The Hill News

The politician who spoke during the presidential campaign of 2008 with extraordinary charisma and wisdom returned last night in Tucson, Ariz., after a long absence. The right probably thought the president had turned soft and could be ignored as the political force he seemed to be in 2008. Many on the left thought he’d lost his groove, and that maybe his aura had been exaggerated.

But before 14,000 people in Tucson, and a watching world on television, the old Obama was back. Like his thoughtful, intelligent speech on race during a low point in his presidential campaign, when the Rev. Wright tirade jeopardized his campaign, President Obama spoke about subjects that generate raw feelings â€" violence, guns, hate speech, public incivility. And he did so calmly; he reasoned with his audience; and he articulated a rational perspective about an irrational experience.

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