Obama pleads anew for bipartisanship in Washington

President Barack Obama says it’s time for Democrats and Republicans to work hard because the American people “expect a seriousness of purpose that transcends petty politics.”

Talking to reporters at the White House, Obama said the country must get on a path that “sustains fiscal responsibility” and he said he wants GOP lawmakers to work with him to help businesses create new jobs.

Obama called for an end to “grandstanding” and said he’s ready to cooperate with Republicans but that he won’t accept “obstinacy” on their part. The president said he understands “there are legitimate and genuine differences” between the political parties, but said it was time to get beyond “the political posturing that characterizes this town.”