15 Things We Learned About Obama Last Night President reminds us of his gifts and plans By Jason Farago, Newser Staff Posted Feb 25, 2009 6:08 AM CST Copied President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) So what did last night teach us about our president? Mark Halperin runs down the list in his Time blog The Page: He's optimistic and realistic, and unafraid to be both at the same time. He's unafraid to use his wife as a political asset. He likes Joe Biden, really, despite his garrulousness—and the VP is happy to play sidekick. He understands that confidence is the key to his presidency. He's willing to exhibit populist outrage to sate the public's outrage toward the banks. If the GOP wasn't already scared by "the size and reach of Obama's megaphone," now's the time to start. He's making education the sleeper issue of his administration. He doesn't need to be loved like Washington—not unlike George W Bush. And once again, "the man can give a heck of a speech." For the rest of the list, click the link below. (More Barack Obama stories.) Report an error