After being criticized for including some frankly bland reality stars and celebrity offspring as contestants, 'Dancing With the Stars' producers have long been rumored to be pursuing A-listers.

And who's more A-list than the former leader of the free world? Incredible as it may seem, Bill Clinton says that 'DWTS' did once offer him a spot on the show.

When a member of the audience on 'The Rachael Ray Show' asked Clinton if he'd ever appear on 'DWTS' and, if so, what would his best dance moves be, he laughed and said "Well, that's really interesting ..."

Clinton then told an astonished host and studio audience that "They contacted me once about this and I told them I didn't have the time to train for it. You know, you have to train, you really work at it. So I had to pass."

So, it was just a scheduling issue that prevented the keen saxophonist and freshly minted vegan from appearing on the show?! If you thought Bristol Palin was a polarizing contestant, just think what effect Clinton would have had.

He said that his 92-year-old mother-in-law -- an avid 'DWTS' fan -- was disappointed that he didn't take up the offer. He said she "watches it religiously and ... she thinks I would be really cool if I made it, but I had to pass."

When Ray asked what his best dance would be on 'DWTS,' Clinton said: "I would like to master the Tango. ... That's what I would love to do."

As the crowd applauded he then gave a glimpse into life chez Clintons: "Just last night Hillary said to me, 'You know, when I'm not Secretary of State any more, we should go take dancing lessons.' ... So we'll start with the Tango!"

Clinton's not the only politician to have been approached by 'DWTS.' Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was a contestant on Season 9 but was forced to pull out early on due to injury.

Back in February Tea Party candidate Christine O'Donnell announced that she was pondering a run on this season of 'DWTS.' She wrote on her Facebook page that "I just got the Official 'Ask' from Dancing With The Stars !! Although I am utterly flattered, my initial thought was to decline ... Still undecided. Book comes first."

Thanks to E! Online for the video clip.