Dysfunctional D.C.

The farce-off between President Barack Obama and Republican congressional leaders over when Obama should deliver his jobs speech is another step in Washington's journey toward dysfunction junction -- and the media is cheering.

Obama asked to address Congress at 8 p.m. Wednesday, and probably shouldn't have. That slot conflicts with a Republican presidential debate involving several members of Congress and it's particularly interesting because it will be Texas Gov. Rick Perry's first such event. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) asked Obama to reschedule his speech to the next evening, and after hours of sniping between aides, Obama agreed.

In a less contentious time, the conflict would have been handled quietly. Now, when every situation is evaluated by how it can be used to trash the other side, rather than whether it helps the nation, things aren't done that way -- much to the delight of the 24-hour news channels that feast off such silliness.

Regardless, Obama had better finish talking early or he'll face off against a tougher draw than the Republican hopefuls. The NFL kicks off its season at 8:30 p.m. Thursday with Green Bay Packers versus the New Orleans Saints. Americans, besieged by unemployment, terrified by diminishing home values and watching dreams of a comfortable retirement slip away, are likely to be ready for some football.