Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg Criticized for Undermining Women’s Success After Remarks About Press Secretary Caroline Lipp
The controversial remarks made by The View co-hosts Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg have sparked a fierce backlash, not only from conservative circles but also from feminists who view the comments as undermining women’s success.
The duo’s comments about 27-year-old Caroline Lipp, the newly appointed White House Press Secretary, have raised eyebrows and left viewers questioning their commitment to feminist principles.
Joy Behar’s Comments on Caroline Lipp’s Appointment
Joy Behar, a long-time co-host of The View known for her liberal views, shocked viewers when she implied that Caroline Lipp was hired as press secretary due to her looks.
Behar remarked, “I think she’s probably been put in there because, according to Donald Trump, she’s a 10.” The statement was made during a discussion about Lipp’s appointment to the prestigious role in the Biden administration.
Behar’s comments were perceived by many as reducing Lipp’s qualifications and achievements to mere physical appearance, ignoring her extensive background in public service and communications.
While Behar did acknowledge that Lipp had previous experience in government, having worked in the previous administration, the insinuation that her looks were the reason for her position overshadowed this qualification.
“It’s not her first job; it was her first press briefing,” Behar clarified, but this did little to quell the growing criticism that followed. Many saw Behar’s comments as contradictory to the very principles she often champions as a feminist.
Social Media Outrage and Feminist Backlash
Online reactions to Behar’s comments were swift and harsh. Critics pointed out the irony of Behar, who has positioned herself as an advocate for women’s rights, reducing Lipp’s achievements to nothing more than her appearance.
One commentator tweeted, “Disgusting! Joy Behar accuses Caroline Lipp of being hired only because Donald Trump thought she was a 10. Caroline Lipp actually comes with real job qualifications unlike Biden’s DEI hires.”
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The social media backlash didn’t stop with Behar. In fact, some commentators doubled down on the criticisms, suggesting that Lipp’s qualifications were being dismissed unfairly.
One commentator remarked, “She’s quite capable, unlike the last press secretary who was only hired because she was a black lesbian.” Such comments seemed to amplify the broader criticism of The View hosts’ approach to discussing women in high positions, particularly women of color and those working under conservative administrations.
Whoopi Goldberg Joins the Criticism
Whoopi Goldberg, another prominent co-host of The View, added fuel to the fire with her own remarks about Lipp. Goldberg insinuated that Lipp only earned her position due to “wokeness,” an accusation often thrown at individuals or policies associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Goldberg said, “Without that wokeness, you might not have that job.” This statement seemed to undermine Lipp’s capabilities by suggesting that her role was only possible because of diversity initiatives, rather than her merit.
Goldberg, who has long been a champion of social justice and women’s rights, appeared to forget the historical context behind the fight for equality when she claimed that “wokeness” was merely a tool for advancing unqualified candidates.
In her passionate speech, Goldberg referenced the struggles women have faced in breaking into professional spaces that were once dominated by men, but her comments about Lipp seemed to imply that the young press secretary had somehow dismissed or ignored these struggles, a notion that did not sit well with many.
A Missed Opportunity for Empowerment
The remarks by both Behar and Goldberg have been met with accusations of “mansplaining” — a term used to describe condescending explanations often given by men to women, especially when they undermine a woman’s intelligence or qualifications.
Ironically, this term seems to fit the behavior of the two co-hosts, who, despite their long-standing positions in media and advocacy for gender equality, appeared to undermine Lipp’s qualifications.
Caroline Lipp’s credentials are solid. At only 27 years old, Lipp has made a name for herself as a communications professional, having worked as a spokeswoman for several key political figures. Her recent performance during her first White House press briefing further solidified her reputation.
Lipp confidently handled tough questions from the media, addressing issues such as immigration and the administration’s stance on illegal border crossings. Her firm stance and clear delivery showed a level of preparedness and professionalism that defied the condescending attitudes of those on The View.
Caroline Lipp’s Performance Under Pressure
Lipp’s first press briefing was seen by many as a masterclass in handling the press. She expertly dodged loaded questions and presented the administration’s position on several key issues, including the handling of immigration enforcement.
Lipp’s straightforward response to a question about the number of arrests related to immigration — “All of them because they illegally broke our nation’s laws and therefore they are criminals” — was a defining moment in her first appearance at the podium.
Her performance earned her praise from across the political spectrum. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk praised Lipp for her ability to hold the media accountable, stating that she had “run circles around the legacy media.” He also criticized the attacks from Behar and Goldberg, labeling them as “idiotic” and “bitter.”
International praise also followed, with Sky News host Paul Murray calling Lipp a “rock star” and praising her for her composure and poise. Murray added, “She’s fantastic. She’s just 27, but she’s fantastic.” Lipp’s reputation as a capable and confident press secretary seems to be growing, despite the unfounded criticisms from The View hosts.
The Dangers of Undermining Women’s Success
The situation surrounding Behar and Goldberg’s comments is a stark reminder of the dangers of undermining women’s achievements, especially when those women are in positions of power.
In the case of Caroline Lipp, her appointment and subsequent performance as press secretary should be celebrated as a milestone for young women in politics, not reduced to shallow stereotypes about physical appearance or “wokeness.”
Both Behar and Goldberg’s remarks unintentionally play into harmful stereotypes about women in politics. Their comments suggest that women’s success in high-profile positions can only be attributed to superficial factors, rather than their talent, hard work, and qualifications. This sets a dangerous precedent for future generations of women who seek to break into these fields.
Conclusion: A Call for Support and Empowerment
In conclusion, Caroline Lipp’s rise to power and her impressive performance as White House Press Secretary should be celebrated by all, including those who claim to be feminist icons like Behar and Goldberg.
Rather than undermining Lipp’s achievements, it is essential for women in media to come together to support one another, regardless of political affiliation.
It’s time to acknowledge that women in all sectors — from politics to media to entertainment — deserve recognition based on their abilities and not be reduced to mere caricatures based on their looks or political leanings.
By continuing to undermine successful women like Lipp, public figures like Behar and Goldberg do a disservice to the very cause they claim to champion. Instead, it’s important to uplift women in all fields and celebrate their accomplishments, as this is the true essence of feminism.
