In a bid to confront criticism of his health care plans directly, President Barack Obama has invited conservative talk-radio host Michael Smerconish to do his show from the White House on Thursday. The president will appear as a guest from 1:10 to 1:30 p.m. EDT, with some cable networks expected to carry the program live and the conservative-leaning audience likely to provide pointed questions.
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“There has been a lot of misinformation that’s been spread particularly in conservative circles about this plan,” said Joshua Earnest, a White House spokesman. “It’s an opportunity to set the record straight, and hopefully he’ll have an opportunity to confront that misinformation head-on.”
The White House said it had a standing invitation to appear on Smerconish’s show, and decided to accept.
Smerconish, 47, has a GOP pedigree, but his views are eclectic. He was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to a position at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. After consistently voting Republican in presidential races, he endorsed Obama last year.
He usually broadcasts from CBS Radio’s WPHT in Philadelphia.