By Erin Kelly

WASHINGTON -- Can Bernie Sanders crack up the nation?

The Vermont senator will give it a try Monday when he appears on "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central.

Sanders was invited to appear on the popular cable show by comedian Stephen Colbert, who portrays an irreverent TV anchorman with a sarcastic view of the news. The senator, an independent, said he has no idea what Colbert will interview him about.

"I'm a little bit nervous, but I've been on the Bill O'Reilly show a couple of times, so it can't be any worse," Sanders said Thursday, referring to the conservative Fox News show.

"The Colbert Report," which appeals especially to young adults, has become an increasingly popular venue for presidential candidates. New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton was scheduled to appear on the show late Thursday, and Barack Obama's wife, Michelle, appeared Tuesday.

"I'm not the world's funniest guy," said Sanders, who will travel to New York City for the interview. "Among family and friends, I do have a sense of humor. But before millions of people? I don't know."

Sanders said he had qualms about accepting the invitation, but thought it would be a good way to reach younger Americans.

"Amid all the laughter, it's an opportunity to talk about things like the need to end the war in Iraq and the collapse of the middle-class," Sanders said.