Meghan McCain: I regret contributing to polarization by saying ‘I hate Hillary Clinton’

Meghan McCain said Thursday that she regrets past statements she’s made that may have contributed to the country’s polarization and toxic rhetoric, such as her attacks on former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

The day after bombs were mailed to several top Democrats, “The View” discussed the deterioration of American political discourse, with co-host McCain acknowledging her role in it.

“Last year on this show, I said I hate Hillary Clinton and I called her Crooked Hillary, and it is one of the things I regret doing,” McCain said.

TRUMP TELLS MEDIA TO END HOSTILITY: After multiple suspicious packages were sent to political figures and CNN’s New York headquarters, we discuss the president’s comments — and look at how we all can help the political discourse in the country. https://t.co/DRKJu5c3GB pic.twitter.com/iOCNQLlGEI

— The View (@TheView) October 25, 2018

McCain says she regrets her words not because she agrees with Clinton, but because she added to the dangerous rhetoric in America with her amplified voice on television.

{mosads}“Hate is not a word that should be coming out of my mouth on television about someone of a different political persuasion,” she said.

McCain called for all media members to tone down the divisive language being used, saying everyone should hold themselves “to the same standard I would like to hold the president.”

The daughter of late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said she would have advised President Trump to bring to the White House a bipartisan group of political leaders, including former Vice President Joe Biden, Senate Minority leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), to show unity in what America stands for.

On Wednesday, Schumer and Pelosi blasted Trump in a joint statement for his response to the mailed packages of explosive devices, sent to Clinton, former President Obama and other prominent Democrats.

“President Trump’s words ring hollow until he reverses his statements that condone acts of violence,” Schumer and Pelosi said.

Their statement comes after Trump said he condemned “political violence” and urged the country to unify.