Joint Session of Congress and GOP Debate Collide

President Obama has requested a joint session of Congress to convene on the evening of September 7. He plans to roll out his highly anticipated job creation plans.

So? What's the big deal with that, you ask? Well, in what was solely a coincidental move on their part, no doubt, that evening just happens to be when the next big GOP debate is scheduled. It has been advertised for weeks, especially on the White House's favorite cable channel - MSNBC, as they are a part of the sponsorship. So, it's not like the fine folks in the White House scheduling office didn't know there was a calendar conflict.

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. Leader:)
Our Nation faces unprecedented economic challenges, and millions of hardworking Americans continue to look for jobs. As I have traveled across our country this summer and spoken with our fellow Americans, I have heard a consistent message: Washington needs to put aside politics and start making decisions based on what is best for our country and not what is best for each of our parties in order to grow the economy and create jobs. We must answer this call.

Therefore, I respectfully request the opportunity to address a Joint Session of Congress on September 7, 2011, at 8:00 p.m. It is my intention to lay out a series of bipartisan proposals that the Congress can take immediately to continue to rebuild the American economy by strengthening small businesses, helping Americans get back to work, and putting more money in the paychecks of the Middle Class and working Americans, while still reducing our deficit and getting our fiscal house in order. It is our responsibility to find bipartisan solutions to help grow our economy, and if we are willing to put country before party, I am confident we can do just that.

Thank you for your consideration.

Yeah, just a tad bit on the cynical side, wouldn't you say?

It appears that the televised GOP debate will go on after President Obama's speech/campaign rally to Congress.

I hope that Speaker Boehner accepts the opportunity and answers with a resounding "yes!". Obviously this is a ham handed political maneuver - Chicago style politics - and the GOP can use it to their advantage. All of the GOP debate participants will have the opportunity to respond to this jobs speech with ideas of their own.

This is a perfect opportunity for the GOP candidates to offer up their own solutions and not fall into the trap of just bashing President Obama. Voters are begging for leadership in Washington. Voters are searching for candidates who will step up, accept the challenges, and offer viable solutions.

Step up, Republicans.