were added to the lineup in 2022.