Obama on 'The View': ratings blockbuster or presidential epitaph?

"More than any other presidential campaign in history, Obama made use of community building activities to win. Because Obama has come under fire recently, with a corresponding dip in his polls and popularity, it is only natural that he would revert to the format that helped get him elected.”

Not all women are sympathetic to the move. Former radio talk show host Antoinette Kuritz says the visit is a bad move. “Being on 'The View' trivializes the President and the office,” she says in an email.

“Does he go on before or after Brittany, Paris, or Lindsay? Or even Julia? Does he sit between Joy and Elizabeth and bait one while pandering to the other?“

While Barbara Walters will return from a medical leave to sit with the President on the set, Ms. Kuritz points out that "The View" is not news – not even soft news. “It is entertainment, “ she says.

“We have access to Obama and what he says and does on Twitter, Yahoo, and Google news, his increasing number of press conferences, in online newspapers, and other sources. Does 'The View' make him even more accessible? Perhaps," she says. But she points out that the audience for 'The View' is the same audience one that listens to NPR, reads newspapers, goes online, and watches cable news channels.

This assessment sells the President short, says public relations professional Debra Caruso via email. Obama will benefit from taking part in a long-form interview that will be highly excerpted on other media, including the Internet and other television programs, she says.

The Commander in Chief will also benefit from the relaxed atmosphere and conversational style of 'The View,' says Ms. Caruso. “President Obama will talk about his kids, his wife, his vacation, and other lifestyle issues, allowing the general public to see his likeable side,” she continues, adding, “That can only help his overall image and popularity.”

This President, she says, is one who communicates very well on a personal level because he lacks a certain stiffness that hinders many politicians. (Al Gore, anyone?).

“Is he sacrificing the dignity of the Office of the President? Yes," she says. "But, the advantages of doing so outweigh the disadvantages. There will always be a contingent that derides the president for whatever he does."

Related:

• Obama's triumphs are also his weaknesses: Health care, stimulus, financial reform
• Can Obama, Biden give a boost to Democratic candidates?

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