After a psychologist made headlines suggesting people avoid Trump-supporting relatives this holiday season, "The View" co-host Sunny Hostin agreed. She said many people feel "someone voted not only against their families but against them."
Shortly after the election, Yale psychiatry resident Dr. Amanda Calhoun spoke to Joy Reid on MSNBC. She advised liberals devastated by Trump's re-election to consider distancing themselves from loved ones.
"There’s a societal norm that family is entitled to your time, and I think the answer is absolutely not," Calhoun told Reid. "If you have family or close friends who voted in ways that harm you, it’s okay to not be around them. Tell them why – ‘I have a problem with your vote because it goes against my livelihood, and I’m not going to be around you this holiday.'"
Hostin completely understood Calhoun’s advice. "This candidate, President-elect Trump, is just different. It’s more of a moral issue for me," she explained. "It wasn’t like when Bush was elected. You didn’t feel like he was a deeply flawed person. Trump is deeply flawed in character and morality."
Co-hosts Sara Haines and Alyssa Farah Griffin quickly disagreed, pointing out that Bush was heavily criticized during his presidency. "But you’ve gotta admit, they’re very different figures," Hostin responded. "When people feel someone voted against their families and loved ones, I think it’s okay to take a beat."
Whoopi Goldberg acknowledged voter will but added, "If I had an LGBTQ+ child, I wouldn’t want her sitting with someone who doesn’t understand her." She also mentioned how tension could rise in mixed families during such gatherings.
Co-host Ana Navarro shared her perspective. "You need to do what’s right for you," she said. "If a family gathering stresses you out, don’t go." But she mentioned how her husband insists on seeing his family, despite political differences.
Navarro explained, "Al and I voted for Kamala. Others didn’t, but he will see his grandchildren no matter what. He won’t let politics split up our family."
Griffin added, "Healthy boundaries are key, but mashed potatoes are the great equalizer. You don’t want to spend Thanksgiving alone just because of politics."
Haines agreed, saying, "Toxic personalities don’t have political affiliations. They’re just bad personalities. I wouldn’t let politics stop me from seeing family. They won’t always be there."