Jill Niccolini interviewed me for the Fox 5 News at 10 last night about the report that Barbara Walters is supposedly retiring next year.
I’m not sure which sound bites they used–after the interview, I went off to see Tom Hanks in a play—but above is a photo of me telling Jill stuff like:
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“If this is true, I’m shocked. I thought Barbara Walters and Regis Philbin would be the two people who’d be on TV till the very end. I never thought she’d step down!”
But I said she must be somewhat frail and ready to step back and reflect on her immense past as a powerful woman who trailblazed, made grown men cry, and dealt with internal battles while keeping on.
When Jill reminded me that Regis is indeed coming back a a sports show host, I said that would be a great job for Barbara too! Something fresh and surprising.
As for who should replace her on The View? “Joan Rivers,” I exclaimed.
I mean, can we talk? She can. And I’m sure she can summon the gravitas when needed.