As the controversy over remarks by his former pastor continues to get play in the media, Barack Obama escalated the damage control by giving a major speech on the subject of race and politics. His ability to distill the conflict and character of America into moving rhetoric is as impressive as ever, but will it be enough to weather this storm?

Some initial reviews of the speech — mostly positive — can be found here.

Also, Hillary Clinton says she’s “very glad” Obama gave the speech, though she hasn’t heard it.

Watch it: