8:20: We are “at the breaking point” because of a failure to fix health care. This is the nub of his challenge; the reason the issue has turned on him is that Americans do not believe this. Four-fifths of Americans with health care are satisfied with their coverage.

8:19: “I am determined to be the last” president to address health care. Now there’s utopianism for you.

“Thanks to the bold and decisive action we have taken since January, I can say with confidence that we have pulled this economy back from the brink.” What Obama is doing here is suggesting that if you liked the stimulus package, you’ll like the health-care legislation. Interesting. Possibly unwise.