The political significance of President Obama’s speech last night wasn’t what he said, but why.

Obviously, our famously no-drama Commander-in-Chief felt the seismic shift after the California killings. Weeks ago, he calmly assured us that ISIS (why does he say “ISIL”?) was “contained.” Last night, he sternly assured us he takes the threat seriously.

Forget income inequality, climate change, the budget, taxes, education, all that. All politics now is about the safety and security of Americans in their homes, workplaces, shopping centers, sports events, anywhere we go and any gathering we go to.

Republicans ramped up the rhetoric about refugees, ISIS, immigration, radical Islam and war. (But none of their presidential candidates can top Trump, which is why he’s still on top of the polls.)

Democrats, as always, have a more nuanced position. Yes, they say, keep America safe. But then they move on too quickly. They say: “Take guns away from terrorists.” All some people hear is “take guns away.”

Democrats also say we shouldn’t blame all Muslims. People get that. But they don’t get whether Democrats get the threat from radicalized Muslims.

Democrats are exactly right on both points. How can Republicans vote against a no-gun list for people on a no-fly list? And it’s wrong to blame all Muslims, as well as counterproductive.

But, as always, Democrats talk a lot faster – and a lot more – than people listen. You’ve got to get the first step right. The first step is to carry the big stick. You can speak softly later.

If you don’t get the politics and the rhetoric right, you won’t have a chance after November 2016 to get the policies and the response right.