Joe Wilson Made David Axelrod's Day

I was just wondering how David Axelrod and Robert Gibbs were going to regain control of the White House message machine. They have a deft touch, those communications guys, but the post-election honeymoon had ended and the president's boat was taking water. The awkward Steve Hildebrand outburst and the uncomfortable summer of falling favorability had created a tough back-to-school environment at the Capitol this week, even without that messy distraction over Tuesday's pep talk to students. But Melinda is right -- the president is lucky.

It's not just luck that got him there, of course. He works his head off, has a keen sense of policy, and speaks like an Olympian orator. But, although the speech displayed all those trademark-Obama qualities (Jill Lawrence breaks it down artfully here), for all the popping-up-and-down ovations and the Kennedy-voice-from-the-grave special effects (with dizzying Vicki, Teddy Jr. and Patrick camera cuts), his most memorable moment was the "determined to be the last (president to tackle health care reform)" applause line. The address was suitably impressive for a second joint-session presentation, of course, but not tide turning. On its own, Barack Obama's 45-minute presentation would not have reestablished the authority of the Office of the President.

Had he not been blessed by Joe Wilson's villager-with-pitchfork moment, the president's all-network address would have left Americans with the enduring image of row after row of flag-pin-wearing Republicans, seemingly scowling in unison, seated stubbornly with their arms folded. Not that the opposition message was exactly a thing of wonder, either. The folks sitting to the chamber's right struck me as patently malleable when they so quickly changed their demeanor at the mere mention of limiting malpractice claims. The alligator-clipped packets some members were waving around only proved legislative bills make very wonkish props, and the GOP response by Louisiana Rep. Charles Boustany felt kind of pathetic and weak after the majesty of the House amphitheater.

At best, the opposing forces would have come out a draw while Misters Axelrod and Gibbs reconnoitered with the next talking-point memo. Except for the fortunate exclamation by Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina. All it took to remind folks that Barack Obama is the democratically elected leader of our Republic were two rapidly trending words: "You lie!"