The May 23rd Fight: An Analysis
After watching the entire argument between Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Rosie O’Donnell, it is pretty clear to me that it had very little, if anything, to do about politics or the war in Iraq. Rosie was extremely hurt by Elisabeth’s failure to back her up when the cable news shows were saying that she thinks the troops are terrorists. She considered Elisabeth to be her friend and someone who would have her back, even if it meant deviating from her party. Rosie was not upset with Elisabeth the Republican, but rather with Elisabeth the Friend. During the argument, Rosie pointed out that anytime that she said anything that hurt Elisabeth during the show, she went and apologized to her afterward. Elisabeth has not done that and that is the place Rosie was coming from.
Rosie’s financial support of wounded soldiers, as well as other things that she has done in support of the troops, is something that Elisabeth is well aware of. All Rosie wanted was for Elisabeth to say “No, I don’t think that you think the troops are terrorists.” She could have then gone on and said what she wanted about how it could be interpreted that way, etc. I have no doubt that Elisabeth does not honestly believe that Rosie thinks that our troops are terrorists. That is the reason why Rosie was upset. Not because Elisabeth did not agree with her, but, rather that she was not truthful about her own feelings.
Click for more, including a video.
As far as ABC’s coverage of the argument, I thought it was unprofessional. The use of the split-screen had a cheapening effect on the show and they should not have let the argument continue the way that it did. It was obvious that it was not a political debate, but rather an argument about hurt feelings and the realities of relationships. They both got in some pretty cheap shots and as a result of the argument continuing, the structure of the show collapsed.
ABC has posted video of today’s show here. Here is a video from Best Week Ever, which shows a lot of the argument, but edits out some key points:
The View, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Rosie O’Donnell, alicia silverstone
May 23rd, 2007 at 6:58 pm
[...] May 23rd Recap: Alicia Silverstone and Elizabeth Mitchell May 23rd, 2007 by Winnie McCarthy There was more to today’s episode than the fight between Rosie O’Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Sherri Shepherd was back as guest host, although she did not get too much opportunity to speak today during the hot topics. She did say that she is back with her estranged husband who cheated on her. She revealed that a big part of the reason that she had filed for divorce was because he fathered a child with the other woman. Sherri decided, in part on advice from viewers who said that she should give him another chance, that she would be forgiving and give it another try. They attend marriage counseling three times a week and she is learning a lot about herself. [...]
May 23rd, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Elisabeth did answer her question, just not in the way that Rosie wanted, or liked. And what did Elisabeth have to apologise for?? It’s not her fault that other media sourses played her comment about terrorist.
I agree though that this is a carry over from Monday. It’s sad really.
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Fox News has been spinning Rosie’s words for months now. Yet Elisabeth on a simple question, could not come right out and say what she knows of Rosie through personal experience. Her excuse was that it was not about her, but it seems more like she didn’t want to deviate from the Fox News spin. “Cowardly” characterizes Elisabeth well. Who needs friends like that?
May 23rd, 2007 at 9:21 pm
This fight wasn’t about hurt feelings from Mondays’ show. It was about Elisabeth finally standing up to Rosie on Monday and Barbara not coming to Rosie’s defense also on Monday, Rosie’s upset because she clearly lost that argument. Then today she picked another fight and Elisabeth didn’t back down to her and now Rosie wants to go home, I say don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.
True, technically she didn’t call the troops terrorists but she definetly implied it and she won’t take responsibility for her own words instead she wants Elisabeth to take responsibility for her. Good job Elisabeth!
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:35 pm
Elisabeth stands up for wrong thing. She regurgitates the spin but wouldn’t admit what she knows to be the truth because that would discredit the spin. It’s called selling out in the pre-Bushie world. Now, it’s “Heck of a job, Lizzie!” If it were up for a vote, she would be the first one voted off The View.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:30 pm
I understand both sides of the story here. Elisabeth should have given a “yes or no” answer on Monday. She knows her job is to represent the Republicans and the one’s who do not agree with Rosie. So she decided not to directly defend Rosie.
Rosie knows her words could be easily misunderstood and should not take her anger or hurt feelings out on Elisabeth on national television. She promised she would not fight with Elisabeth but I guess Rosie has no self-control.
Anyways, I still love the show and I hope Rosie comes back next week to finish her contract out.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:46 pm
I for one think it is absurd that Elizabeth is being blamed for this argument. Regardless of whether or not Rosie wants to say now that she believes our troops are terrorists, that was 100% the implication she made in the initial conversation. I watched the show that day, and the only reason it is being analyzed is because that is what she said. Why should Elizabeth have to justify Rosie’s words when day after day Rosie degrades Elizabeth, often making personal attacks by saying things that insult conservatives’ intelligence and character. Rosie makes snide remarks through the entire show after her and Elizabeth debate an issue, and shows a lack of respect and maturity. If she is that concerned what republican talk show analyst are saying about her, she should not try to pass extreme liberal philosophies off as the supreme rule on a daily basis. Also, this is not the first time she has referred to American troops as being the problem in Iraq, and on more than one occassions has implied that we can not refer to Iraqi radicals as terrorists–most of the time pointing out that it is Americans that fit her definition of terrorist. Elizabeth is a bit extreme in her beliefs, but I don’t know why she is always the blame for arguments when it is always her defending herself against the entire panel. Furthermore, Rosie has never once had Elizabeth’s back in a single argument so it seems a bit hypocritical for her to expect the same.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:59 pm
It’s about Elizabeth saying that she is Rosie’s friend but can’t say a simple phrase like “Rosie doesn’t think out troops are terrorists.” If you’re a real friend you’d, at the very least, say that much.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:02 am
When was Elisabeth “always blamed for the arguments”? She the one always portrayed as being “bullied” by the media. Rosie simple asked her a question and Elisabeth chose spin rather than say what she actual knew of Rosie’s support for wounded soldiers. Rosie has been very considerate of her of late going so far as to tell Joy to stop talking so Elisabeth could say her piece. Joy actual said “shut up” half-jokingly to Rosie for doing that. At the end of the day, keeping her Fox credential is more important to Elisabeth than being a decent person, and that is her true color shining through.
May 24th, 2007 at 7:01 am
Has anyone else noticed that since EH went to the White House, she has been more hard core in her Neo-con new-speak? Just an obsevation. Friends, though they may disagree, are suppose to stick up for one another when they know something is wrong. EH knew what Rosie ment and stabbed her in the back. If she didn’t know then she is either a false friend or an idiot. Take your pick. For Rosie’s sake, I hope they let her go. Who wants to work in that environment. And as for the split screen… that was so Jerry Spinger. Very sad day all around.
May 24th, 2007 at 10:01 am
In my opinion, EH acts like an immature spoiled brat, trying to impress others with what she considers her knowledge on topics. She can’t listen without interrupting. It’s so annoying.
May 24th, 2007 at 11:16 am
bottom line: if you DON’T AGREE WITH ROSIE, you must be WRONG. That’s all I can hear from her. She attacks people, not just their views. EH debates the issues, not the people. Even Joy seems to hate the people who believe differently than her. Even if I agree with Rosie on a view, I just cannot stand the way she gives off the attitude that it’s her way and her way ONLY. Everyone in this great country holds different views about so many different things. That’s the beauty of our democracy. Personally attacking someone who believes differently than you is UNPATRIOTIC. Disagreeing is invited, hating and attacking makes other people for their opinions is just plain ole WRONG.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
PUH-LEEZE….do you honestly think that Rosie and Elisabeth are “Friends”! How naive. They are co-workers. They are cordial. They may even be friendly, but they are not friends. EH does not have to “defend” her friend, RO. RO, BTW, constantly belittles EH’s opinions in her blog. She sometimes allows disparaging comments of EH be printed in her “Ask Ro” section with only her “Hmmmmm” answer, or no answer at all. No “defending her friend” going on there. She is so full of venom for everyone else, and then plays the “my feelings are hurt” card. Sheesh, go away you loudmouth (pls notice I didn’t used the adj. “fat” or “lesbo”, though I had to catch myself…)
May 24th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
awww, Poor Rosie. No one agrees with her so she must throw an on air tantrum, AGAIN.
I liked the girl. thought she was darn funny. Just cannot stand the fact that she gets mad anytime someone doesn’t agree with her ‘bizzare’ views. She made the references to the troops and wanted Elisabeth to defend her. Don’t say stupid stuff, and no one will need to defened you.
May 24th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
I think yesterday’s fight didn’t have as much to do with politics. Elisabeth debates the issues all the time and stays on topic. Rosie however gets personal if you disagree with her. How many times have I heard Rosie tell Elisabeth she is soooooo young, ask her is she is capable of holding two concepts at once, or recently call her a coward (to name a few). Rosie then brings up the fact their friends. How can you call someone a friend you continually belittle and show no personal respect for. I have no problems listening to people debate issues and seeing conversations get heated HOWEVER, I think it is sad when you have to win those arguments by insulting someones age, Christianity, or intelligence and then end every show with “Peace Out”. Plus, read ROSIE’S blog. She chooses what comments get posted and she chose to post numerous comments that talk about how horrible Elisabeth is only to have Rosie comment “I Know” or “it’s Sad” in reference to Elisabeth. This is definitely a friend I would want… someone who insults me publicly anytime I don’t agree with her politically or morally and then acts as though she so desperately wants world peace.
May 24th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Rosie: Loud, ignorant, obnoxious bully.
Elizabeth: Nice, pleasant young lady trying to do her job as token non-liberal surrounded by idiocy.
For months, EH has been dissed and treated like garbage by RO, who filibusters every show, every day, spouting one stupid conspiracy theory after another.
EH finally has had it and stands up to her.
RO slinks away, as bullies are wont to do.
I am glad to see EH stand up for herself and hope she keeps doing it.
May 24th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
EH asked “If you’re playing a game and I say I’m throwing to my receiver wide right, okay what does that do for your enemy Rosie?,” She did not make up that analogy herself. Now we know that her football
playing Neo-Con loving husband does the thinking for her. Not to mention the fact that simplifing a war to a statagy for football is obserd and rediculious. Scoring touchdownsand keeping are troops in harms way should not be compared…EVER!
May 24th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Crystal,
You totally missed the point EH was making, which was a valid argument. One does not tell one’s opponent what and/or when they are going to do something. The analogy is valid. Your obvious hatred for conservatives is blinding you to this.
May 24th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
I don’t hate anyone, and I understood the point she was trying to make. What I am saying is that, she is over simplyfing the war. A war in which our so called “enemies” are the very people our troops are trying to protect. How do the “game”, when both teams are dressed the same? The insurgants are who she is calling “terrorists”, but it is their country, and even the Iraqi government wants us out. So what do you call it when a country is invaded an occupied without concent. Game Over.
May 24th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Good for EH standing up to Rosie. That woman is so loud and annoying. I don’t ever watch the View and yet it is all I hear about. I mean, she tells others that they are blathering their opinions but she can scream hers at the top of her lungs all the time? I think EH is right. I am glad there is someone who will stand up and say what we all are thinking. The freaking audience there is the worst. I have never wanted to get tickets to a show and cheer someone on until I heard EH. I really wanted to get into the audience and scream her praises. You go girl!!! Keep on asking the important questions and refusing to listen to the partial truths and limited facts collected by those around you. What I hate is that you couldn’t respond well to the rest of Joy’s list which was totally nuts. I mean, really nuts. I get a little political humor but they just attack Bush on that show. If those are really the complaints of the democrats, no wonder they lost the last presidential election.
May 24th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
If you never watch the View, why the heck are you posting on a blog called “Watching the View?”
Furthermore, give me some reasons why Bush is doing such a great job. He’s a puppet for the worst administration this country has ever seen.
Are you asleep?????????????????
WAKE UP!
May 24th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Get OVER the conservative vs. liberal argument!
It’s not about THAT. It’s about truth and justice and making this world a better place!
I would consider myself “liberal” in the past, but I’d vote for RON PAUL in a heartbeat.
Guess what? He’s a republican.
http://www.ronpaul2008.com
May 25th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Crystal,
Your statement, “Has anyone else noticed that since EH went to the White House, she has been more hard core in her Neo-con new-speak?” implies a certain disdain (shall we just call it what it is - hatred) for any type of conservative point of view. So, you make a hateful statement, then say you don’t hate anyone. Sorry, but that’s exactly what RO did, and EH simply called her on it.
Second, some principles are, in fact, so simple they make one simply go “doh!!” Things like “stove hot - do not touch” or, “do not tell your enemy what you’re going to do” (This applies both in war and football) - therefore, the analogy is not only appropriate, it really should not require explanation. I understand that some people do not get this, and that makes me wonder what our country is turning into.
Third, you want to apply moral equivalence to us and the terrorists. Your statement, “The insurgants are who she is calling “terrorists”, ” makes me ask the question, just WHO in your mind, ARE the terrorists? The people who behead and murder those who aren’t Muslims, or our troops? Are you saying our soldiers and Marines are somehow equivalent to those who carry signs saying “behead those who insult Islam”?
Further, you state, “but it is their country, and even the Iraqi government wants us out.” - Uh, for the most part, the so-called insurgents (please learn to spell) come from outside Iraq, and no, the Iraqi gov’t DOES NOT want us out, but rather the reverse.
Your whole post is full of inaccuracies, based upon faulty and false assumptions, thereby showing your total ignorance of, well, pretty much everything. In fact, you sound more like a RO-indoctrinated bumper-sticker.
When you can come up with something other than RO talking-points, and sound bytes, let me know.
The Game is NOW over.
Uh, Ron Paul… can you say “nutjob”? Nuff said.
May 26th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
The View this year has just been crazy and the rabid furor over Rosie has done nothing good for our country. I have left two other message boards, great communities, because it seemed like every week people would get in these HUGE furious fights over something Rosie said or did or something Elisabeth said or did … and it is just crazy. It seems like no matter what Rosie did or does people are going to HATE her so much, just like it seems like no matter what Elisabeth says or does some people are going to HATE her too. It is not even about these two women, if it ever was, it is about this whole red state v. blue state, liberal v. conservative, hate-filled-word-spewing people like to do these days.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Some time has passed since i made my comment above. #2. Time has a way of adding more to situations. I still believe that Elisabeth did answer her question,..although, not right out, and after some dialogue. (as I recall the show) she did say, no I don’t think you think our troops are terrorist.
I don’t think this disagreement had anything to do with politics at all. I believe that Rosie wanted some vindication from her friend, a conservative, who knew how she felt about our troops. And yes, as a friend E.H. could have, and should have spoken right up for her. This was a live show where things happened quickly. I think they both were under pressure. I am willing to bet that neither of them would do things the same way had they the chance to do it over.
I also feel that the producers of the show could have and should have stepped in, never should have gone to a split screen. They made a mistake as well. I full well agree with Rosie in that this was a Jerry Springer type of thing, and not right or good for the View, or the hosts.
I feel that both Rosie and Elisabeth regret how things played out that day.
I enjoyed Rosie on the View.
February 16th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
“Elisabeth did answer her question, just not in the way that Rosie wanted, or liked. And what did Elisabeth have to apologise for?? It’s not her fault that other media sourses played her comment about terrorist.
I agree though that this is a carry over from Monday. It’s sad really.”
What’s really sad is the defense of the indefensible. Winnie, this is my first time reading your post regarding the fight. You nailed it! EH is a backstabbing, fame seeking witch. She will step on anyone to get her desired goal; to be a conservative mouth piece. while i am a firm believer that people are entitled to their opinions,concerned with the decisions of others. especially in matter that they have absolutely no experience or perspective about. Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s opinions contain no personal insight, and are merely ignorant assumptions about actions and situations she’s never dealt with. she lacks both compassion or empathy. Maybe she should remember that, absolutes are for the self-righteous. The only problem with being self-righteous, is that you often find yourself in the company of hypocrisy.