Is President Obama choosing “The View” ladies over world leaders?
Critics say yes.
The incumbent POTUS will discuss his marriage, family life and election issues in a joint-interview with Michelle Obama during a taping of the ABC talk show on Monday — while Hillary Clinton handles diplomatic meetings at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The move comes after GOP candidate Mitt Romney caught flack for calling "The View" hosts "sharp-tongued" in his now-viral speech at a private fundraiser in Florida. (Obama's second appearence on the show this year appears to be a subtle shot.)
“We are honored to host President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on ‘The View,’” co-host Barbara Walters said in a statement. “Although each of them has appeared several times on the program, this first joint appearance marks a significant milestone.”
Also: Inside the Romney Video: How Mother Jones Scooped HuffPo To Become a Digital Player
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney defended Obama’s Monday schedule to reporters, noting the president works behind the scenes to foster relations with foreign leaders.
Obama is scheduled to speak to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday about the continuing unrest in the Middle East, according to Carney. The speech will denounce the recent protests at American embassies abroad and the notorious YouTube film trailer that may have sparked violence including the death of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya.
"As he has in recent days, the President will make it clear that we reject the views in this video, while also underscoring that violence is never acceptable," said National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor in a memo reported by The Washington Post.
The Obamas' interview on "The View" will air at 11:00 a.m. EDT and 10 a.m. PDT Tuesday on ABC.
