Urging action

At the same time that President Barack Obama is inviting Republican participation in policymaking, he is attempting to rally Democratic allies as well.

On Saturday, the president urged Democrats to forge ahead with their policy initiatives, not simply "regroup, lick our wounds and try to hang on."

Speaking at the Democratic National Committee's annual meeting in Washington, the president vowed to move forward on health care and job creation, and urged Democrats to press on in the areas of energy, education and financial regulation as well.

While conceding that it has been a "tough year" and noting the special election in Massachusetts that deprived Democrats of their supermajority, President Obama sought to rally his party to action.

"Just in case there's any confusion out there, I am not going to walk away from health care reform," he said. "I'm not going to walk away on this challenge. I'm not going to walk away on any challenge. We're moving forward."

Listing some of his first-year achievements, the president cited legislation providing health insurance to children, the beginning of troop withdrawal from Iraq and the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotamayor.

Former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, who heads the Democratic committee, added to that by saying the Democrats need to do a "better job telling the story" of how President Obama's policies rescued America from economic disaster.

During the 20-minute address, the president said the public questions whether elected officials can resist the power of lobbyists and special interests and effectively "confront the real problems that touch their lives."

To spark action on those problems, Mr. Obama will need to keep the pressure on both parties. Prodding members of Congress through discussion and encouragement is a sound tactic.