I’m no fan of Elisabeth Hasselbeck (pictured, left), but this time, it’s really not her fault. Barry Manilow (right), who’s promoting his new album of ’70s covers, won’t be appearing as scheduled on The View today because he refuses to let the Hasselbot interview him. There’s some question as to whether Manilow dropped out, citing the chirpy panelist’s "dangerous and offensive" political views, or whether the show’s producers dropped him because he demanded veto power over which of the View co-hosts may interview him. There’s also some question as to whether Rosie O’Donnell is exercising some karmic payback on her former frenemies; she’s a Manilow pal who recorded a duet with him of "Don’t Go Breaking My Heart" (which he thankfully left off the new album).
But no matter what happened, Manilow comes off as a whiny diva — especially since he’s appeared on the show before, with Elisabeth and without incident. For one thing, it’s a bad idea for stars to start boycotting talk show hosts over politics. (Why even bring politics into it, Barry? You’re there to sing and to promote a CD; did you really expect to have time to argue the finer points of foreign and domestic policy?) Second, if you’re going to go on The View, Hasselbeck is part of the package. You know the drill; you’ve been there before. Third, Barry, didn’t you used to be all about unity? Weren’t you the "One Voice" guy? Did you change the lyrics of your other hit to "I write the songs that make the whole world sing/Except for Hasselbeck and all the right-wing"?
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Whiny diva, indeed. And if it’s true that he called Hasselbeck’s views “dangerous and offensive,” then he’s also pompous and self-righteous. There are plenty of people out there with views like Hasselbeck’s – it’s a good thing that “The View” has some diversity of opinion. If Manilow can’t deal with it, he can take his dolls and dishes and go elsewhere…but we get to snark at him, too.
It seems like a lot of Liberals want free speech only if they agree with it. If they had their way, there would be no Conservative opinions heard on TV or the radio (there’s already none in movies). Manilow should get over himself. It’s unbelievable how arrogant some people are; they don’t even want to let the other side speak!
I would love to see more guests opt out of The View because of HassleTwit. She’s a liability to the show – a carefully planned Sweeps Month Firing would be smashing!!!
Gary,
Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys wrote “I Write the Songs”. Secondly I really hope that this season Babs will try not to focus on Hasselbrats boo-hoo fits.
i agree with Dave and Martha. While i don’t agree with her, i applaud Elisabeth for sticking to her beliefs even though they’re not popular and i applaud The View for not homogenizing its panel to suit the favorite perspective. Last time i checked we all had freedom of speech.
I don’t think it’s much different than any other artist not going on a particular show. For years, we’ve seen certain celebs refrain from Letterman or other shows based on not-so-great relationships. It’s just that Manilow made his reasons known, which he probably didn’t have to make public. It’s probably better to keep some of those things under the radar because then it polarizes audiences in a way.
You know what the best way to defeat “dangerous and offensive” views is? Prove they’re wrong. Address them head on, and convince the audience why your views are right.
Running away and ignoring them? Not terribly persuasive.
Obviously, diversity and tolerance is a one way street and works only when everyone agrees with your opinion, right Barry?
It really amazes me that liberals are supposed to be compassionate. What happened to having differing views and opinions? I don’t agree with Whoopi or Joy but I still enjoy the show for what it is supposed to be. What a diva! If I remember correctly, didn’t Alicia Silverstone ignore Elizabeth when she went to shake hands and also Jane Seymour I believe. Correct me if I am wrong. These are supposed to be open viewed people yet they are anything but and I lose some respect for them when they act spoiled and childish.
Barry has always been so bland…does this mean he’s getting ready to come out? It’s okay, Barry, I got over my girlhood crush on you in the late ’70’s. I won’t be crushed. Other than that, he has a right to his opinions, but then again, so does Elizabeth.
Why did he schedule the appearance in the first place?
If he can have his views, why can’t Elisabeth have hers?
This is so silly, I can’t help but laugh.
Maybe he’s just doing this to sell records. You never know…..
Maybe he’s just doing this to sell records. You never know…..
Oh Dave, there are a lot of conservatives who would eradicate liberal opinions from the media if they had the chance. It’s not just liberals.
I personally find that Hasselback gets more offensive with every episode of THE VIEW. Maybe when he’s been on in the past she didnt get to him as much. If I were him I would do the same thing – she’s revolting.
If Barry doesn’t want to appear on the show that’s his choice, but his reason is ridiculous. It’s just another example of how people who claim to be the most tolerant and open minded actually aren’t.
I thought it was called “The View” not “My View, which is the only correct one”. I may not agree with Hasselback but I defend her right to say it (whoa, high school history class flashback).
Note to Barry: Please let nature take its course, lay off the botox.
Why is there always some feud on the View? It’s almost like these things are staged to get publicity. Can the steel cage matches be far behind?
Elisabeth’s opinions aren’t what offends me – I occasionally agree with her. Rather, it is her complete inability to recognize that she may be wrong, or that her point of view isn’t the only valid one. I have seen all of the other hosts – past and present, including Rosie – grant others their right to an opinion that differs from their own. Elisabeth behaves like a petulant child who spouts off without thinking things through, and it’s the “my way or the highway” attitude that is the root of her problem.
I have to say I’m not a fan of elizabeth’s views… we disagree on most things…but Barry Manilow’s behavior here is just ridiculous.. the whole point of the view is that women with varrying viewpoints come together and chat…. you do not get to pick and choose the ones who best suit your whim… this country is based on the right for everyone to express their views in life.. shame on Barry for trying to quiet one of them up.
Just a note guys: never lump a group of people(liberals/conservatives)..together and act like one represents the whole.. it’s just.. well ignorant
Anyone who goes against that ho gets my love, but it would have been better if he went on the show and ripped Elizab**ch a new one.
I may be a democrat, but Elizabeth has every right to let her opinions be heard on the panel as a conservative viewpoint. By not appearing because of her Barry Manilow is being a hypocrite to his liberal beliefs because he can’t comprehend a conservative “freedom of speech.” He’s honestly no better than Alicia Silverstone who snubbed Elizabeth. He should have more class as an artist, and should be more respectful that people can have different viewpoints and be allowed to be heard on national tv.
Hasselbot is just a puppet of the Exec. Producer- the “viewmaster”. He bumped out Rosie because she didn’t agree with him. It’s not a rounded panel – the viewmaster wouldn’t have it that way.
I say good for Barry for standing up to it.
who cares? manilow is a legend and a nice guy. every man should be like him. quit bashing and showing so much hatred. that is what repubs do best…hate. MANILOW FOREVER!
I don’t blame him, the problem isn’t so much that she’s conservative, but that she’s inarticulate, and misinformed, with no interest in getting her facts straight.
As a wiser man than me once said, we’re all entitled to our own opinions, but we are not entitled to our own facts.
Personally, I think Elizabeth is there because she’s a dunce, Debbie M. may not have been a rocket scientist, but she could articulate her conservative views in an intelligent manner, I think that’s why Walters and the others ganged up on her and kicked her off the show.
Manilow was on there to promote an album, not talk politics, this isn’t Firing Line, it’s a puff piece morning chat show, if an entertainer wants to pick their interviewer, I don’t see the big deal. Same goes if Tom Selleck comes on and doesn’t want Whoopie Goldberg to ask him about his Magnum PI DVDs, who cares.
Am I the only one out there who doesn’t think Alicia purposely snubbed Elisabeth?
Truth is, since his latest plastic surgery, Barry is afraid of being seen next to Barbara Walters.
No fredric, you’re not the only one. I think she just neglected to hug everybody on her way to the couch. And yeah dave and Busta, it’s not like conservatives organized boycotts of the Dixie Chicks.