Whoopi Goldberg Skeptical of Trump’s “Unity” Message After Assassination Attempt

The View’s co-host Whoopi Goldberg expressed her skepticism about former President Donald Trump’s calls for “unity” following an assassination attempt on him. During a panel discussion on political violence over the past few years, the co-hosts unanimously condemned the assassination attempt on Trump, according to Raw Story.

“I think most people recognize bad stuff when they hear it. They hear stuff and say, ‘Oh, this is not good. I don’t want that. Nobody wants that,'” Goldberg said about voters’ reactions to political violence. Former Trump aide Alyssa Farah Griffin suggested that the incident was an opportunity for Trump to de-escalate tensions in his upcoming remarks. “It’s an opportunity for the former president to take the temperature down on Thursday and show that in his remarks if he’s capable of that,” Griffin noted.

“If he’s capable of it. I hope he is,” co-host Sunny Hostin replied. Goldberg added, “That’s what he’ll do. I don’t know if he’ll stay with it. You know, he’ll start that way and then lose his mind, and it will start again,” predicting Trump’s behavior. The conversation shifted to President Joe Biden’s interview with Lester Holt on NBC News, where the panelists discussed how to address threats to democracy in light of Trump’s rhetoric.

“Do you just not say anything because it might incite somebody?” Biden asked Holt, responding to claims that Democratic rhetoric may have contributed to violence against Trump. “I have not engaged in that rhetoric. My opponent is the one that has engaged in that rhetoric,” Biden asserted, highlighting Trump’s history of violent rhetoric.

The panelists debated their trust in Biden’s leadership. Hostin, a consistent Biden supporter, affirmed her continued confidence in him. Griffin expressed doubt about Biden’s ability to campaign effectively against Trump. Sara Haines, who previously suggested Biden should resign, stated that her confidence in him had increased.

In the midst of a closely contested presidential election and a polarized society, both parties remain skeptical of unity pledges, as reported by The Hill. Democratic strategist Eddie Vale pointed to the Republican response to the January 6 insurrection and the assault on Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as evidence that Republicans might not uphold unity promises.

“We will hold it, I think, as long as Trump does. Could he really mean it this time that he’s changing his tone? I remain skeptical,” Vale said. Former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer added, “I think if everyone can dial down a bit in terms of the personal rhetoric and the language that’s used, that’s good for the country overall. Am I hopeful that will end up? Maybe for the first couple of weeks, but I’m not so sure after that.”