OBAMA: "Remember this - I never suggested that change would be easy, or that I can do it alone."

[kpete]

I know it's an election year. And after last week, it is clear that campaign fever has come even earlier than usual. But we still need to govern. To Democrats, I would remind you that we still have the largest majority in decades, and the people expect us to solve some problems, not run for the hills. And if the Republican leadership is going to insist that sixty votes in the Senate are required to do any business at all in this town, then the responsibility to govern is now yours as well. Just saying no to everything may be good short-term politics, but it's not leadership. We were sent here to serve our citizens, not our ambitions. So let's show the American people that we can do it together. This week, I'll be addressing a meeting of the House Republicans. And I would like to begin monthly meetings with both the Democratic and Republican leadership. I know you can't wait.

................

"Remember this - I never suggested that change would be easy, or that I can do it alone. Democracy in a nation of three hundred million people can be noisy and messy and complicated. And when you try to do big things and make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy. That's just how it is."

"Those of us in public office can respond to this reality by playing it safe and avoid telling hard truths. We can do what's necessary to keep our poll numbers high, and get through the next election instead of doing what's best for the next generation."

COMPLETE TRANSCRIPT: http://politicalwire.com/archives/2010/01/27/complete_text_of_obamas_speech.html

[Lifelong Protester]

1. I liked his calling out of Dems in the first line you have up there

"I know it's an election year. And after last week, it is clear that campaign fever has come even earlier than usual. But we still need to govern. To Democrats, I would remind you that we still have the largest majority in decades, and the people expect us to solve some problems, not run for the hills. And if the Republican leadership is going to insist that sixty votes in the Senate are required to do any business at all in this town, then the responsibility to govern is now yours as well."

I was jumping off the couch on that one (not jumping ON the couch, just to clarify)

[elleng]

3. Ditto

(but not quite jumping.)

[RevCheesehead]

2. That's why he ended with "WE don't quit."

Everyone expects Obama to do it all... but it's gonna take everyone to heal our nation.

[thecrow]

4. He said that in Fredericksburg

"I can't do it alone"
He urged US to fight for what WE wanted, and said that change was within OUR reach, if WE would take up the challenge.