Sparks flew on the set of "The View" Friday after liberal co-host Joy Behar — pointing to White House chief of staff John Kelly's initial defense of alleged wife beater Rob Porter — said she was offended by all Republicans, Mediaite is reporting.
It started when Behar drew audience laughter when she sarcastically said Kelly was "shocked, shocked" by allegations that Porter, a former top Trump aide, had beaten one of his ex-wives. Kelly initially said he was unaware of the allegations, but recent reports said he and other Trump aides knew about the accusations for months.
"We should not be laughing," Meghan McCain fumed. "We're talking about the abuse of a woman," McCain said. "I mean, look at that photo," she added, referring to a picture that showed one Porter's ex-wife sporting a black eye.
"It's very serious and as a Republican, I'm offended."
"As a Democrat, I'm offended by Republicans," Behar shot back.
That's when co-host Sunny Hostin jumped in and tried to turn down the volume by turning the conversation back to Kelly and Porter, who has denied the allegations, though he resigned on Wednesday.
It didn't last long.
"I don't think this should be political," McCain said. "I don't think this should be about Democrats and Republicans," suggesting that Behar was offended because McCain is a Republican.
"I'm offended by a party that backs a racist," Behar shot back, prompting McCain to roll her eyes and sigh, "Oh my God," before saying she was going on the Van Jones show Saturday to talk about this "in a way that is respectful and not being told that just because I'm a Republican, I offend you."
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