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There was a lot riding on President Obama's primetime address on health care reform. Some political experts insisted that the speech could be a make it or break it moment. Mr. Obama was clearly aware of its importance — sources say he was tinkering with the speech up until the last minute.

The aim of the speech, Obama explained prior to giving it, was to "make sure that the American people are clear exactly what it is that we're proposing; to make sure that Democrats and Republicans understand that I'm open to new ideas, that we're not being rigid and ideological about this thing... to dispel some of the myths and, frankly, silliness that's been floating out there."

Did he succeed? Was the President able to cut through the confusion, get his point across, and bring the two sides of the debate together?

Strong Reactions
The speech drew strong reactions from both sides of the aisle. In one town hall-like moment, Rep. Joe Wilson of North Carolina shouted, "You lie" at the President. Mr. Obama acknowledged the heckler, but moved forward. Meanwhile Nancy Pelosi, seated behind Obama, looked down on Wilson, very displeased. In another telling moment, Rep. John Boehner appeared upset when the President called on Congress to stop bickering. A not-too-subtle dig at Boehner, perhaps? Still, it wasn't all frowns and boos. Sen. John McCain smiled when Obama lauded his idea to offer Americans with pre-existing conditions "low-cost coverage to protect them against financial ruin if they become seriously ill."

Down to Specifics
One of the president's chief goals was to clear the air and explain in his proposal in simple terms. On this front, a few moments stood out. When Mr. Obama said his plan will not add one dime to the federal deficit, the audience (for the most part, anyway) erupted with applause. Another moment drew unexpected laughter. Obama acknowledged that his plan for health care reform had "significant details to be worked out." The gross understatement drew a smattering of laughter. Folks seemed to be saying, "Yeah, tell us something we don't know."

Tough Talk
While President Obama expressed his willingness to compromise on the details of reform and acknowledged that good ideas come from both sides, he also laid down the law at several points. When talking about how he is willing to listen, Obama also included a caveat to those who use fear and cynicism for political gain. "My door is always open, but know this, I will not waste time." It was a moment many Democrats clearly enjoyed.

Wrapping it Up
President Obama is known for being a spectacular speaker. This time, he relied on an old friend to tie things together. Near the end of his address, Obama spoke of a letter that Sen. Ted Kennedy had written months before he passed away. The letter was to be delivered to Obama upon Kennedy's death. The key message Kennedy wished to convey was that health care reform isn't a political issue. It's a moral issue that will determine the character of America. As Obama envoked the late Senator's words, Kennedy's widow, Vicki, sat next to Michelle Obama, both smiling and crying.

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