UPDATE: A heated discussion on The View just aired, focusing on the viability of female presidential candidates in the U.S. The co-hosts tackled pressing issues of race, sexism, and the country’s readiness for a female leader, with significant implications for the 2024 election.
During the episode, co-host Joy Behar asserted that “a conservative woman would win” the presidency “faster than a liberal candidate.” This bold statement ignited a debate about whether the U.S. is evolving to accept women in leadership roles, particularly conservative figures.
Producer Brian Teta posed a pivotal question: “Is the country getting more comfortable with women leaders?” Co-host Sunny Hostin responded emphatically, suggesting that while a woman could be elected, “not a black woman, ever. Not in my lifetime.” This stark assertion highlights the deep-seated issues of racism and sexism that continue to plague the political landscape.
Behar speculated that someone like Liz Cheney could potentially emerge as a candidate if she weren’t sidelined by her party. “A lot of people think that,” Teta concurred, indicating a shared belief among the co-hosts that the political climate may favor a conservative woman first.
However, Hostin clarified that the discussion primarily revolves around “a white conservative woman,” reflecting the complex intersections of race and gender in American politics. She lamented the pervasive misogyny in the country, stating, “There’s a lot of misogyny in this country,” and emphasized the barriers faced by women of color in particular.
The conversation took a poignant turn as the co-hosts reflected on former First Lady Michelle Obama’s recent comments, where she suggested that the nation is “not ready for a woman” to hold the presidency. This sentiment resonated deeply, prompting further analysis of the systemic issues that hinder progress.
Behar pointed out that countries like Italy, Iceland, and Mexico have successfully elected female leaders, contrasting their experiences with the U.S., which she claimed is “the only country” that hasn’t.
Hostin argued that while the U.S. made history by electing its first black president in 2008, it is still “based on racism and slavery,” making it difficult to envision a black woman as president. She passionately shared her perspective as an Afro Latina, saying, “This is a country based on racism and slavery, and founded in it.”
The co-hosts’ discussion underscores the urgent need for a national dialogue about race and gender in leadership, especially as the 2024 presidential race approaches.
As the conversation continues, it raises critical questions about the future of female presidential candidates in the U.S. and what barriers still need to be overcome. The implications of this dialogue could significantly shape the political landscape in the coming years.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
