You know you've made it when you're on the outside layer of an authentic Russian matryoshka... we have one with President Clinton on the outside — and Monica Lewinsky in the middle.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the newsroom on such a historic (and if all goes well, profitable in terms of newspapers sold) day, it’s hard to focus on what today really means. I’m hit with a sense of hope — cliche, of course, but it truly is a monumental moment in our nation’s history. I’m also burdened by my pragmatism, knowing that President Obama is just a man and will most certainly not acheive as much as his more ardent supporters expect him to… and am feeling a bit Jon Stewart-like in my reaction to the overly fawning, overly “the dream has arrived!” coverage of TV news.

So, today, I’ll simply point you to the best takes on the moment… my deeper reflections on the meaning of this presidency are HERE, and I suggest you read (or re-read) it, as it’s probably the best thing my brain will ever produce. (NOTE: I’ll be updating this throughout the day.)

“Race in America” — Politico’s Arena feature pulls many great thinkers together for a dialogue on the moment.

“I Wish You Were Here” — New York Times columnist Bob Herbert’s look at some of the people who paved the way for a black president, people who didn’t live long enough to see it.

“What to Pray for a New President” — Christianity Today offers some truly transcendent advice on a historically transcendent day.

“A Smarter Stimulus” — The New Yorker takes a look at why Obama’s stimulus plan, despite criticism from all sides, is more likely to work than anything else we’ve come up with in recent years.

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