The View Previews Life Post-Meghan McCain With an (Almost) Politics-Free Episode

Meghan McCain still has a few weeks left on The View, but this morning the ABC talk show offered a preview of what to expect after her departure with an episode that was light on politics and heavy on softball topics. Apart from one Hot Topics discussion about the many Trump administration books slated to hit bookshelves in the coming weeks, The View devoted its Friday show to topics that really matter, like Gillian Anderson ditching her bra for good, the rising popularity of granny panties, and how to escape a bad date. It's a new era, folks.

Today's show did open with a political discussion, but the mood was light as the ladies discussed whether "bombshell" books about the Trump administration's final days will sway readers, and even McCain seemed ready to move on from the Trump era. "I do think a lot of the American public, specifically Republicans, are looking more towards a President DeSantis situation and looking towards his possible campaign," she said. "What I find intriguing is whether or not President Trump will put his support behind who comes next, or if he'll end up trying to fight again, and we're just going to be at the mercy of Baby Boomers running for office 'til the end of time, and no one of any other generation is allowed to be president ever again."

NEW TRUMP BOOKS SWAY SUPPORTERS? After several new books are claiming to make damning new allegations against former Pres. Trump, the co-hosts discuss if the books will put him back in the spotlight and question those profiting from Trump years. https://t.co/cVclFZQmjA pic.twitter.com/mXPD9avg1C

— The View (@TheView) July 16, 2021

But the political chatter stopped there. Beginning with the next segment, the co-hosts exclusively discussed the type of women-centric topics that were popular during Barbara Walters' tenure, including Gillian Anderson's bra-free pledge ("I'm going to donate mine to sumo wrestlers," said Joy Behar), the benefits of wearing granny panties ("I have an ample derriere, and I'd like it to be covered with fabric at all times," added guest co-host Yvette Nicole Brown), and using the "Irish goodbye" during a bad date. Alternatively, said McCain, telling men that you're a Republican who "really, really loves Mitch McConnell" works, too.

Behar was in particularly rare form as she discussed her aversion to plastic surgery and shapewear. "I don't want to get a face lift. I don't want to do that. I don't want to get a boob lift. No knives are coming near me," she said. "And I don't want to wear a brazier — I don't even want to get my bottom teeth fixed. Nothing! I don't want to do anything!"

"Now, that Steve is a lucky man," joked Sara Haines. "You know what, darling? He's lucky because he's practically legally blind, at this point," replied Behar. "He can't see. You know, he's old, and so am I. That's one of the good things about having an old husband."

How do you end a bad first date? @TheView co-hosts and guest co-host @YNB have some tips! 😂 pic.twitter.com/A7s9SbK01s

— The View (@TheView) July 16, 2021

Is this what we have to look forward to come fall, when The View kicks off its 25th season? I'm doubtful, but it sure is nice to imagine a world where we don't have to hear the phrase "the future of the Republican Party" every morning.

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Claire Spellberg Lustig is the Senior Editor at Primetimer and a scholar of The View. Follow her on Twitter at @c_spellberg.