Obama, McConnell open to compromise but wary of showdown

One day after sweeping Republican election gains, President Barack Obama and incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pledged to try and turn divided government into a force for good rather than gridlock, yet warned of veto showdowns as well.

"There is no doubt that Republicans had a good night," the president said during a press conference at the White House, referring to elections that left the GOP in control of the Senate, expanded the party's House majority and garnered a handful of governorships formerly in Democratic hands.

To voters who handed the GOP control of Congress, Obama said, "I hear you. ... It's time for us to take care of business." He cited construction of roads, bridges and other facilities as one area ripe for cooperation. He said expanded trade was another.

At the same time, Obama noted, "Congress will pass some bills I cannot sign. I'm pretty sure I will take some actions that some in Congress will not like."

The 53-year-old president now faces a Congress under two-house control by Republicans for the first time in his tenure — and a lame duck status that becomes more of a check on his political power with each passing day.

"The American people sent a message — one they've sent for several elections now. They expect the people they elect to work as hard as they do," Obama said. "I plan on spending every moment for the next two years doing my job the best I can." 

Meanwhile, McConnell, 72, said while "there's certainly going to be areas of disagreement," both parties should "start with the view that maybe there are some things we can agree on to make progress for the country." 

McConnell cited international trade agreements and taxes among areas of possible compromise. 

"We're going to function," McConnell said. "We're going to pass legislation, some of it, [the president] maybe not like. But we're going to function. This gridlock can be ended by having a Senate that actually works."

Beyond that, McConnell made it clear Congress will vote on legislation to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada through the United States, and work to repeal portions of the health care law that stands as Obama's signature domestic accomplishment. McConnell said a tax on medical devices and a mandate for individuals to purchase health insurance are also Republican targets.

Obama ruled out ending the requirement for purchasing of health care, but he did not reject a repeal of the tax on medical devices, which many Democrats as well as Republicans have already signaled they are ready to jettison. Republicans are also expected to mount a major attack on federal deficits.

McConnell ruled out any government shutdowns or debt defaults under his watch. But he opened the door to more spending cuts as part of next year's budget process in return for raising the debt limit.

The first hints of how Republicans might rule Congress in the next two years are likely to come by mid-December. That is when the outgoing Congress has to either pass legislation to keep the government running or risk another government shutdown.

Rep. Steve Israel of New York, in charge of the Democrats' House campaign operations, said election returns could have been worse for Democrats.

Republicans were assured of a gain of seven Senate seats, and they bid for another in Alaska, where the vote count was not complete. Also uncalled was a race in Virginia, where Democratic Sen. Mark Warner faced challenger Ed Gillespie.

Also in doubt was a Senate seat in Louisiana, where Rep. Bill Cassidy led Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu into a Dec. 6 runoff. Despite the reverses, Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada announced he intended to remain the Senate's Democratic leader. There was no sign of opposition.

In the House, Republicans were within hailing distance of their largest majority since World War II. Republicans had 246 seats in 1946. There was no word whether Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., would seek another term as the party's leader in the House.

Al Jazeera and wire services