'Objective' Barbara Walters: John Boehner 'Has an Emotional Problem'

By Lachlan Markay | December 13, 2010 | 19:41

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Ever the classy bunch, the ladies of "The View" spent a few minutes Monday mocking incoming Speaker of the House John Boehner for tearing up during an interview with CBS's Lesley Stahl.

The usual suspects, apparently no longer bothered by dramatic showings of disrespect towards national leaders, hit Boehner with characteristically immature and uninformed attacks.

The bigger surprise, though, was self-proclaimed "objective" reporter Barbara Walters, who claimed that Boehner "has an emotional problem," since "every time he talks about something that's not 'raise taxes,' he cries."

Elizabeth Hasselbeck was the only panelist to defend Boehner. And though her political leanings, as well as Joy Behar's and Whoopi Goldberg's, are a bit more apparent, Walters is supposedly the "objective" one of the bunch - or at least so she claims. The following exchange took place in a 2008 episode of "The View":

GOLDBERG: You know, Tim Russert just passed away because we were talking about him yesterday. And it got us really talking about journalists, you know and because people were saying, "well, he’s such a great journalist but he didn’t ask the hard questions." Or "he was a great journalist and he did ask the hard questions." I mean, what makes a journalist now? I mean, because now we see commentators and everyone seems to have an opinion, but it, it didn’t use to be that way. Barbara, you should talk to that, yeah?

BARBARA WALTERS: Supposedly, supposedly a network, like ABC, has certain rules. The rules are, for example, we don’t go to fund raisers. We’re not allowed to go to fund raisers because we’re not supposed to show preference for one candidate over another. And you do not give your personal opinions. Now, obviously, if you’re doing an interview, and I’ve interviewed, you know, dozens of presidents and heads of state. And so, you can ask certain questions to draw them out and let them hang themselves or let them praise themselves. But you are not supposed to give your opinions. That was the way we were trained. And that’s what Tim Russert did. But, what he would do very often is to take their quotations. What they said ten years ago, two years ago and what they did now. But now we find in order to get very high ratings and especially on the cable programs, you got to have opinions. Bill O’Reilly, why is he so popular? Well, he’s smart, but he’s got opinions…

HASSELBECK: People now, people now when they listen to the news, or now, it’s so much more, almost dine as you please, as it is with the radio. People now go to the internet and will only look up sources that will give them the information they want. When they listen to a news report, they’re more wondering, I think, what their journalist, what their position is and there are so many like you, Barbara.

WALTERS: Do you know my political- we’re together almost every day. Do you know my political opin- I know yours- do you know mine, or what my political opinions are?

BEHAR: I sort of get it, but not really.

HASSELBECK: I may guess, but you’ve been objective.

WALTERS: This was the way I was trained, but you know, it’s more exciting, obviously, to give your opinions.

Like, say, the opinion that John Boehner "has an emotional problem"? Unless Walters has a psychology degree that we're unaware of, that certainly is an opinion, and, given her subsequent comment about the issue of tax hikes, a politically loaded one at that.

Walters can drop the "objective mediator" act.

(Video via Greg Hengler at Townhall.)

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Lachlan Markay is an associate with Dialog New Media. Click here to follow Lachlan Markay on Twitter.

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Comments

His only problem is ever

Submitted by liberalsarefunny on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 8:21pm.

His only problem is ever agreeing to an interview with that person in the first place. What the hell did he expect those people to say? Who needs these main stream types??

Why do Repubs keep doing this??

I'm tired of his crying

Submitted by Texndoc on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 7:49pm.

It does not build confidence and I'm glad he's getting ridiculed for it. Maybe he'll grow a pair of Malkins. I remember reading Michelle's page on election night when he first blubbered and she was horrified. I agree.

Ditto!

Submitted by ProudAmerican58 on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 8:20pm.

Now is NOT the time. He needs to grow a pair of Malkins and carry a big Coulter!

That's just my opinion; I could be wrong. -- Dennis Miller

soon or he and Barney Frank

Submitted by jkwtrading on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 11:18pm.

soon or he and Barney Frank can head to Romper room..

Boehener crying all the time is quite odd.

Yeah, I agree. I'd rather see

Submitted by killa37 on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 11:55pm.

Yeah, I agree. I'd rather see Boehner take a big drag of his cigarette and blow it into Stall's' face while he answered her question, with his eyes squinted and a 'you-talkin'-to-me?' attitude. If a lib gets emotional..........it's 'heartfelt', or some such crap.........but if one of our guys, or gals, gets a little teary-eyed..........they've got some kind of 'emotional' problem. So.......John........suck it up and be a tough guy, because they're going to rip you either way you go!!!!

Do you suppose...

Submitted by theprofessor on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 7:51pm.

they had the same opinion over Bubba? At least Boehner's tears are real and not some phony lip-bitin', one-tear performance like Clinton.

If that's an emotional problem

Submitted by jon_torlin on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 8:14pm.

Then what the hell was that bit about the Chairman leaving so quick and letting Former Prez BJ Clinton take the podium?

What kind of problem do you call that, especially if the excuse was "Moochelle is getting mad at me" for pete's sake?

Give me Boehner's "emotional" problems any day!

-Jon

I don't know what to think...

Submitted by retrocon on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 8:16pm.

Not sure what to think about the tearing up, i know that i tend to do it for various reasons some might find unusual (pride in my country, examples of statesmanship or valor by others, "My Dog Skip," that sort of thing).

But, unless Bwabwa is a qualified psychologist, i'd say that someone should consider tapping her for libel for maliciously accusing him of having a mental disorder with the intent to cause him career damage. I don't think that even journalists are allowed to "make stuff up" that could damage someone. Not like she said "anonymous psychologists suggest that he is emotionally disturbed."

Regardless of what anyone says or thinks...

Submitted by ProudAmerican58 on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 8:27pm.

Boehner needs to stop his own blubbering (no matter how sincere and heartfelt) and start acting like a strong conservative Speaker of the House. If there must be tears, let it be because he made the other side cry!

That's just my opinion; I could be wrong. -- Dennis Miller

Yeah...

Submitted by retrocon on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 6:17pm.

Actually, i'd only read or heard about the blubbering, i had not heard the blubbering itself.

I tear up, our future speaker actually balls his eyes out.

Now that i've heard it, i'm not sure i'm as sympathetic as i was.

Let's see if he turns that emotion into action (the right kind of action) next year.

"That sort of thing" for me

Submitted by virginia republican on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 8:41pm.

is Brian's Song and Hachi: A Dog's Tale. Gets me every time.

Excuse me Ladies (?) of the View...excuse me please.....

Submitted by gailannr on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 11:56pm.

Remember Nancy Pantsy did cry when she talked about the bad things that happened in California years ago?. It took everything she had to "try" to cry. Biggest phony waa waa job I ever saw other then that mother a few years back that took her little boys in a car and drove it into the lake and drowned them. Yeah them liberals just don't know how to cry.

Did Charlie Rangel cry? Not really, he climbed out of bed the next morning and prostituted himself on all the news channels and cried about what a wonderful liberal he is. The DAMNED CROOK!

Wasn't that Beau Bridges we all recently saw breaking down and crying all over the place a couple of weeks ago? Is he a Hollywood liberal or a Hollywood conservative? Hmmmmm? BAA WAA....maybe he will do an interview with you and tell you why he had his emotional breakdown. Damn there are mental cases coming out of the woodwork! And I might add, I really like Beau Bridges!

BAA WAA? Do you think that wife of the man you had an affair with had any tears when she found out what a slut he was hanging around with. I wonder if she caught a STD from him? You low life, sleezebag, scum sucking guttershipe! Glass Houses Duh!

Yeah, right...

Submitted by Slyrr on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 8:21pm.

Because everyone looks to 'The View' for emotional stability....

If a Liberal/Democrat politician/media figure wants to put their arms around you, or pat you on the back, all they're doing is looking for a good place to stick a knife.

They have a problem with Boehner's "emotional problem"

Submitted by virginia republican on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 8:37pm.

(not that I'm too enthusiastic about it), but no problem with Bubba's lying under oath, groping, raping, adultery, etc. Interesting set of moral standards (or lack thereof).

Baba Wawa has decided to take the Helen Thomas route

Submitted by OxyCon on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 8:52pm.

...and go out totally disgraced.

The fact that she even created such a horrendous puke fest as "The View" is enough of a disgrace, but now she's decided to come out of the far-left closet and be a true, hate spewing far-left nut like Joykiller Behar, Rosie O'Donnell and Whoopi-di-do.

I'd like to see Hasselbeck get up right in the middle of Baba Wawa talking and say "I had enough of listening to all you miserable, far-left pukes. You can take this crappy job and shove it".

Now here's a scary thought.

Submitted by hbnolikeee on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 12:27am.

Remember how Ba Ba rose in the ranks? Hint. Can you say where are the pink knee pads? Now imagine how did Helen "Love Israelis" Thomas rise in the ranks?

I think I'll go rip out my eyes now!

hbnolikeee

The View: Started as a show

Submitted by Slyrr on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 8:59pm.

The View:

Started as a show hosted by 'normal women' for 'normal women'.

Now commandeered by washed-up liberal has-beens from Hollywood who can't find work anywhere else.

If a Liberal/Democrat politician/media figure wants to put their arms around you, or pat you on the back, all they're doing is looking for a good place to stick a knife.

The View was NEVER a show hosted by 'normal women' for

Submitted by texasborngranny on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 1:57pm.

The View was NEVER a show hosted by 'normal women' for 'normal women'. It was ALWAYS a liberal spew-fest. Hasselbeck doesn't even begin to make a dent in the overwhelmingly liberal 'slant' of this garbage. Oh, for a real conservative like Coulter or Malkin!!! But, The View's leftist producers (including Walters) would NEVER allow even a single strong conservative voice on the show.

Witchfest

Submitted by Prima on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 9:41pm.

All that's missing from the view is a cauldron.

Did all those

Submitted by oldeee on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 10:09pm.

speech therapy lessons help you Bawbawa Wa Wa?? How much did you spend on them?? Emotion control is extremely difficult for people with genuine feelings about important matters. It is very unlike the bald faced lying cold stone politicians that show up on TV all the time with their fake smiles. Wouldn't you agree??

These hags have no heart

Submitted by hbnolikeee on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 11:08pm.

So they are unable to understand someone caring enough and letting their emotions out. The only emotion these hoes share is anger and poison spitting.

I guess that's the GOOD emotion to exhibit.

One note you stupid bimbos. Try getting him pissed off and see how that works out for you.

hbnolikeee

Says Baba Wawa? LOL!

Submitted by Cowboy on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 11:13pm.

Says Baba Wawa? LOL!

America

Submitted by TerryWest on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 11:30pm.

America then has a emotional problem Mrs Walters because millions are crying and emotional while you sit in your ivory tower's judgement throne tone deaf, ditached and arrogant. The circumstance in which this country is now in brings tears, saddnes and heart break to millions of American's. The fact that the house majority speaker still can feel emotional for our country and it's people for giving him this opportunity and for the American dream is wonderful and refreshing after two years of verbal abuse, head games, lies and slams to our country and it's people. America wants to see some emotion for our country other then disrespect and venom, the arrogance and self righteousness within the MSM which you represent well Mrs Walter's is what this country needs to shed itself of not the tears you find so disturbing. Walters is so out of touch with the people who helped her to get where she is that she really believes her training is still with her and her blatant snake like bias cannot be detected.

I haven't seen liberals this

Submitted by deerjerkydave on Mon, 12/13/2010 - 11:49pm.

I haven't seen liberals this scared since Palin came into the spotlight. Clearly they feel threatened by a Republican politician with a little passion.

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"The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the Federal Government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State Governments are numerous and indefinite. -James Madison

Barbara was quite the whore

Submitted by mostlymoderate on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 12:34am.

Barbara was quite the whore in her time because she thought that was the way to be a "feminist". People like Boehner scare her because they can still feel and she can't.

Not a fan of the View, but...

Submitted by CT on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 1:24am.

What is Boehner 's problem? This man needs help or his meds adjusted. I am not keen on seeing any more of his crying jags time to get a grip or get out.

The Obamination must go!

Now that I watched the whole

Submitted by mostlymoderate on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 1:34am.

Now that I watched the whole clip, I realize that Boehner might have been crying at that haircut Leslie Stahl refuses to give up on. I know the 60 Minutes crowd is supposed to look old and tired but this is ridiculous.

Boehner

Submitted by cjm999 on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 1:50am.

Surely he asked CBS to cut that, but if it bleeds it leads.

Frankly we do need to see people in the position of Boehner crying. This country is falling apart, and if any one knows the real facts about the situation, it is someone with a history and in a position such as Boehner. I have hope for the man.

The View continues to sicken me. I only watch it when fine sites like Newsbusters and like feature a "torture segment". Walters has a lot of gall to say he has emotional problems. Elizabeth has the stamina of a goddess to sit there every other day; but in the long run it is foolish to hang around that chicken coop too long, no matter what they are paying her.

We all better start crying people and face reality. Just like Glenn Beck, I don't care if he cries, just continue to get the job done and turn this ship around.

Here are a few VIDEOs that show Speaker Pelosi's

Submitted by Rush Fan on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 2:48am.

EMOTION and INTELLECT.

Even Bill Clinton can't stop laughing over Pelosi's tripe.

I don't watch the show (except excerpts provided by NewsBusters), but has the "classy bunch" on 'The View" ever ridiculed or even just commented on Nancy Pelosi''s bloopers?

First off I DON'T want a guy

Submitted by racer148 on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 3:24am.

First off I DON'T want a guy leading the GOP in the House crying. I think he shouldn't be elected as Speaker just because of it. But again Joy and Baba has to say that something is wrong with him. And Barb brought up Nancy's name saying that she would be made fun of if she cried. I wonder if Palin showed emotions what those women would say.

Weeper of the House

Submitted by Texndoc on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 8:21am.

I couldn't even watch the clip before this morning (It's The View, #1, and I don't relish seeing men crying) but after having seen it, he infuriates me. I had such hopes with people like Rubio headed to DC and I know a year from now I'm going to hate Boehner, because he's going to get Obama re-elected. Grow a damn spine. HuffPo has their people tearing him apart as an emotional loon, and even Drudge has a headline: "Boehner: Obama doesn't respect me!". It's NOT ABOUT YOU! Where's General Patton to slap this noodle? (Thank Lord we have General Palin)

Just because a man

Submitted by Iron Tigers Vet on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 7:42am.

has an emotional moment doesn't make him a "cry baby".

Not everyone has a block of ice for a heart like you do Babs... cold hard bitch!

"Apparently, I'm supposed to be more angry about what Mitt Romney does with his money than what Barack Obama does with mine"

Frankly, I'm sick of the robo-politician

Submitted by Mary Louise Turner on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 8:59am.

Frankly, I'm sick and tired of robotic politicians and equally robotic journalists who think that having any kind of human emotion (other than anger) is wrong. Even the best movie tough guys have some humanity to them; that's what makes them appealing. I 'd like to see more politicians with real feelings such as Mr. Boehner, rather than the phony ones who "cry on cue".

Boehner is just

Submitted by Barack_must_go..... on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 9:57am.

Boehner is just emotional right now because just like all these left wing hypocrites, he is overwhelmed by the unbelievable chain of events over the past two years, that puts him and the Republicans effectively back in charge of the government so soon.

Remember all the pundits were predicting a 50 year reign of progressive terror over our lives.

What a difference an Obama makes.

Starting in January they will be the ones crying when they interrogate ( interview ) him.

I can't wait to hear what they have to say about his emotional stability once he's the speaker of the House.

Barack_Must_Go.....

This from a liberal woman

Submitted by Beukeboom on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 10:41am.

This from a liberal woman (sometimes self-proclaimed feminist) who has stated on multiple ocassions that it's okay for men to cry. What a double-standard Walters, a hypocrite, holds.

Can we call a whore a whore?

Submitted by carolina09 on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 11:14am.

Walters boasts in her autobio of how she slept her way to access to power and stories with a married senator...how else could someone so vacuous and afflicted with a Looney Tunes-style speech impediment make it in broad (and I do mean broad) casting?

RETIRE.