President Obama sternly defended U.S. military action against Libya, announcing that control of the operation will be officially handed over to NATO on Wednesday.

"So for those who doubted our capacity to carry out this operation - I want to be clear - the United States of America has done what we said we would do," said Mr. Obama.

While the President did not say the words, "Mission accomplished," the speech had that kind of a ring to it, even though the Libyan leader remains in power.

"I said that America’s role would be limited; that we would not put ground troops into Libya," Mr. Obama continued, "Tonight, we are fulfilling that pledge."

The President did acknowledge that Moammar Qaddafi is still hanging on in Libya, which is not exactly a choice that the Obama Administration wants as the Libya mission moves forward.

"Gaddafi has not yet stepped down from power, and until he does, Libya will remain dangerous," he added.

To many experts, that was one of the holes in the Obama speech.

"It's all well and good to be praying every night that someone is going to be putting a bullet in Gaddafi's head," said foreign policy expert Ken Pollack of the American Enterprise Institute.

"But that's not a strategy."

On Capitol Hill, the reaction was about as expected, as this issue has divided both parties.

"Pres. Obama has yet to justify our involvement in Libya, and tonight’s speech left many questions unanswered," said Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH).

Portman was a rarity, as most members of both parties seemed to forget again last night how to put statements out on Twitter and via email.

"I think he clearly explained how we’re involved in a limited campaign, and NATO has taken command of continuing operations," said Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), one of the few Democrats speaking out immediately after the speech.

"Quite a long speech attempting to convince the Nation that he did the right thing," said Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL).

"I don't think it worked," he added.

Of the Democrats who commented after the speech, many were cautious, urging the White House to keep Congress in the loop about any change in policy.

"It is essential," said Rep. Steny Hoyer, the number two Democrat in the House, "that the president continue to inform and consult with Congress."