It would appear that ABC’s ‘The View’ is having a hard time finding a Republican woman to replace former co-host Meghan McCain’s spot, Politico reported Monday morning. But, perhaps that is only because the show apparently wants to find a very niche, moderately conservative woman who won’t fight that hard and one who doesn’t support former President Trump or the base of the party.
Politico reported that a source close to the show has been having trouble finding a conservative woman who isn’t — in their mind — extreme:
Sources close to the show said that the search has stalled as executives struggle to find a conservative cast-member who checks all the right boxes. They will not consider a Republican who is a denier of the 2020 election results, embraced the January 6 riots, or is seen as flirting too heavily with fringe conspiracy theories or the MAGA wing of the GOP. But at the same time, the host must have credibility with mainstream Republicans, many of whom still support DONALD TRUMP.
“They are really looking for a unicorn,” a former show staffer told Politico. “They want someone who is going to fight — but not too hard, because they don’t want it to be ugly and bickering.”
Politico’s source also said that Fox News’ Kat Timpf was approached for the job, but the libertarian allegedly turned it down in part because of their treatment of conservative women:
Sources said that the show was eager to recruit young libertarian KAT TIMPF, but she turned them down because of the show’s reputation for treating conservatives poorly and her contract with Fox. Timpf declined to comment to Playbook. Others have said that the show has a responsibility to fill the conservative chair with a strong Republican co-host ahead of the midterms if they are going to be a credible political talk show.
It should be noted former co-host McCain has previously said that the environment for her was “hostile” The Daily Wire reported this past October. This prompted Fox News’ Janice Dean to praise her for her performance on the show:
“I saw @meghan McCain go through this in real time. It made me sick and angry to see the torture she went through on a daily basis. There’s no question @TheView was a toxic work environment that made it impossible for Meghan to thrive.”
“They should balance the show with other opinions,” Dean continued. “And treat each other with respect. Until then, the token ‘conservative’ woman will be a punching bag until she leaves or gets fired. I used to love @theView. Now I can’t watch one single minute of it.”
“And one more thing. I am so proud of @Meghan McCain. She has an important voice in this crazy time we’re living in. A kind friend, wonderful daughter, wife, sister and mom. She has been there for me in some dark moments and I’m lucky to have her in my life,” Dean concluded.
Politico did not report any names the show is considering to replace McCain.