Unclear if President Obama will Meet with GOP Leaders Ahead of Speech

The White House wouldn't say whether President Obama will grant a request from Republican leaders for a meeting ahead of Obama's big speech to a joint session of Congress Thursday.

In a letter Tuesday, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Majority Leader Cantor, R-Va, requested the face time.

"Obviously achieving bipartisan agreement on these and other initiatives requires more than just one side declaring a proposal to be ‘bipartisan.' It requires that we work together. As such, we would suggest that prior to your address to Congress you convene a bipartisan, bicameral meeting of the Congressional leadership so that we may have the opportunity to constructively discuss your proposals," the letter read.

The White house has said the president will emphasize bi-partisan proposals in his remarks, and Obama has publicly been urging Congress to take action.

Regarding the specific request that Republican leaders asked for, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney wouldn't say, but didn't rule out an update.

"I don't have an announcement on a meeting or other forms of consultation. I think, you know, if that is something I have to announce for you tomorrow or at another time, I will," Carney said.

He said the president has garnered ideas from a wide range of people, from all sectors and political beliefs when putting together his plan, but wouldn't elaborate on any specifics with Republicans. Obama worked on his speech while he was on vacation in Martha's Vineyard in late August and made several phone calls there gathering input.

"The president has throughout this year, and certainly throughout the spring and summer, been in regular consultation with members of Congress and leaders of both parties," Carney said.

Obama is expected to hit the road in the fall, announcing more plans as he travels across the country.

He's also expected to have more talks with members of Congress after he gives Thursday's speech.