Meghan McCain recalls how Rosie O'Donnell warned her 'The View' was a 'cesspool' as former host leaves US
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Meghan McCain revealed that she was once warned about ‘The View’ being a “cesspool,” and the warning came from the talk show's former host Rosie O’Donnell.
McCain, who joined ‘The View’ host lineup as their conservative voice in 2017, recently appeared on the new episode of Michael Malice’s ‘Your Welcome’ podcast, where she opened up about O’Donnell’s frank characterization of the popular daytime talk show.
Following a four-year stint, the 40-year-old blogger left ‘The View’ in 2021. However, her memories from the stint may not be the best, as she shared what O’Donnell has said about the talk show, The Daily Beast reported.
Meghan McCain opens up about Rosie O'Donnell's warning about ‘The View’
Meghan McCain and Rosie O’Donnell, 63, may belong at opposite ends of the current political spectrum of America, but that does not mean they have never connected.
O’Donnell was “actually the first person that warned me that The View was a cesspool,” McCain revealed during the podcast.
Speaking about the comedian’s recent move to Ireland following President Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 election, McCain said in the podcast episode, “I know she’s in Ireland and has sort of banished herself from America,” but “I always had really great interactions with her, for whatever that’s worth.”
I had so much fun joining Americas favorite anarchist @michaelmalice on his show yesterday. Check it out:https://t.co/nHBUJMSGmH
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) March 27, 2025
Among interactions the ‘Outnumbered’ star had with the comedian, one was about the show ‘The View’, which they both left after butting heads with the other co-hosts.
O’Donnell initially joined 'The View' in 2006 and left it in the following year, citing personal issues. She came back later in 2014, but left again following her on-screen conflict with conservative co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
McCain, on the other hand, left ‘The View’ shortly after having an intense on-air conflict with co-host Joy Behar in 2021.
Though the ‘Raising McCain’ star and O’Donnell differ politically (with McCain being the daughter of late Republican Senator John McCain and the ‘Now and Then’ star being a strong critic of Trump), McCain praised the comedian during her podcast appearance on Wednesday, March 26.
“I think people relate to her, and I think it’s because she’s been very open about struggles. I think her kids have struggled a lot publicly,” McCain said while talking about O’Donnell’s reported struggles.
She continued, “She’s obviously not skinny either. I think she’s just been through a lot and is very open,” before admitting why she felt connected to O'Donnell. “I think she’s just been through a lot and is very open, and I think if you’re raw and open, people will respond to it,” McCain added.
Meghan McCain talks about nepotism and significance of having a famous last name
Meghan McCain, who is the daughter of late Arizona representative and Senator John McCain, also opened up about the implications of having a famous last name.
As she talked about the subject of relatability, McCain reflected on the audience base of ‘The View’, and how her political background hindered her efforts to endear herself to the viewers.
“The View audience, it’s not a wealthy audience,” she said, “It’s a middle to lower class, stay-at-home mom-type,” shared the podcast host.
She added that despite her efforts, she knows that “every room” she walks into, people see her as a “spoiled nepo baby.”
“Having a last name is actually a detriment now,” McCain said, before adding, “It’s something I’ve been told by political strategists, people don’t like it. People think you’ve been handed everything. I’m not ashamed, but I certainly am very aware of the tone of the country right now, if that makes sense. It’s not cool to come from money at all.”
