Nielsen: 6.5 Million Tune into The View for Obama Appearance

NEW YORK: U.S. president Barack Obama’s appearance on the daytime talk show The View garnered some 6.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen figures.

The previous record for The View was 6.2 million, set the day after Obama won the presidential election in 2008. Thursday’s episode also qualified as the series’ most-watched broadcast in 17 months among the women 18 to 34 (516,000/1.5 rating) and women 18 to49 (1.33 million/2.0 rating).

"We were honored to have President Obama on The View," said Barbara Walters, who made her return to the television show for Obama’s appearance after undergoing heart surgery. "The ratings indicate that our show continues to break new ground. The View has proven to be an important stop for political candidates and is appointment television for our loyal audience who value our opposing views."

"A historic interview leads to historic ratings," commented Brian Frons, the president of daytime at the Disney/ABC Television Group. "It was wonderful to have Barbara Walters back for the interview with President Barack Obama, her first interview since her heart surgery, and together all five co-hosts did what they do best, ask the questions that are on our viewers’ minds."

President Obama’s unprecedented appearance was part of the show’s continuing "Red, White & View" campaign, which is committed to political guests and discussions.