Former President Will Visit 'The View'

Sept. 18, 2008 — -- Former President Bill Clinton will take his turn on the couch with the ladies of ABC's "The View" during his first appearance on the program Monday.

"We're very excited," said Bill Geddie, the executive producer of "The View," about Clinton's appearance. "We've been looking forward to his visit for a long time.

"As a former leader of the free world he may be in for his biggest challenge -- sitting down with the ladies of 'The View,'" Geddie said.

The five co-hosts -- Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepard -- will all interview Clinton, who will be the only guest on the hourlong program.

Clinton's appearance is a part of the show's new "Red, White & View" campaign, aimed at highlighting interviews and informational segments that promote civic responsibility in the upcoming presidential election. The former president will also have a chance to discuss the Clinton Global Initiative.

The CGI, which was launched in 2005 in an effort to bring global leaders together to tackle world issues, asks members not only to discuss possible changes for the world but also requests that they each make a tangible "Commitment to Action."

Since its foundation, more than $30 billion worth of commitments have affected more than 200 million lives in more than 150 countries, according to the nonprofit's Web site.

As for whether any topic will be off-limits to the co-hosts, Geddie said that the women will not be shy.

"We're going to ask him everything our viewers want to know," he said.

"The View" has emerged as a platform for politics this season, having already welcomed current presidential candidates and their families to its couch.

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama shared his views with the women, and his wife, Michelle, made a separate appearance on the program as well.

Republican presidential nominee John McCain made a joint appearance with his wife, Cindy, on the show last week. The couple's 23-year-old daughter, Meghan, also went on "The View" in early September to talk about her father's campaign.