President Obama told the nation last week that he sees the year ahead as a difficult one. So perhaps his most encouraging words in the State of the Union address were, “I don’t quit.”

After one year in office, the administration’s problems seem to be intractable. Economic recovery has not begun to restore the jobs eliminated last year. Washington politics remains partisan. Terrorism is still a worldwide threat. Opponents of health care reform have stalled its progress, and the cost of economic stimulus efforts have increased an already staggering budget deficit.

Against this Obama argues that without the intervention of his administration, the economic crisis could have been much worse. This is certainly true, but as his second year begins, he must find a way forward despite a difficult political and economic environment.

His plans for doing so include:

”“ Redeploying bailout funds repaid by big banks to encourage local lending, using stimulus funds for high-speed rail lines and other projects, and promoting hiring through business tax credits and tax incentives.

”“ Building a foundation for long term growth through financial reform, investments in basic research, stronger trade incentives and better education.

”“ Continuing to pursue health care reform.

”“ Reducing U.S. debt by taking a pay-as-you-go approach to spending.

”“ Building alliances against international terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

The president also spoke at length about the partisan political climate that has stalled administration initiatives, while also preventing Republicans from making meaningful contributions.

The president blamed Washington politics for interfering with solutions to the nation’s problems. These days partisanship can be found everywhere, but Obama focused his attention on Congress, where a minority has succeeded in restraining progress on health care, energy and climate legislation, a jobs bill and pay-as-you-go rules.

Some were offended by the president’s criticism of Republican leaders, but his remarks seemed to us to be both a challenge and an invitation. Taking notice of the election of a Republican senator from Massachusetts and a slight shift in the balance of power, he observed that “ ”¦ the responsibility to govern is now yours as well. Just saying no to everything may be good short term politics, but it’s not leadership.”

We believe the  president is sincere in inviting the GOP to the table. It’s in his interest, and ours, for Republicans in Congress to recognize their political capital and begin spending it.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com or City Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski at kristenm@journaltribune.com.