Whoopi Goldberg calls out Meghan McCain in tense standoff on 'The View:' 'I'm not trying to cut you off'

Todd Garrin

Things got tense on The View as Whoopi Goldberg and Meghan McCain clashed over protocol at the Hot Topics table.

The panel was deep into a political discussion when Goldberg, the show’s moderator, stepped in and asked the co-hosts to stop talking over each other. “Everybody just take a breath,” said Goldberg. “Everybody has something to say at the table. We really do want to hear from everybody but we’re starting to do ‘that thing,’” she continued.

“I don’t know what that means, ‘that thing,’” said McCain.

“It means you’re talking over each other,” replied Goldberg. McCain fired back, “Well, it’s The View.”

Goldberg didn’t appear interested in McCain’s take, and didn’t hold back. “You know what? Let me tell you something about The View,” started Goldberg. “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 ‘hold up’ because we’re not hearing each other? I’m not trying to cut you off, I’m trying to get you heard.”

Viewers of the fiery exchange took to Twitter with their reactions. Some felt Goldberg shouldn’t have singled out McCain for interrupting, and others felt her insistence that all opinions are welcomed wasn’t sincere:

But others said Goldberg was just doing her job and that the panel needs to show each other some more respect:

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