Obama Takes In The View, Elisabeth Hasselbeck Holds Her Own

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by Glynnis MacNicol | 3:40 pm, July 29th, 2010

» 44 comments

President Obama made his much-anticipated appearance on The View today. Actually, I’m not really sure how anticipated it was, per se — my Twitter feed was pretty dead through the hour. But it was definitely discussed! People were worried that an appearance on The View was beneath President Obama, who to the best of my knowledge has appeared on everything but a daytime talk show, a fact which may account for the light Twittering.

That said, it was a tad disconcerting to watch the President tread the path to the hot topics couch, but once ensconced I think both he and the ladies acquitted themselves well. Better, in fact, than a number of “serious” interviews I’ve seen the last few months. Turns out it’s harder to wiggle your way out of a direct answer when you are face to face with five inquiring women and a live audience. To be sure, the questions were not terribly in depth, but they were reasonably substantive, and commensurate with with the sort of questions one imagines The View‘s audience would be interested in answers to. Namely, the economy, his children, the economy, Shirley Sherrod, cable news (no mention of Fox by name), Afghanistan, health care, Lindsay Lohan, Sn00ki, and Chelsea Clinton. Mostly in that order.

Two exchanges in particular that caught my attention: The discussion about Shirley Sherrod. And Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Televised discussions about race in this country tend to be painted in fairly broad strokes, and I thought that between Barbara asking the president why he didn’t call himself a biracial president, to Whoopi asking him how black people should think of themselves in America, the discussion went a bit deeper than it might otherwise have in a different setting. For the record, Obama conceded “”people in [his] administration” overreacted in the case of Sherrod.

Obama also noted that the things the media may focus on are not necessarily the things he is focused on, and that signing letters to family members of men and women killed in Afghanistan tends to put things in a different perspective. What is frustrating, he conceded, was the sense that he was always on on the campaign trail: “we shouldn’t be campaigning all the time…there’s a time to govern.” Moreover, Michelle doesn’t think any of the [cable news] criticism is fair. (Neither does Joy.)

Enter Elisabeth Hasselbeck, whom I happen to think was rather impressive. Hasselbeck is well-known to viewers of the View for her conservative politics and is never shy about voicing her criticism of the president. What I found impressive was that she managed to respectfully articulate her economic concerns to the president, instead of shying away from the discussion when the spotlight was on. Anyone who has watched Jon Stewart go soft while attempting to interview face-to-face one of the subjects of his sharp criticism knows it is not easy to be critical to someone’s face, let alone the President of the United States. It actually left me wondering whether she has political aspirations. (Palin-Hasselbeck 2016 anyone?)

Now for the celebrity portion: Obama knows Lindsay Lohan is in jail, doesn’t know who Sn00ki is, and hasn’t watched a Mel Gibson movie in years. Bases covered! Watch clips from the hour below.

barack obama, Barbara Walters, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Shirley Sherrod, Sn00ki, The View, Whoopi Goldberg

Thomas J – Libertarian

There is a freaking war going on and none of these women had the ability to ask some tough questions. Maybe a question or two about a young man that is up for the Medal of Honor, or the restrictive ROEs, …nothing. They freaking as about some New Jersey kid, and Lindys Lohan. Amazing….no wonder this country continues to decline, and has for some years.
stoogedudes

Good for Elizabeth. I disagree with her on a lot, but she does seem respectful. I rather like the lady.

That said, who cares about Snooki, or Lindsay Lohan.

I don’t mind a President going on the View or any other show talking about poltics and the issues facing this country, but why the need to talk about such insignificant, worthless things to talk about, namely Snooki, Lohan, and Mel Gibson?
MichelleF

I would love to have been a fly on the wall when Baa Waa was telling Elizabeth what would be acceptable. You know once EH is done with the view, she is going to write an awesome tell-all. I don’t know how she does it every day. There isn’t enough $$ in the world to get me to even listen to Joy everyday, let alone sit by her.
timzank

I especially enjoyed Obama’s comments on how it bothers him that politicians are campaigning when they should be governing. I’m serious, he said that….and lightning didn’t strike the set.

Gotta give him props for brass frickin balls, this guy will say anything with a completely straight face and delivery. Priceless. Absolutely priceless.

As for the panel, they make me think of a cunning array of stunts.
Haimerej

“we shouldn’t be campaigning all the time…there’s a time to govern.” He says while sitting on The View in the midst of “Recovery Summer.”

/facepalm
roxsteady

Held her own? This woman proved her ignorance and alliegence to fox news talking points. You’ll note that when she questioned the administration’s method for counting and saving jobs he was forced to school her, explaining what fox never did which was that this administration was not doing something new. This is how it is and was done for decades. She clearly wasn’t aware that even the idiot she voted for in the previous administration did this the same way. He also made her look even dumber when he stated that if she were one of the people who’s job was saved she might have a different perspective, to which the audience cheered. Now, her other stupid question when she wasn’t out right fawning was to ask the President why there is such racial unrest in this country. As if the assholes on the right including fox were not the one’s who are the one’s stoking this. She’s a lightweight who sticks her foot in her mouth everytime she speaks.
ChiliPeppersFan

one thing that wasn’t in the article that i noticed was when the pres was taking about his view of a post-obama america and he was talking about easier access for young people to get into college which was when haselbeck got in a well placed little dig (in my opinion) and asked whether those kids will have jobs when they graduate. i feel the same as stooge…i disagree with a lot of her views but i gotta give her props for that…rock on haselbeck
MichelleF

Rox, our little ray of sunshine.

She’s a lightweight who sticks her foot in her mouth everytime she speaks.

Pot, meet kettle!
MichelleF

Admit it Chili, you just like her legs. I sure do!
roxsteady

And if she’s really concerned about jobs, why hasn’t she once mentioned that it’s her party of ass hats who keep voting against the jobs bill as recently as today? This would have provided tax breaks and loans to small businesses. Those bastards had the nerve to try and put in an amendment that would repeal the estate tax which will go into effect next year. I suspect that not one of you on this site would be affected by this just as you won’t be affected by allowing the Bush Tax cuts for the wealthy to expire next year. While the GOP pretends that this is a tax increase for everyone, it’s not. They’re just so used to selling their bullshit to morons that they don’t realize that now, people are actually paying attention. Not just their ignorant sheep!
Haimerej

rox-

They only use “saved or created” when they have a net job loss. It’s a CYA technique that’s not really measured by anyone. The fact is he’s had no real net growth since he took office.
roxsteady

Haimerej, check out this graph and tell me again who’s created jobs? Most of you here don’t have a clue and when hit with the facts you change the subject. Prove me wrong. Check out this graph and tell me I’m wrong!

http://thinkprogress.org/2010/07/01/boehner-stimulus-one-job/
Haimerej

rox-

Companies are sitting on trillions in capital just waiting to invest it. The reason no jobs are being created now is because there’s too much uncertainty in the market as to the cost of creating them. Healthcare just passed, cap and trade is still being discussed, the Bush Tax Cuts are going to expire. Only a fool of a businessman would hire anyone before knowing what’s going to happen to those pieces of legislation. Everyone of them affects the cost of hiring someone.
Haimerej

rox-

You obviously don’t understand what, “net” means when I’m talking about job growth. Jobs are being created, sure, but they’re mostly govt jobs. The private sector has been contracting. Unemployment remains high, yet you want to say he’s “creating jobs.” Well, he’s still got a long way to go to get to the amount of jobs the economy had when he took over.
Azarkhan

Pres Obama did a good job, and the tone was exactly right. Since when is the View considered a serious news program? Wasn’t Rosie O’Donnell on it at one time?

I doubt many in the audience wanted to see the President interrogated. Personally, I’d rather watch the ladies have some fun.
ChiliPeppersFan

rox…
an article i saw in the huff post about the bush tax cuts that caught my eye…ya might wanna check out

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/28/bush-tax-cuts-extending_n_662743.html
MichelleF

MichelleF, do you have anything of substance to add? Just like that bitch you’re clueless. Get used to the losing side dear because in November you’re going to get crushed again!

Coming from you, my dear, it’s a compliment!
Haimerej

So, Rox-

You’re wrong. Is that what you’re waiting to hear?
roxsteady

Like I said, you refuse to accept the facts! While the dimwit didn’t mention private sector job growth, I’ve got those numbers too. As for private companies hoarding money and not hiring, it’s not a lack of funding! Deal with the fact that Bush’s net job growth was just 3 million while Clinton’s over the same 8 year period was 23 million. Proving that Republicans suck at private job growth!

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/07/treasury-secretary-private-job-growth-pretty-good.html
roxsteady

You’re all ignorant and bitter. I can’t relate to always being on the losing side. Clearly you’re all good with it. Keep deluding yourselves. It will help you in November when you’re crying again!
Stratdude

Palin-Hasselbeck 2016 — Hasselbeck will have to get a shorter name. Hasselbeck is much too long for the retards who would actually vote for these nitwads. How about just Hassel or even Beck Jr.?
ChiliPeppersFan

i wonder how that self-absorbed lohen will feel when she gets out of jail and someone tells her that the president of the united states knows that she has been in jail…not being able to show her face embarrassed? somehow i doubt it
roxsteady

Yes, two losers. That’s definitely a winning combination. I’m going shopping now but, you inbreds have fun playing with yourselves!
Averreauxii

Haimerej said:
rox-

You obviously don’t understand what, “net” means when I’m talking about job growth. Jobs are being created, sure, but they’re mostly govt jobs. The private sector has been contracting. Unemployment remains high, yet you want to say he’s “creating jobs.” Well, he’s still got a long way to go to get to the amount of jobs the economy had when he took over.

Hahaha…you should be a comedian! The economy was losing 100′s of thousands of jobs before Obama was elected, numbnuts! The economy (yes, including the private sector) has been gaining jobs in the past 5-6 months. Those are FACTS. You do not have to like them. Thank you for your input….Susan.
Haimerej

Rox-

I thought I was the one who was supposed to change the subject? Didn’t you say, “Most of you here don’t have a clue and when hit with the facts you change the subject.”

You obviously don’t understand what “net” job growth is. It means that there were more jobs when he took office than there are now.

What does “lack of funding” have to do with hoarding money? That makes NO SENSE. They’re hoarding money because there are several pieces of legislation in the works that will raise the cost of doing business in this country. You can’t make an assessment of the cost benefit of hiring employees when YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY’RE GOING TO COST YOU. Why would you expand your business just to get hit with higher taxes in a few months? That’s assinine and a quick way to bankruptcy.

I could honestly care less about Bush’s net job growth vs Clinton’s net job growth. That’s irrelevant to what Obama is doing now.
Averreauxii

Like Alan Grayson once said, Republicans hate big government because they are SO BAD AT IT. Priceless!
Haimerej

Susan-

When he took office, there were more jobs than now. It’s taken him 1 1/2 years to see job growth. That doesn’t change the fact that he’s seen a NET JOB LOSS. For crying out loud you guys are dense.

I’m not saying he hasn’t created jobs. I’m saying he hasn’t created more jobs than he’s lost. THAT’S A FACT. You obviously don’t like that. I’m also saying that he’s overseeing one of the longest “recoveries” out of a recession. If you knew ANYTHING about business, you would understand that they aren’t going to hire with new tax hikes looming. It just won’t happen.
Stratdude

Palin-Hasselbeck 2016 — Hasselbeck will have to get a shorter name. Much too long for the simpletons who would vote for these nitwads. Possibly just Hassel or even Beck might work. New slogan: “Sarah Palin and Beth Beck, the You Beck-tcha Girls for President.”
MichelleF

Box of Rox, YOU calling someone bitter, is laugh out loud funny!! I haven’t ever come across a more bitter sounding woman in my life!

Keep it up, sweety, you’re almost there!!

The Liberal Heretic’s: The Top 20 Most Offensive Liberal Women

http://theliberalheretic.com/blog/node/1119
Haimerej

“Paychecks from private business shrank to their smallest share of personal income in U.S. history during the first quarter of this year, a USA TODAY analysis of government data finds.”

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/income/2010-05-24-income-shifts-from-private-sector_N.htm

Notice that they’re referring to a “share” of all the personal income in the country. That means a percentage (for those who can’t understand concepts like “net job loss”). Why is that? Could it be the massive expansion of the public sector coupled with new tax hikes looming for businesses?
ChiliPeppersFan

michelle
Admit it Chili, you just like her legs. I sure do!
you go both ways? interesting
MichelleF

Well, I don’t actually, but I can appreciate beauty, no matter where it is. I think that’s easier for woman to do.
Haimerej

From Rox’s last link-

“Right now, the best thing the government can do…is help create the conditions for the private sector to start to invest in hiring again,” he said. “Now, we’ve seen six months of positive job growth by the private sector. That’s pretty good,” Geithner said. “Pretty good this early in a recession.

Tapper pointed out that employment had actually declined overall.”

Geithner is such a douche, but he did hit the nail on the head with this comment- “the best thing the government can do…is help create the conditions for the private sector to start to invest in hiring again.” Of course, he having no experience in the private sector might be why he says job growth is “pretty good” when there is an overall loss in jobs. I’m telling you, mark my words- there WILL BE an upswing in jobs once the legislation stuff I mentioned above get resolved. Businesses just won’t hire until they know what it will cost them (which is a level of responsibility foreign to members of congress and the administration).
njm425

Do you really think Hasselbeck wasn’t given that question to ask by a producer? No guest goes on any talk show and wings it. They know exactly what the main questions will be before they sit down, do you really think that the POTUS didn’t know what would be asked of him? Hasselbeck spews that nonsense about lesbians but comes up with question for Obama on her own? COME ON PEOPLE
notsofast

roxsteady said:
You’ll note that when she questioned the administration’s method for counting and saving jobs

“Saved jobs”- something Barry’s own BLS said was impossible to measure and which had NEVER BEFORE Barry been used as a yardstick.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Allan-Kleer/525351949 Allan Kleer

It does “humanize” the President, but there are so many better talk shows on the air! Ever since Rosie left, this show has gone down the drain. Here in Miami, we can’t wait for Rosie to start her own (substantive) talk show again!

http://www.thekleerteam.com/blog/2010/04/The-Estefan-Residence-on-Miami-Beach-s-Star-Island-to-host-President-Obama.htm
Icanadd

Haimerej said:
rox- They only use “saved or created” when they have a net job loss. It’s a CYA technique that’s not really measured by anyone. The fact is he’s had no real net growth since he took office.

Although your blanket statement is far from accurate, I will pretend that it is, and there is a simple explanation for it. Gotta stop the net job losses from 8 years of “Trickledown” Rediux” of the Bush era first. That will take some time to turn that ship around . And when there ARE net gains in jobs,(as there surely will be at some point) the right wing will certainly justify the gains as THEIR accomplishments. (It just took that long for the trickledown to work,…THey used that approach during the Clinton era,) Thats a neat trick considering they havent voted for one single bill designed to at least TRY to create jobs in this country to date.
DonnaK

Hasselbeck has been on a major rehab tour for the past few months. She has been going off the deep end on any number of subjects, and I’m sure they have her on a short leash!! If you happen to go to The View mb or any number of other forums, she is a very disliked woman. It is not for her politics, it is the delivery and the snotty== priviledged attitude. So, I was pretty amazed that she acted like a professional today, I mean come on, she was a reality show contestant that lucked out and made it on a national show. It’s not like she put in the work to get to where she is!! I’m sure she will run right to Hannity’s show tonight, to dish the dirt against the President.
Thomas J – Libertarian

roxsteady said:
Haimerej, check out this graph and tell me again who’s created jobs? Most of you here don’t have a clue and when hit with the facts you change the subject. Prove me wrong. Check out this graph and tell me I’m wrong!

http://thinkprogress.org/2010/07/01/boehner-stimulus-one-job/

Yeah real good source. They lie.
Michael_T

roxsteady said:
Held her own? This woman proved her ignorance and allegiance to fox news talking points.

I’m not sure I agree with you about how ignorant she is – even though all too often she seems to be parroting talking points she may have found on Sean Hannity’s blog. A topic mimicked by Saturday Night Live as most of us know.

Where I totally agree, is your criticism of Mediaite’s resident conservative Glynnis MacNicol writing in her title that EH “Held her own”.

C’mon Glynnis … certainly you must know that of all the tough questions that could have been asked why give Obama a slow pitch that he can easily rebut.

I sat here wondering if she had to pre-submit her questions and the co-producers picked this borderline softball question so EH would not be too widely criticized in the wake of the controversy over her insensitive comments about ESPN reporter Erin Andrews.
bamman

Michael_T said:
… Mediaite’s resident conservative Glynnis MacNicol …

Surely you jest.
Newsjunky

MichelleF said:
There isn’t enough $$ in the world to get me to even listen to Joy everyday, let alone sit by her.

And I’m pretty sure there isn’t enough money in the world to get me to tolerate your sad, bitter and ugly view on virtually everything. You are one of the most negative human beings I’ve encountered on any website. Blech. You will die very young, dear with that kind of stress and sadness enveloping your life.
Michael_T

bamman said:
Michael_T said:
… Mediaite’s resident conservative Glynnis MacNicol …
Surely you jest.

“Surely” you’ve read her favorable articles about Beck & Palin.
johnactn

hi! You’re all ignorant and bitter. I can’t relate to always being on the losing side. Clearly you’re all good with it. Keep deluding yourselves. It will help you in November when you’re crying again! Thanks For sharing post with us…

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