Poll:
What did you think of President Obama's appearance on "The View?"
AUSTIN -- President Barack Obama made it clear early in his appearance on “The View” that he was there to communicate his message to women.
“I was trying to find a show Michelle actually watches,” he joked.
The women of “The View” pressed the president on the auto bailout, persistent unemployment, and the war in Afghanistan. Less practical politics came up, too.
"Should Snooki run as mayor of Wasilla?" asked host Joy Behar, referring to the reality TV star on MTV's show, "Jersey Shore."
While the show featured no shortage of soft-ball questions, experts say his appearance on "The View" is a clear indication that the president is keenly aware of the harsh political realities facing him.
“These are some very, very smart women on there and if he can make it by them, he can, perhaps, increase his ratings a bit,” said University of Texas professor Paula Poindexter, who studies the way women and minorities relate to the media.
As he tries to turn around sagging poll numbers, Poindexter believes Obama chose to appear on "The View" to re-capture some of his personal popularity.
“Just to show that he's a likeable person, because lately people have kind of felt like, 'You don't care about us,'” Poindexter said.
From Northwest Austin, to Central Austin, to East Austin, women felt the president was talking directly about many of the issues they care about.
"Of course the economy, being an aspiring teacher education is very important to me, working pay, conditions for women,” said Charlia Dupree.
Many were also thankful he attempted to bring his message directly to them.
"I'm an individual, if he wants to address me as an individual then he has to do it himself,” said Yolonda Lozano.
