We congratulate

 Barack Obama’s significant policy statement Sunday on 60 Minutes is one that deserves our applause.

He very firmly and directly let the public know that during this presidency, there needed to be significant movement on an issue that has stagnated many Americans.

And, no, this had nothing to do with his focus on the economy, healthcare, education or leaving Iraq and disarming Iran.

Obama very clearly told Steve Croft that the nation needed a college football playoff for its major universities.

And he was specific with his plan: an 8-team, 3-week tournament that could be accommodated by shortening the regular season by a game.

Fans from Gainesville to Los Angeles to Lexington to Louisville likely cheered loudly, even if they disliked Obama’s politics and never would have voted for him.

And, no, the issue is not the sort that deserves presidential attention.

But it proves the new guy in the White House understands the public’s pulse and has his feet firmly placed in logic and timing.

Of course, he also must realize that peace in the Middle East will be easier to accomplish.