Instead of talking about President Biden’s interview with CNN the previous night, where he falsely claimed the U.S. was not in a recession, the Wednesday edition of ABC’s The View kicked off a birthday bash for co-host Joy Behar with a special video message from the President and First Lady. Wishing Behar a happy 80th birthday, the Bidens made laughable declarations about how much Behar and The View mean to American society.
“Some famous friends and well-wishers are sending their best to you like this cat who is a pain in the butt. What can we do? We talk about him all the time. It’s embarrassing,” co-host Whoopi Goldberg announced ahead of the video.
After a “happy birthday” wish “from the whole Biden family” via Joe, Jill made a quip about Behar’s name. “No one is better named than you. You brought joy to so many of your friends and admirers with your trademark humor and that smile that lights up the room,” she said. “And as a former teacher, I know that there are so many students out there whose lives you've changed.”
Joe followed up with more kind words and suggested Behar has “enlightened” the country with her “warmth, humor, and authenticity”:
You speak your mind. You speak from the heart. You stand up for what you believe in and you do it with warmth, humor, and authenticity. And you and your friends at The View started the national conversation 25 years ago that's still going on. You’ve enlightened us as well as entertained us. Both Jill and I are grateful for the time we've spent with you over the years and we're delighted, we’re delighted to call you a friend.
“Your light fills peoples’ homes and hearts every morning. Thank you for sharing it with us for so long,” Jill added as Joe ended the video by joking: “It’s hard turning 33.”
Joy turned 80 on October 7, but spent it on vacation in Spain. Wednesday was her first day back so the cast sprung their birthday trap.
“Well, I’ve got to say, that is impressive,” Behar told the rest of the cast. “I just want to say gracias, Mr. Presidente,” she said recalling her trip. “I'm assuming that I'll be invited to the Christmas party this year,” she joked. “Thank you very much. The Bidens, that's impressive.”
NewsBusters would also like to wish Joy a happy belated birthday. Our gift will be a continued spotlight of accountability on her, The View, and ABC News. Happy Birthday, Joy!
The transcript is below, click "expand" to read:
ABC’s The View
October 12, 2022
11:06:32 a.m. EasternWHOOPI GOLDBERG: We're having a celebration. It's a belated celebration throughout the show. Some famous friends and well-wishers are sending their best to you like this cat who is a pain in the butt. What can we do? We talk about him all the time. It’s embarrassing. Go ahead, just show the clip please.
JOY BEHAR: Who is it?
[Cuts to video]
PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: From the whole Biden family, happy birthday, Joy.
FIRST LADY JILL BIDEN: No one is better named than you. You brought joy to so many of your friends and admirers with your trademark humor and that smile that lights up the room. And as a former teacher, I know that there are so many students out there whose lives you've changed.
JOE: You speak your mind. You speak from the heart. You stand up for what you believe, and you do it with warmth, humor, and authenticity. And you and your friends at The View started the national conversation 25 years ago that's still going on. You’ve enlightened us as well as entertained us. Both Jill and I are grateful for the time we've spent with you over the years and we're delighted, we’re delighted to call you a friend.
JILL: Your light fills peoples’ homes and hearts every morning. Thank you for sharing it with us for so long. We hope you have a terrific day with your wonderful friends and families, and your beloved View family as well. And we wish you many happy returns. Happy birthday, Joy.
[Cheers and applause]
JOE: It’s hard turning 33.
[Cuts back to live]
BEHAR: Well, I’ve got to say, that is impressive.
GOLDBERG: Do you want to do it when we come back?
BEHAR: No. I just want to say one thing.
SUNNY HOSTIN: That was a good one.
BEHAR: I just want to say gracias, Mr. Presidente, and I'm assuming that I'll be invited to the Christmas party this year.
HOSTIN: Ohhhh.
BEHAR: Thank you very much. The Bidens, that's impressive.
