Government Shutdown Discussion on “The View”

As the government shutdown stretched into its 22nd day, co-hosts of “The View” engaged in a heated debate about the Democratic strategy surrounding it. Joy Behar expressed frustration, urging viewers to contact their local Republican representatives. “Guys, I want to know what to do. Call the Republican in your district. Give me a call,” she said, encouraging them to share their feelings.

Democrats are advocating for an extension of the lapsed Obamacare subsidies, whereas Republicans are aiming to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government while opening negotiations post-shutdown.

Alyssa Farrah Griffin emphasized the importance of public engagement with legislators, noting that Democrats still control the government, even during this crisis. “You can’t allow President Trump to shut everything down and surrender your power while he does everything he wants to do,” she said, challenging Behar’s point of view.

Behar countered, pointing out that Republicans currently hold significant power, including control over the Supreme Court. She added, “They own everything, Alyssa.” Griffin prompted Behar to further explain the impact of the shutdown on Democrats, leading to a remark from co-host Whoopi Goldberg.

Goldberg acknowledged that certain government goals had not yet been neglected, suggesting that although progress might seem slow, public impatience is growing. “But they can fix this. But they’ll only fix it if it goes into their pockets.” She has consistently called for Congress members to forgo their salaries until the shutdown is resolved. “I hope Republicans and Democrats come together and decide not to take the paycheck,” she mentioned on a prior episode.

Goldberg concluded by stating that addressing the issue won’t happen until it personally impacts lawmakers as it does their constituents. “So, as an American, I ask that you refrain from receiving your paycheck until this issue is resolved.”