Politics

Obama Vows to Cooperate with Congress After Democratic Mid-Term Losses

President Barack Obama spoke during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, on Wednesday, Nov. 5. AP/Evan Vucci

By Shannon McMahon

November 5, 2014

2 minutes to read

“Obviously, Republicans had a good night,’’ President Obama said at a White House press conference Wednesday, addressing the party’s election day success and takeover of Congress. Obama’s speech centered around the American people’s apparent dissatisfaction with the federal government—namely its inability to make change happen.

“What stands out to me is that last night the American people sent a message,’’ Obama said. “They expect the people they elect to work as hard as they do. To focus on [the people’s] ambitions and not ours— all of us, in both parties.’’

The president said he’s eager to work with Republicans to make progress for the final two years of his term, placing an emphasis on compromise and overlapping ideas.

“I believe we are more than simply a collection of red and blue states,’’ he said. “We are the United States.’’

Still, Obama said he wouldn’t be afraid to veto legislation.

“That’s not to say we won’t disagree on issues we’re passionate about. We will,’’ he said. “That’s natural. That’s the way our democracy works.’’

Obama also outlined his first steps with the newly rearranged house and senate. He plans to request funding to combat and contain Ebola, to seek new authorization to use military force against ISIS, and to work with Congress on a new budget.

“It’s time for us to take care of business,’’ he said. “There are things this country needs us to do that can’t wait another two or four years.’’

Obama said he was eager to find common ground with Speaker of the House John Boehner and new Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

“I would enjoy having some Kentucky Bourbon with Mitch McConnell,’’ the president said. “I think we can have a productive relationship.’’

Despite this, Obama told the press he would not sign any law repealing Obamacare, which now provides health care to about 10 million Americans. He did, however, say he was open to discussing changes to the Affordable Care Act, noting that the foundation for the plan was laid by the Massachusetts state policy of his former opponent—Mitt Romney.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described Mitch McConnell as the President of the Senate. He is the Senate Majority Leader.