I've always felt Whoopi was instrumental in the hiring of MM. The phone call between the two where Whoops says, "I'll have your back baby," at least convinced me she wanted her on board. It was painful to watch how Whoopi treated Paula and she didn't care much for Jed. Also, Whoops NEVER admits to any personal faults or mistakes -- probably sees this as a sign of weakness, hence her kid glove treatment of MM. As moderator, she allows MM to suck the oxygen from the room.