House Speaker John Boehner declined President Obama’s request to address a joint session of Congress next Wednesday. Boehner told Obama that Thursday would be a better day:
“It is my recommendation that your address be held on the following evening, when we can ensure there will be no parliamentary or logistical impediments that might detract from your remarks.”
No mention was made of the previously scheduled GOP Presidential primary debate to be held Wednesday on MSNBC. Obama was accused of playing politics by scheduling his remarks the same night and time as the debate. Boehner could be accused of doing as as well, as Thursday evening is the first NFL game of the 2011-2012 season, which is slated to begin at 8:30 on NBC. Suffice it to say, one of the biggest sporting events of the year is not likely to be preempted for a political address.
Update: The White House announced that the speech will be held September 8, likely at 7 or 7:30 PM so as not to conflict with the NFL game.