Next week President Obama is set to unveil his latest economic package in a speech before Congress.  Originally it was scheduled for Wednesday but was pushed to Thursday so as not to interfere with a previously scheduled Republican debate.

It’s a conciliatory gesture towards Republicans but a move sure to anger ordinary folks as Thursday marks the opening of the 2011 NFL season.  And what a matchup it will be – the champion Green Bay Packers vs. the New Orleans Saints.

With Obama’s approval rating in the 30s it’s tough to imagine many of us would tune in to hear him speak anyway but now that he’ll compete with America’s passion for football he’s surely going to get a pathetic audience.  It’s often said the power of the presidency is to persuade.  How can President Obama persuade if no one is listening?

For those of you who will be racked with guilt over the coming days over your decision to watch football rather than listen to “leadership” here’s a preview of what you’ll miss:

“My fellow Americans.  Millionaires and billionaires need to pay their fair share of taxes.  We need to extend unemployment benefits.  We need to build roads and bridges.  Congress must act to do the right thing.  I’m right.  Republicans are wrong.  That is all.”

Must we really tune in to hear the same garbage spewed at us?  Our position at Apollo is that real, permanent, structural, “supply side” changes and incentives are necessary.  Unless and until President Obama is willing to propose these things we say, “Oh, good, a commercial.  Grab me another beer.  I’m going to the bathroom before kickoff.”