Sonny Hostin Responds To Dwayne Johnson Interview
On Friday's segment of The View, co-host Sunny Hostin caused a stir when she declared that it was "anti-democratic and hypocritical" to demand that someone endorse and vote for a particular candidate, in the name of democracy. Hostin, who is known for her staunchly racist and anti-semitic views, was supported by the far-left ABC audience, who booed and jeered at Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson when he stated that he would not be endorsing President Biden in this election cycle.
The audience's reaction highlighted their partisan and fickle nature, as they cheered for Johnson when his name was first mentioned but turned to obnoxious revulsion when he declined to back Biden. The show's moderator, Joy Behar, further added to the controversy by questioning the credibility of Johnson's statement, due to his appearance on Fox News, a channel that she claims "lies every day." She also questioned whether celebrities should publicly endorse political figures at all.
However, co-host Sara Haines provided a more balanced perspective, arguing that entertainers were not obligated to take sides in politics. She shared Reba McIntyre's stance on keeping politics out of her performances, stating that "what [entertainers]do is music, and it's unifying." She also expressed that minimizing voters' intelligence by assuming they would follow a celebrity's endorsement was "vapid."
In addition, co-host Ana Navarro defended Johnson's right to make his own political choices, stating that he is "entitled to do whatever the hell [he] wants." She also recalled Johnson's appearance at both the Republican and Democratic conventions during the 2000 election cycle, with the aim of promoting voting in general.
The discussion also brought attention to the larger issue of celebrity endorsements during election cycles. While some argue that celebrities have an obligation to use their platform to speak out and promote voting, others believe that it is not their responsibility to sway public opinion. Furthermore, bringing attention to an individual's support for a particular candidate can also create division among fans and detractors.
Some audience members may have also been disappointed by Behar's comments, as she has previously praised celebrities for speaking out on political issues, including her own endorsement of Madonna's controversial speech at the Women's March in 2017. It is worth noting that while Behar's stance on celebrity endorsements may appear inconsistent, it is important to respect an individual's right to change their mind or hold different opinions on different issues.
Despite all the controversy, the segment did bring attention to the importance of active participation in democracy. As Haines stated, "if you have a platform, you have an obligation" to use it to promote civic engagement and encourage others to vote, regardless of political affiliation. Navarro also emphasized Johnson's past efforts of promoting voting in general, rather than a specific candidate, as a positive example of using celebrity influence for good.
The segment also highlighted the issue of political divisiveness, as the audience openly jeered and booed at Johnson's statement. In an increasingly polarized political climate, it is important for individuals to respect each other's opinions and to have open and respectful discussions, rather than resorting to anger and aggression.
Furthermore, the show's discussion brought attention to the importance of respecting an individual's right to make their own political choices. Johnson's decision not to endorse Biden should not be met with ridicule or contempt, but rather it should be viewed as his personal decision and one that should be respected.
In the end, while the segment may have been controversial, it ultimately shed light on important issues surrounding democracy and the role of celebrities in politics. It sparked a discussion on the responsibilities and obligations of individuals with a platform, as well as the importance of respecting different opinions and choices. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Johnson's decision not to endorse Biden, it is essential to recognize and respect his right to do so.