'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 Republican pedigree, but his views are eclectic. He was appointed by former president George H.W. Bush to a position at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. After consistently voting Republican in presidential races, he endorsed Obama last year. While he favors the death penalty and a tough stance on terrorism, Smerconish said he also supports abortion rights and doesn't care 'if two guys hook up.' Asked who tends to listen to his show, Smerconish wrote in an e-mail: 'Buxom women and high-income men.' More seriously, he added: 'I'd like to think I attract a mixed lot reflective of my hard-to-classify views; not solely an ideological lot.' But the White House clearly sees the appearance as a chance to reach conservative listeners and overcome doubts about Obama's program. While the president repeatedly has sought to make his case at town hall meetings, he has mostly faced polite questions from supportive crowds. That is not likely to be the case Thursday. Smerconish said he doesn't want to give airtime to callers determined to 'praise' the president. Rather, he wants Obama to get tough questions about how he would pay for his health-care plan. He also wants the president to address the notion that government that is becoming 'too large and too intrusive.' 'I hear time and time again from people who say we won't be able to pay for programs going on and they don't like the feeling that government is involved in every aspect of their life and industry,' Smerconish said in an interview. 'These are not people on the fringe. These are middle-Americans that are very distressed at the involvement in banks, the auto industry and now health care.' In Smerconish, the White House has chosen a relatively centrist voice on the conservative spectrum, eschewing the extremes. That may be part of a broader political calculation. Larry Ceisler, a political consultant and longtime friend of Smerconish, said: 'The type of Republican Michael represents is a moderate type. So if they can make a case to the middle, which Michael represents, then you have the right wing somewhat isolated.' 