New York Daily News

‘The View’ is still ‘on track’ to fill Meghan McCain’s seat

- BY KATE FELDMAN

Everything is going according to plan at “The View,” or so says ABC.

Four months after Meghan McCain said goodbye to the daytime talk show, her seat is still being filled by a revolving door of conservati­ve guest hosts. But despite reports of struggles to find an acceptable Republican, the show says they’re doing just fine, thanks.

“Our plans are on track as we continue to look for the right person to join our panel of smart, dynamic women,” a spokesman for “The View” told the Daily News on Monday.

“We look forward to welcoming guest co-hosts for return appearance­s and introducin­g new names into the mix in the new year.”

In late August, executive producer Brian Teta said the show would take “a little time” to replace former presidenti­al candidate John McCain’s daughter, vowing to continue “the mission of dynamic conversati­ons with diverse points of view.” Since then, ABC has rolled out the red carpet for S.E. Cupp, Condoleeza Rice, Mia Love, Carly Fiorina, Alyssa Farah and even McCain’s mom, Cindy.

No one has stuck, though, and Politico reported Monday that the permanent hosts — Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin and Sara Haines — are looking for some stability.

The trouble, according to Politico, is finding a Republican who hasn’t strayed too far from the beaten path all the way into election denial or conspiracy theories.

But “The View” insists that this is how they always saw the search going and that they’re in no rush.

When the show returns from its holiday break, Farah, the former White House director of strategic communicat­ions, will return to the show as a guest host after appearing in October, The News has learned. Former New York Times op-ed writer Bari Weiss, who quit to start her own newsletter after complainin­g about being bullied online, and former “View” co-host Lisa Ling will also join the show as guest hosts.

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