WATCH: President Barack Obama woke up to a grim new reality following the midterm elections, as his political foes in the Republican party won control the Senate. Eric Sorensen and Jackson Proskow report.
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is telling Americans who voted for change: “I hear you.”
The president said the Republican victories Tuesday in the midterm elections are a sign they want Washington “to get the job done.”
In a White House news conference, he said both parties must address those concerns. But he acknowledged as president he has a “unique responsibility to try to make this town work.”
He says he’s eager to hear Republican ideas for governing together. And he vowed to work hard during his final two years in office to make progress. He says, “It’s time for us to take care of business.”
WATCH: Big GOP wins in midterm election could spell trouble for President Obama
Tuesday’s vote gives Republicans momentum heading into the 2016 presidential race, which becomes the focus of American politics for the next two years. At issue now is whether Obama, congressional Democrats and the newly robust Republican majorities will be able to break the legislative gridlock that has gripped the U.S. capital in recent years.
Obama stands by immigration pledge
The issue of Immigration, which has been seen as an area for potential agreement, immediately emerged as an early point of contention.
Obama said he is standing by his pledge to act on his own to reduce deportations and improve U.S. border security by the end of the year. Obama says he will take his own steps despite election results that gave Republicans control of Congress.
He says he prefers congressional action but that he has shown patience and has tried to work in a bipartisan fashion.
Obama says if Congress acts, his executive actions will go away. Republicans say any action will poison relations with the White House.
Obama angered Latinos and immigration advocacy groups earlier this year when he delayed any executive action until after the election. Any action Obama takes will likely reducethe number of deportations and grant work permits to millions of immigrants illegally in the United States.
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