“The View” co-host Joy Behar ignited a storm of controversy on social media following her remarks on the potential legal disqualification of former President Donald Trump from the 2024 presidential race.
In a recent discourse on digital platforms, Behar responded to comments made by former Congressman Joe Walsh, who, despite his belief in Trump’s insurrectionist actions, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness and clarity of the 14th Amendment’s “insurrection ban.” Walsh emphasized that defeating Trump should be a matter for voters, not courts.
Contrary to Walsh’s views, Behar expressed her apprehension about the electoral system’s capacity to fairly counter Trump’s candidacy, citing concerns about third-party candidates splitting the vote and the complexities of the Electoral College. Behar argued that legal avenues must be employed to prevent Trump from running, a stance that drew sharp criticism from online commentators.
Critics of Behar’s statement accused her of advocating for undemocratic measures that echo the autocratic behavior she attributes to Trump. Her comments led to an outpour of reactions suggesting that such a viewpoint might ironically strengthen Trump’s political stance by alienating democratic principles.
The reactions on social platforms ranged from accusations of hypocrisy to warnings that Behar’s rhetoric could inadvertently propel the #WalkAway movement, encouraging voters to reassess their political alignments.
This backlash is set against the backdrop of the Colorado Supreme Court’s recent 4-3 decision to exclude Trump from the state’s ballot, a move that has divided public opinion and incited debate about the balance between legal constraints and democratic processes.
While some media voices endorse the court’s ruling as a necessary step to uphold the rule of law, others, including potential Republican primary contenders, decry it as an assault on the democratic rights of voters. Behar’s remarks have become a focal point in this ongoing debate, reflecting the polarized views on how best to approach Trump’s potential candidacy in the next presidential election.