10 Questions for Meredith Vieira

Meredith Vieira

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I was kind of raised as a boy. My mom was a stay-at-home mom, and she didn't want that for me. She always made me feel that I would do as well or better than any guy. And I was too stupid to think I would have a hard time.

Let's talk about The View for a moment. Were you tired of it?

Not tired, but I'd been doing it for nine years. The positive side was that it was like a wonderful, comfortable pair of slippers. But you can become so blasé.

Have you been watching since you left--and what did you think of Star Jones Reynolds' leaving?

I didn't watch at all. I needed to think ahead. But I have to admit, the day after Star made her announcement, I watched. I feel very sad for everything that's happened and for everybody involved. I'm proud of the work we did there, but it's not a good time in the history of that show. It's hard to watch. It sort of became a joke.

At the end of each show, you always told your audience to take time to enjoy the view. Do you have time to enjoy yours?

It's dwindling! But I do. I think I'll enjoy the view from Today. If I ever reach the point where I can't enjoy it, I'm out of there. With those hours, you'd better have fun.

Editor’s Note: Ms. Vieira’s remarks about “The View” were intended to refer to the media attention and circus-like atmosphere surrounding the show in recent months; not the show itself. She assures TIME that in no way were her comments meant to be insensitive or derogatory about a program she takes great pride in having built and been associated with for the last nine years.