This Thursday’s broadcast of The View will mark two significant returns: the return of President Barack Obama and the (brief) return of Barbara Walters.

Although Obama has chatted with the ladies before, he hasn’t visited the program since March 2008 - when he was just a U.S. senator. Meanwhile, Walters - who is still taking time off to recover from her heart surgery - will make a special appearance for the event.

The hour is not only a coup for the The View, but for daytime television overall. This is the first time a sitting president has guested on a daytime talk show.

“This shows that both the President and First Lady feel that our show is an influential and important source of information and news,” Walters said.

The discussion – which will be pre-taped on Wednesday – will be part of the show’s ongoing “Red, White & View” campaign. Topics expected to be covered with Obama include the BP oil spill, jobs and the economy.