Obama sparks record auds for 'The View'

President Barack Obama's visit to ABC daytimer "The View" on Thursday drew an average of 6.6 million viewers, the series' biggest audience ever in nearly 3,000 airings.

The talker also had its highest numbers among women 18-34 and women 18-49 since March 2, 2009 (when discussion topics included the Rihanna-Chris Brown relationship and Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal being accused of making up a story about Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts).

“We were honored to have President Obama on ‘The View,’ said "View" co-host Barbara Walters, who did her first "View" interviewing since undergoing heart surgery. "The ratings indicate that our show continues to break new ground."

Billed as the first time a sitting president had ever appeared on a daytime talkshow (although strangely, James K. Polk's appearance on lighthearted 1840s talker "54-40 or Fun" was ignored), Obama's appearance is part of a "Red, White and View" campaign ABC is conducting that emphasizes political content for "The View."

Meanwhile, the opening segment on Thursday's "Daily Show with Jon Stewart" discussed Obama's "View" stop while reminding viewers of President George W. Bush's appearance on "Dr. Phil."