Obama: Economy is job one

KAILUA, Hawaii, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Saturday pledged to do "everything I can" to push the economy forward and reduce unemployment.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama wished the country a happy new year and laid out what he sees in the coming year.

Obama, who is vacationing in Hawaii with his family, noted the country is still struggling out of recession but said it looks like the recovery finally is "gaining traction."

"And our most important task now is to keep that recovery going," Obama said. "As president, that's my commitment to you: to do everything I can to make sure our economy is growing, creating jobs and strengthening our middle class. That's my resolution for the coming year."

Obama said serious decisions lie ahead, including figuring out how best to compete in the global economy. With a divided Congress poised to convene in the coming week, Obama reiterated his willingness "to work with anyone of either party who's got a good idea and the commitment to see it through."

"As I've said since I first ran for this office, solving our challenges won't be quick or easy," Obama said. "We have come through a difficult decade; one of new threats and new trials we didn't expect when it began. But a new year and a new decade stretch out before us. And if we just remember what America is capable of, and live up to that legacy, then I'm confident that we are poised for a period of progress -- one in which our economy is growing, our standing in the world is rising, and we do what it takes to make sure America remains in the 21st century what it was in the 20th: the greatest country in the world.

"Thanks for listening. And happy new year."