At the beginning of the Obama presidency--and it's still so great to write those words, the Obama presidency--there are moments about policy, about controversy and politics, and then there are moments--first moments especially--that remind me why I cared so much about electing Barack Obama. This first press conference was definitely one of those special moments. In any year, a display of lucidity, intelligence and respect for the press conference itself would have been a cause for joy. But in this year, we have the first President since FDR who can both put forth the approaches, programs and ideas we need to move up from disaster without visiting catastrophe on the way, and who can explain the situation, what he's doing and why. No wonder America trusts him.

This is just the opening statement. To get the full flavor, you need to see and hear the entire press conference.