Usually when there’s some politician nattering away on TV, I generally go about my business…cleaning up, doing dishes, cleaning up the inbox (or the kitty box). But last night I was stopped in my domestic goddess tracks by one Barack Obama, President of the United State of America.  

As I watched the President address the Joint Session of Congress last night, I was drawn to the television set not so much by what he was saying but how he was saying it. I watched an elegant man only barely looking at his notes during the speech, knowing when to hold for applause, knowing when to emphasize words, knowing when to back off a bit. He knew when to lower his eyes, when to encompass the room, when to connect to the camera. He was just plain great to watch! And because I watched, I listened.

I thought, omg, is this truly a return to stately, beautiful, well crafted, well executed oratory? Can it be? Is it so?

The answer is yes. Yes, President Barack Obama engaged the audience both in the chambers but also thru the wires and airwaves all the way to my 13” Sanyo in the kitchen. Yes, Mr. Obama used correct English and excellent sentence construction. Yes, Mr. Obama even gave a good natured chide about “inheriting” a deficit. While it was physically absent, the “wink” was there.

I had to sit down to watch and listen.

President Obama explained why I shouldn’t be so angry about “bailing out” the banks. He, in simple elegant words, explained how loosening chains on big banks will ultimately matter to me, soapy hands and all.  He continued with quiet resolve to explain about what others have called “too much” of a stimulus package. And the warmth in his voice and slight drop of shoulder let me know he understands that I will not find it easy to ride out this economic crisis, and, in fact, few of us will.

These things may have been well rehearsed?  Perhaps. But frankly I don’t care. Through the poised confident delivery of some of the best language I’ve heard in a while, I think I heard a message loud and clear:

“Patience. Please have patience.”

Yes, Mr.Obama, I will try. I will try very hard. Just for you.