We lined up on the side of the ABC Studios complex near Central Park and Columbus Circle on the Upper West Side. Even by 8:30am and a temperature of 38 degrees, a long line of women and a few men extended along West 66th Street.
My son, Christopher, had tickets for the long-running talk show, The View, which features a revolving group of women sitting around a table discussing the day's hot topics, and interviewing a personality with a point of view.
Barbara Walters conceived the idea for the show that was relevant for its time. She is quoted as saying, "I've always wanted to do a show with women of different generations, backgrounds, and views: a working mother, a professional in her 30s, a young woman just starting out and then somebody who's done almost everything and will say almost anything.”
I have watched the show off and on during the 22 years it has been on the air, following the drama with the cast members. The show has gotten ultra political with both conservative and liberal views that reach a fever pitch during their discussions.
The dress code was bright, solid colors, no: solid black (in New York City!) white, busy patterns, logos, hats, shorts or tank tops. Everything was timed to the minute. Bathroom break, 9:15, food availability ends at 10, single file into the studio waiting for seating, 10:30. Live show at 11 ending at noon. If you look hard and put the remote on slow motion, you can make Christopher and I out during a scan of the audience. The guest that day was Elizabeth Hasselbeck touting her new book, which was our parting gift. Christopher and I agreed that we would have preferred pretty much anyone but her, but we didn't get to pick.
It was telling to see how the group interacted off camera, with some more interested in their hair and makeup, and notably, Whoopi Goldberg was the exception, making comments and eye contact to her obvious fans. "Have a great day, everyone, and take a little time to enjoy the view."
It is a morning we will remember as a mother and son who enjoy each other's company and our own point of view—that includes sarcasm and giggles.
