‘The View’: Is Elisabeth Hasselbeck also leaving?

One day after learning that Joy Behar was going to be leaving “The View” after almost 17 years on the air, it now appears as though Elisabeth Hasselbeck may be joining her.

One of the show’s most controversial panelists, who actually got her start on the national TV level courtesy of “Survivor: The Australian Outback,” is seemingly going to be leaving the show for an entirely different reason. According to Us Weekly, market research shows that viewers who currently watch the program are somewhat turned off by her conservative leanings, which has led to some major feuds with both Rosie O’Donnell (who of course is no longer on the show) as well as with Barbara Walters during this past Presidential election.

Speaking to the publication, here is what a source had to say on the matter:

“The viewers they polled all said she was too extreme and right wing … People did not watch the show because of Elisabeth. So they told her yesterday her contract would not be renewed.”

There has been no comment from Hasselbeck yet about her supposed exit, so it is to be seen as to whether or not these rumors are actually true. Even if you are not the biggest fan of her, isn’t it important to have a different viewpoint on the panel? We really compare Hasselbeck’s presence to Fox News: while a number of people hate Fox News and mock it, the small percentage of Americans who watch it are extremely loyal, and they actually made it the #1 cable news network on TV just because they have all banded together.

What do you think: would “The View” be making a mistake in losing Hasselbeck? Be sure to share some of your thoughts below, and you can read more news on Behar’s exit over here.

Update: A rep for the show is now saying that Hasselbeck has a long-term contract, and will remain on the show.

Photo: ABC