Hollywood Everafter

Despite her public denials, Barbara Walters reigns supreme on ABC’s “The View.”

The media Jill of all trades calls the shots when is comes to co-hosts.

Walters shoved Rosie O’Donnell off the show a while back, and she’s about to do the same to Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

The reason for Hasselbeck’s ejection? Walters has apparently had enough of her so-called “shrilly-silly views” and “looney-toon responses,” according to the National Enquirer.

Removal of the former “Survivor” star would leave an empty chair on the hosting panel, and it’s the only slot with a conservative vantage point.

Barbara is considering Carrie Prejean, the now famous Miss California, to take Elisabeth’s place.

Prejean has displayed grace under pressure in her unwavering expression about her beliefs on marriage.

Similar to the manner in which the media treated Governor Sarah Palin, attacks on the Miss USA runner-up have been unfair and unceasing.

Walters will likely get a lot of heat for even considering bringing on Prejean especially since the beauty contest winner is now a spokesperson for the National Organization for Marriage.

Here’s a thought: If she really wants to show independence, and maybe a smidgeon of balance, Walters ought to leave Hasselbeck on the panel and give Miss California Joy Behar’s spot.

James Hirsen is a New York Times bestselling author media law professor.