Rosie O’Donnell’s “View” replacement will be announced this week, but co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck is already championing one candidate — Whoopi Goldberg.
“I loved working with Whoopi Goldberg,” Hasselbeck told People magazine. “She is soulful, has a world of experience to bring to the table, and I don’t sense any sort of political agenda.”
Goldberg was one of two women, the other being comedian Sherri Shepherd, who the Los Angeles Times said were in contract negotiations with ABC. Two slots are open on the panel.
Barbara Walters confirmed the announcement will be made this week.
Goldberg was one of the first people tipped for O'Donnell’s post. She even filled in following O’Donnell’s early departure from the show back in May, after her on-air spat with Hasselbeck. The co-hosts argued when O'Donnell accused Hasselbeck of not defending her to conservative pundits who accused O’Donnell of calling U.S. troops terrorists. O’Donnell labeled Hasselbeck “cowardly” for not saying anything in response to the critics.
Goldberg, like O'Donnell, is known for voicing her opinions — often with a dose of comedy. The multi-faceted entertainer has won a Grammy, Emmy, Oscar and a Tony Award. Along with her work as an actress and comedian, Goldberg has hosted a radio show for the past year.
She has served as a recurring guest-host on "The View" in the past, and has reportedly garnered praise from Joy Behar, Hasselbeck, and O'Donnell herself.
In a May 31 posting on her official Web site, O'Donnell wrote "love whoopi" in response to a fan's question about her opinion on a replacement host.
When asked if Walters also supported Goldberg, Hasselbeck told People yes.
“You’d have to ask Barbara but I’m sure she is. Who isn’t into Whoopi? She’s an amazing person,” Hasselbeck noted.