Looks like President Obama is finally going to step out and lay out a plan for healthcare. He is scheduled to speak to a joint session of Congress on Sept. 9.

This is a major development even if it seemingly has been in the works for a while.

Especially with the voice of the late Ted Kennedy now gone from the Senate, it was long past time for the President to weigh in on the debate. His hands off approach works for a while as both chambers try to find some direction, but at some point the President has to lead and it is a little past due for him to do that.

Sept. 9 is the first full day back from recess for Congress and the top of the agenda is a healthcare bill that has been extremely contentious over the last month. Likely the most telling cue of where the debate is at will be the President's position on a public plan in his speech.