A day after the Republican steamroller, a nearly contrite President Barack Obama acknowledged Wednesday that the public was upset with the pace of the economic recovery and promised to work with the new leaders of Congress on tax cuts and energy policy.

But amid the niceties, Obama cut to the reality: "It won't be easy."

The conservative sweep Tuesday that gave the GOP control of the House will further accentuate ideological differences between the two parties. Democrats lost some of their moderate members, so-called Blue Dogs like North Florida Rep. Allen Boyd, leaving a more liberal body eager to fight back.

Read the full story on the Republicans steamrolling the midterm elections, then see oprevious coverage by Washington reporter Alex Leary:

• Midterms will reshape Congress — but how bloody will the GOP takeover be?
• Tea party favorite Allen West is gunning for Ron Klein's seat
• Cosmic opposites Alan Grayson and Dan Webster clash in U.S. House race
• D.C. hub for tea party providing organizing muscle for Rubio's senate bid
• For many, a Sarah Palin endorsement brings a helpful boost
• In fight for re-election, John McCain takes on harder conservative personaI
• The tea party roared and the nation noticed; now what?
• In year of anti-incumbency, Pennsylvania's Specter fights to survive
• Health care reform votes might make Democrats vulnerable in midterm elections