PURE GOLD: LET'S NOT FORGET OBAMA'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

Immediately after Obama's Inaugural Address most political commentators here said they were disappointed: no memorable, ringing phrases to remember, they claimed. But in our shrunken world in which the communications revolution brought Obama into millions of homes on every continent, the speech by our first black president—best-selling author, superior orator, part rock star, part teacher, part preacher—was heard around the world like no other Inaugural Address before it.

History will prove the snap-judgment analysts wrong. His speech resonated everywhere, admitting our serious problems, showing confidence in his ability to lead, and listing those qualities that make us proud to be Americans.

The Chinese, for example, heard the speech and, amazingly, many of them took issue via the internet with their government's censoring of Obama's remarks about Communism.

In a nation not known for strong support of free speech, many Chinese took exception to their government's action.

The Daily, a blog, recorded some of the reaction: "When you get something that's sensitive," one viewer told his government, "you just cut it off. Garbage." Take that, Communist Party leaders!

Another response in the world's most populous nation: "I just hope he (Obama) can establish good Chinese-American relations." A third sent this message: "The world doesn't have any great political parties, only great leaders."

In Japan, the Address had an important impact on education. In Tokyo, students learning English are using the Address to learn the new language. And a book on the Address in Japanese and English is on the best-seller list.

In India, the Asian Age said about the Address: "In almost no other country does the victor accept his laurels with such magnanimity."

Ha'aretz in Israel was impressed with Obama's modesty when he said: "Our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please."

The unenthusiastic response by political pundits in the American media was based on a superficial judgment that the Address fell flat because it didn't sing; there was no memorable line we could hang onto.

They cited FDR,  Jack Kennedy and Ronald Reagan for phrases that soared: Roosevelt's "we have nothing to fear but fear itself" during the Great Depression; Kennedy's invocation of public service: "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country"; and Reagan"s line that continues to bring us grief: ""Government is not the answer. Government is the problem." That's the current doctrine held by almost all the Republicans in Congress.

Obama, with great political instincts, focused on all the right themes in this winter of our discontent:

*His paraphrase of Roosevelt: "On this day we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

*He combined patriotism and confidence when he declared: "America has carried on not simply because of the skilled vision of those in high office, but because the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents."

*He invoked the universality of our better angels: "As the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself."

*He nuanced his criticism of the Bush years, but made clear how he differed: "As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals" and on the economy, "without a watchful eye the market can spin out of control."

*He went further than any president, possibly since Jefferson, in pressing his "big tent" concept: "We are a nation of Christians, and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and non-believers."

*He is the first president to talk directly to the Muslim world: "To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward based on mutual interest and mutual respect."

*And he sought peace with our adversaries: "We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

Newspapers here were kinder than the pundits. The Washington Post said "Obama sought to combine a sober acknowledgement of the perils the nation faces with an unflappable assurance that they can be overcome."

The N.Y. Times got it right: "A first-class Inaugural Address that will do much to restore the long-tattered image of the United States around the world."

Obama has been on the road again, selling his stimulus package and contending that it might take years to straighten out the economy. Before a crowd in Florida, there was a great supportive roar. Someone had yelled "eight years!" And this was McCain country.

The Republicans should take notice.