The American people have called for an end to the last 14 years of bitter partisanship and division. Obama is one of the most moderate, sensible, and unifying figures ever to grace the White House. He sincerely wants to work, through compromise, to finally address the mountain of problems that have been ignored over these many years and move us forward.

The onus is now on the Republicans in the House and Senate. Are they willing to put down their ideological blinders and cooperate to start resolving the nation's problems? Incremental change is better than no change. We are on the brink of catastrophe on so many fronts.

Or will most Repubicans become even more ideological? I think Democrats should give them a chance. Give them the first session of the new year to prove they are willing to put the nation above narrow partisanship.

If Republicans fail to work with us, the Democrats need to make that the top issue in this country. Put the national spot light on it, garner overwhelming public support, then crush them with power politics.