When President Barack Obama agreed to introduce his jobs plan before a joint session of Congress next Thursday, he avoided a conflict with the Republican presidential debate scheduled for the night before. But that left the White House facing new competition on TV — the NFL opener that same night. After negotiations, Obama will start early, avoiding yet another bruising battle. Here’s a look:
The matchups
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers in NFL season opener.
President Barack Obama at Congress in appearance postponed from session opener.
Game time
7:30 p.m.
6 p.m.
The leaders
Drew Brees (Saints) and Aaron Rodgers (Packers): Last two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, known for leading two of the most productive offenses in football.
Barack Obama (White House) and John Boehner (House of Representatives): Last two men to agree on anything, known for leading one of the most unproductive periods in recent memory.
The line
Packers by 4
9.1 percent unemployment
Labor implications
In the first real game since the lockout threatened the season, the NFL finally gets back to work.
In yet another attempt to stimulate the economy, Obama will lay out his plan for putting America back to work.
Pregame entertainment
Kid Rock, whose songs include the hit “All Summer Long.”
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Endless verbal hits exchanged by both sides, as they’ve done all summer long.
The choice
Watch a bloody, take-no-prisoners collision of two unwavering forces sure to divide the viewing audience.
Or you could watch the football game.
Twitter: @RobManker