READER MICHAEL COSTELLO WRITES THAT OBAMA HAS NOW DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF FROM CARTER: “Carter would have screwed it up.” Yeah, yesterday I wrote that Obama could only wish for such success. Today he’s got it. Good for him. And, more to the point, for America.

And reader Steve Bogdan emails: “For the first time in my adult life, I’m proud of President Obama.”

UPDATE: More praise for Obama.

ANOTHER UPDATE: Reader Rick Reilly emails: “Close: failed helicopter and all.. eerily similar to Carter’s situation.” Better plan — and a military in a lot better shape than in 1979.