In his opening statement at this morning’s press conference, President Bush illustrated a pattern: When he gets defensive or huffy, he gets very twangy — very Texan. Not sure he’s at his most effective that way (though he can be). This morning, his tone said, “What about the stakes in Iraq do you people not understand?” I share Bush’s frustration entirely. And yet I’m allowed to spill over in a way the president really is not.

Personally, I kind of like it when Bush is petulant and snappish. Basically, I like him in all his moods. But I (sadly) am not representative of the population at large.

And when Bush is relaxed — in kind of a groove — he can be a simply superb communicator. He was that way this morning, particularly toward the end of his presser (when he talked about principle and politics, and looking himself in the mirror).

Incidentally, if you’re interested in my 2003 piece on Bush as communicator, please go here.

Sure, Bush stumbles now and then — this morning it was “perpetuated” instead of “perpetrated.” But big whoop. He gets his points across, and often he does it in style (his own peculiar style).

By the way: When Bush stands there, listening to an unfriendly question, kind of pouting, he is a perfect combination of his father and his mother.

It was important that he talked about America’s “war fatigue,” and how it’s “affecting our psychology.” (Here he tapped his forehead.) And it was important that he brought up the question of whether we can win: He is unwilling to send troops into combat in an effort that is vain. Elementary, yes, but necessary to state and restate.

Didn’t he come back to David Gregory perfectly? Gregory tried a “gotcha” (the way they all do — they seldom seem to be seeking genuine information). And he himself was “got.” Beautiful.

I believe Bush is utterly realistic about what is at stake, both in Iraq and in the wide War on Terror. He knows that, borrowing JFK’s words, it’s another “twilight struggle.” His critics — and even some of his supporters — say, “No one will listen to him! He’s through! He’s so yesterday!” Maybe. But if you don’t listen to him, you miss something.

I was talking to a wise man yesterday — a senior federal judge. He said, “People say we’ve had four years of mistakes in this war. Another way to put that is: We’ve had four years of learning.” This is a hard and exasperating war, but not less important to win for that.

And, oh: Did you catch Bush’s indirect jibes at Richard Armitage, original leaker of Valerie Wilson’s name (and hider in the shadows)? That was magnificent. Outstanding. Worth the price of admission alone.

Back to his frustration: When it comes to such matters as giving an opening statement, he might do well to tamp that down. Just a bit. And, after his presidency, he might like to write a column like Impromptus, where he can rant till the cows come home.

Speaking of Impromptus: Today’s features Michael Moore — boo — and Abigail and Stephan Thernstrom: Hurray! Knock yourself out.