This time, it looked as if everything went perfectly. The name of every guest arriving for Wednesday night's state dinner appeared on the official list. The inevitable comparisons to the drama of last year's faded away. And the party talk was focused on politics, the majesty of the White House and how so many memories were being made on such a night. Which is how it should be.

The second state visit, this one in honor of Mexico's president and first lady, began under overcast skies, but events from the outset were more promising than in November. In the morning, hundreds of dignitaries, local schoolchildren, donors and invited guests gathered on the South Lawn for the official arrival ceremony welcoming Mexico's first couple, Felipe Calderón and Margarita Zavala.

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