Video | Obama takes responsibility for slow US progress
US President Barack Obama has said Tuesday's election, in which Republicans won control of the House of Representatives, shows that Americans are frustrated with the pace of economic recovery.
He took responsibility for sluggish economic growth and acknowledged that he had to do a "better job" to reduce the country's 9.6 percent unemployment rate.
"I think I have to take direct responsibility that we have not made as much progress as we need to make," Mr Obama told a press conference at the White House.
President Obama said he is looking at all ideas on the table that might lead to the creation of new jobs.
He also signalled he is willing to listen to his political oppenents gripes over healthcare reform: "If the Republicans have ideas for how to improve our healthcare system, if they want to suggest modifications that would deliver faster, more effective reform ... I am happy to consider some of those ideas."
Republicans pushed Democrats decisively from power in the House of Representatives and strengthened their ranks in the Senate, a result that could herald legislative gridlock when the new Congress takes power in January.
In particular, Republican control of the House will weaken Obama in fights over the extension of income tax cuts set to expire at the end of the year and over efforts to pass comprehensive energy or immigration bills.
Obama made a late-night call to congratulate John Boehner, the new speaker of teh house, and discuss ways they could work together to create jobs and improve the economy.
