Obama vows to keep an open mind

WASHINGTON (AP) — During his final two years in office, President Barack Obama says, he’ll judge ideas not by whether they come from Democrats or Republicans — but by “whether or not they work.”

The pledge to put aside party differences came as Obama had lunch at the White House with 16 top lawmakers from both parties, three days after the Republicans won control of the Senate and padded their House majority.

Seated alongside House Speaker John Boehner (BAY’-nur), current Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Obama said he congratulated both Republicans for “running very strong campaigns.” He said the election showed that Americans want to see more cooperation in Washington. And Obama said he, in particular, has a responsibility “to try to get that done.”

Since Tuesday’s election, Republicans in both chambers have put Obama on notice they plan to twist his arm on the long-delayed Keystone XL oil pipeline that the GOP wants approved.

Boehner, in his first news conference after the elections, warned Obama yesterday that following through with his plans to take sweeping executive action on immigration would be like playing with matches.

%@AP Links

169-a-14-(President Barack Obama, speaking to reporters during meeting with congressional leaders)-“of the economy”-President Obama says Americans will be watching closely to see if the two parties can find areas of agreement. (7 Nov 2014)

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171-a-08-(President Barack Obama, speaking to reporters during meeting with congressional leaders)-“in coming here”-President Obama says this meeting is a chance to break bread with congressional leaders — and to start getting things done. (7 Nov 2014)

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APPHOTO DCEV117: President Barack Obama meets with Congressional leaders in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, Nov. 7, 2014. From left are, House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (7 Nov 2014)

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Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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