Joy Behar, a co-host of the daytime talk show "The View" and an outspoken critic of President Trump, said Tuesday she does not view Vice President JD Vance as a "bad guy," comments that come as Republicans have begun positioning him for a potential 2028 presidential bid.
Behar made the remarks during a "Behind the Table" segment on the show, where she discussed her earlier interview with Vance alongside her co-hosts. During that interview, the panel pressed the vice president on race, immigration policy and his relationship with Trump.
"Truthfully, as I said to you in the beginning of this conversation, I don't think that he's a bad guy. So, if he runs against, say, Gavin Newsom, that'll be an interesting debate to see those two because they're both intelligent," Behar said.
The California governor, a Democrat, has been mentioned as a potential 2028 presidential contender. Trump has publicly floated Vance as a top name for the Republican ticket that cycle, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic voices have largely responded to Behar's comments with skepticism about what they describe as Vance's policy positions rather than his character. Progressives note that while personal assessments may vary, the vice president's stance on immigration and other key issues remain central concerns for their coalition.
Behar herself emphasized her continued alignment with the Democratic Party during the segment, saying Democrats have "good hearts" and care about the working class. "They care about the poor, they help people," she said. "The Republican Party is much more about saving taxes for rich people. So I'm not a Republican."
During the interview portion, Whoopi Goldberg pressed Vance on where people of color fit in the administration's vision, prompting the vice president to respond: "Maybe you don't believe this coming from me, but I think everyone is welcome to our political coalition." He added that "everybody is welcome in our country" as long as they are American citizens with legal obligations and rights.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have pointed to Behar's comments as evidence that even critics find Vance personally respectable. Supporters note his rise from Appalachian roots to the vice presidency represents a compelling political narrative, and they argue his policy positions on trade, immigration and foreign affairs represent mainstream conservative priorities.
The White House has been supportive of Vance's media appearances. Trump has described the vice president's media presence as effective and has included him among names floated for the 2028 GOP nomination. Vance has also appeared alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio in those discussions about the party's future direction.
What the Numbers Show
Polls have shown varying levels of public satisfaction with the current administration's handling of key issues. Surveys conducted around the time of Behar's interview indicated that economic confidence and views on inflation remain areas where voters have expressed concerns, though specific poll numbers were not included in this report.
Vance has maintained a visible profile since taking office, with multiple high-profile media appearances designed to address voter questions directly about administration policies ranging from the economy to immigration enforcement.
The Bottom Line
The 2028 presidential race is still two years away, but both parties have already begun identifying potential standard-bearers. Behar's comments illustrate how personal assessments of candidates can differ from policy disagreements, a dynamic that often shapes voter decision-making in competitive elections.
What happens next: Vance continues to build his national profile through media appearances and official duties. Democrats weighing their own 2028 contenders, including Newsom, will likely frame their campaigns around contrasts with the current administration's record rather than personal characterizations of opponents.