CRI听力:Obama Vows to Break Washington Gridlock Following Midterm Election Rout

US President Barack Obama has acknowledged his administration has a tough road ahead during his last two years in office following the Democrats' crushing defeat in the midterm elections.

The Republicans have not only regained control of the Senate, but have also captured their biggest majority in the House of Representatives in more than 60 years.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Obama acknowledges he is not likely to agree with Congressional lawmakers on all of their proposed legislation.

"Congress will pass some bills I cannot sign. I'm pretty sure I'll take some actions that some in Congress will not like. That's natural. That's how our democracy works. But we can surely find ways to work together on issues where there's broad agreement among the American people."

The election campaign itself has been characterized by widespread frustration expressed by voters about the inability of Congress to work together.

Obama says he's been given a clear message from the voters, and says it's his responsibility to break Washington's gridlock.

"As president, I have a unique responsibility to try and make this town work. So, to everyone who voted, I want you to know that I hear you. To the two-thirds of voters who chose not to participate in the process yesterday, I hear you, too."

Obama has invited Democratic and Republican leaders of Congress to the White House on Friday to take stock of the new political landscape.