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I often end my political lectures by describing the corner of First Street and East Capitol Street in Washington, DC. I say that facing west, the Library of Congress - the symbol of culture in America - is on your immediate left. The Supreme Court - the symbol of justice in America - is on your immediate right.

And then I note that filling your entire field of view, at that intersection, is the Capitol of the United States - the symbol of freedom for the entire world.

The point is: Politics is only a means to an end. The end is Democracy and freedom.

Last night President George W. Bush, speaking from that building, told the world that freedom would be defended from that building, with the support of the citizens elected to serve in that building.

The President's words were well crafted, and skillfully delivered. But though his words will echo in our heads, it is the image of our American President which will shine in our souls.

On the way into the chamber, stopping to pat on the cheek New York Senator Charles Schumer. And stopping briefly to make strong eye contact with the other Senator from New York, Hillary Clinton.

The speech was filled with strong, simple phrases. He talked directly to the Members of the House and Senate by thanking their leaders - Republicans and Democrats - for "Your friendship your leadership and your service to our country."

He described to America the nature of the threat: "Our enemy is a network of terrorists and every government that supports them."

He spoke to other world leaders, "You have a decision to make: You are with us, or you are with the terrorists."

President Bush told America our strategy to deal with terrorism: "Stop it. Eliminate it. And destroy it where it grows."

And he told us how we would measure success: "Whether we bring them to justice or bring justice to them; Justice will be done."

But it was not just macho saber-rattling by a tough-talking Texan. He also told us to, "Live your lives and hug your children. Be calm and resolute."

You watched the speech as I did. You saw the set of the man's jaw. You watched him as he singled out Lisa Beamer whose husband helped bring down the plane which crashed in Pennsylvania.

You watched him as he pointedly allowed not one - but two - rounds of applause, for the British people as represented by their Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

You saw him as he held out the shield of a New York City police officer who was killed in the World Trade Center; the shield having been given to the President "by his mom."

You saw him as he hugged - hugged - Tom Daschle. These are two men who understand that history has thrust them into the role of partners in leadership; so different from their roles as leaders of partisanship they occupied such a short time ago.

You saw Members on - literally - both sides of the aisle straining to shake the hand of the President as he worked his way back up that aisle to the center door of the Chamber.

A long-time friend, Annette Meeks, reminded me not long ago of this story:

Years ago, when my job as Newt Gringrich's press secretary allowed me access to the Floor of the House, I was sitting in one of the pews half listening to the proceedings. Annette, who ran the Whip Office just off the floor, slid in next to me to escape the usual roar of activity which existed in the office.

She told me that I was looking around the Chamber and I said to her, "You know, if you are ever in this place and the hair on the back of your neck doesn't stand on end, you should leave the building and never return."

It is a great chamber in a great building. In it, last night, a great President made his case to a great nation.