Meghan McCain is very much at peace with her decision to leave "The View" after four years.
The fiery conservative spoke about her life these days with The Daily Mail, where she's been hired as a columnist.
"I left New York during the pandemic and I had sort of had an existential crisis when my dad died. I got really scared and I just really started thinking about life and what I wanted and what I said on 'The View' was true," she said. "I just didn't feel like moving back to New York was the right choice for me. And it was a really hard decision, but, I feel really good about it now and I don't miss it at all."
During her memorable four-year stint at the ABC show, Meghan often butted heads with her fellow co-hosts, but that didn't really play into her decision to leave. Her daughter, Liberty, was a significant reason for the departure.
"When I think about where I want Liberty to take her first steps and her first words, I just have this wonderful life here that I felt ultimately like I didn't want to leave," Meghan, who now lives in Washington, D.C., said.
Over 25 seasons of "The View," many women have come and gone. But Meghan exited the way she wanted.
"I felt like I was really happy to do it on my own terms because a lot of people get fired from that show," she said. "I was happy that I got to make the decision and be in control of my own life. And, you know, 'The View' was and is incredible and gave me so much. I don't feel anything negative about it. But I also really pride myself in life on knowing when to hold them and when to fold them, like I'm such a gambler."
She added, "I like change. I like trying new things. And, you know, one of the opportunities here — and I'm also working on a lot of other projects — but especially at the Daily Mail, being completely uncensored and working for a company that really values true free speech."
The 36-year-old isn't blind to the fact that she'll likely ruffle some feathers with her new gig, much like she did at "The View." She's okay with that.
"People really love fighting with me and I've come to terms with the fact that people love me and love to hate me," she said. "I really have gotten to a place where I'm comfortable with that."