Several quick impressions.

First, it was the best effort President Obama could possibly make.  The speech–whether you thought the argument was spot-on or deceitful–was a well-crafted, rousing St. Crispen’s Day appeal that managed to both offer an open hand to Republicans, and slap them in the face with it.

Second, Washington should not get a case of the vapors over Joe Wilson.  This was not a State of the Union or a national coming together in war or tragedy. This was a purely political event that compelled Republicans to sit still for their scolding.  So it’s not surprising that some would treat it like a Parliamentary Question Hour.  For all the talk about a “lack of civility” in Washington, a little raucousness in such set-piece events (in which Members of Congress are expected to pop up and down to applaud, like so many Whack-a-Moles), adds a Jacksonian touch. With any luck, canings and duels will come next.

Third,  the offer to stage “demonstration projects” on medical malpractice reform was a sop to Republicans that was more insulting than winning.

Fourth, the next two days are going to be fascinating.  Will this powerful speech win over Independents and conservative Democrats?  Will a majority of Americans polled still be dead-set against the president’s plan, or will this speech flip them?  Is this the tipping point toward a magnificent victory that instantly catapults President Obama to the front ranks of historical actors, or will it be his early ruin?  I have no idea.  It will be fun to watch.