A Reminder of Why We Like Obama

Actually, two of them, one from David Broder (down a bit in his column), and another from John Dickerson: He actually listens to the questions in his press conferences, and actually considers their content before offering a thoughtful answer. A lot of the criticisms against Bush were to a certain degree convenient canards for his opponents, but his empty repetition of talking points, insofar as it reflected his unwillingness to critically examine his own positions, was among his worst flaws. 

Here's Broder:

He has not been tested that rigorously in the news conferences he has held so far, but his ability to respond to the questions he has been asked, to make his points in a coherent, balanced way and to avoid any misstatement has certainly been a treat to watch.

And Dickerson:

Perhaps it's the former professor coming out, but unlike other candidates and presidents, who recite talking points or ramble on to other topics, Obama seems to really listen. A local reporter referred to Obama's "friends" in local government in what sounded like a throwaway line to set up his question about budget pressure on states and cities. After a long answer on the main point, Obama circled back and noted that the reporter had mentioned his "friends." "I want to be clear," he said. "Friendship doesn't come into this. That's part of the old way of doing business."

It is worth remembering that neither of these guys was a blind worshipper of Obama's, especially Dickerson; he had his number more than anyone in the liberal media throughout the primary and general campaign.